Correspondence with the Colonial Secretary's Office

instituted an inquiry, and found that Troopers Leander, Roland and Tom had been to Gracemere, accompanied by some of Mr Wiseman's boys, who were armed, and had brought ammunition with them, Leander being the only Trooper who carried arms from the Barracks. I flogged Leander, and severely reprimanded the other Troopers.

Leander slipped his handcuffs, and Deserted. I searched for him without success till [sic] the night of the 4th when Troopers Roland, Tom and Herbert Deserted, taking with them two Gins. -

I immediately started in pursuit with one black boy, but without success, being obliged to return to Head Quaters the 2nd day there being no troopers there to look after the horses. -

I further have the honor to report that on Sunday the 29th Spetember having heard that Mr Williams was in Rockhampton, I sent him your letter instructing him to proceed at once to Collaroy with two Troopers. I received no official communication from Mr Williams but he informed me privately that he was detained in consequence of illness. Mr Williams reported himself at Head Quarters and started on the 4th Oct'r for Collaroy.

On the 22nd October I received a note from Mr Jardine requesting me to meet him at N. P. Barracks on the 23rd at 10 AM. At 9 o'Clock A.M.

the 23rd I received another note from Mr Jardine ordering me to send him by Sergeant Allen, any communications I might have received relative to the murder of Mr Wills and party. I sent him the deposition of one of the survivors, by the Town Constable who brought the note, but I did not send in Sergeant Allen. In about half an hour a Mounted Constable rode up to the Barracks with an order from the Police Magistrate for Sergeant Allen to attend at the Court House at once. Sergeant obeyed the order, and I rode to the Court House and saw Mr Jardine who shewed [sic] me a "private" letter from the Colonial Secretary giving him command of the Detachment of Native Police at Rockhampton until the arrival of some Officer of the Force, and also stating that the Government had not confirmed my appointment, but empowering Mr Jardine to do so should he consider my services necessary.

Mr Jardine at once handed me a letter, informing me that the Government no longer required my Services. Mr Jardine gave me to understand that his intention on the receipt of Mr Herbert's letter had been to make use of my Services, but as I had disobeyed his orders in not sending in Sergeant Allen he should dismiss me.

In less than an hour Mr Jardine expressed a desire to destroy the letter containing my dismissal

Rockhampton Sept'r 26th 1861. -

Sir,

The melancholy loss of Lieutenant Phibbs which has deprived the Detachment of the Native Police Force stationed here of its Commanding Officer, makes it my duty to desire that you will consider yourself with your Detachment under my orders till [sic] such time as an Officer of the Force shall arrive to take Command. -

You will clearly understand that I have no wish to interfere in any way with the disipline [sic] or general duties of the Force, these of course will be carried on as usual.

I merely desire that should any circumstances occur extra the usual routine of duties demanding attention you will communicate with me before taking action.

I think it would be well for you, being so young in the Service, to consult Sergeant Allan, who I believe to be a trustworthy man, and who thoroughly understands his duties, on all subjects connected with the disipline [sic] or duties of the Detachment to which you are attached.

I have the honor to be Sir, Your obedient Servant

(Signed) John Jardine P.M.

Ralph Johnson Esq. Cadet Native Police Force Rockhampton

[centred] No. 2

Gracemere October 1st 1861. -

Sir

I do myself the honor to request you will inform me why the Troopers of your Detach-ment were at Gracemere armed and without an Officer this morning about 2 o'Clock

I have the honor to be Sir, Your obedient Servant Signed John Jardine P.M.

Ralf Johnson [sic] Esq. Cadet N.P.F. Rockhampton