DARING ATTACK UPON THE LACHLAN

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1738, 8 July 1862, Page 5

DARING ATTACK UPON THE LACHLAN

ESCOKT. ALL THE TROOPEKS wounded, and 3000 ounces stolen, [By Electric Telegraph] Orange, Tuesday, 5 p.m. Between four and five o'clock, on Sunday evening, tbe Escort from tie Lachlan arrirod at a creek near Mr. Clement's, fortv-u've miles from Orange, when they snu two bullock teams and one horse team placed across the road in a peculiar position. Tbe coachmin had to drive round them, aud while doing so six men came out from behind some rocks and h'red on the escort. They then retired and six otheis followed their example. The escort then firod on the bushrangers. At the second volley the horses bolted, and the coach turned over. Fifteen men, all in red shirts, and caps with blackened faces, then rushed on the escort, and fired on them They took the horses from the coach, and took two with them to carry the gold the mail bags, two rifles, and troopers cloaks. The senior sergeant received three ball wounds — Moran two. Neither of them was seriously huit. The coachm.au received one ball through bis hat, and another through the skirt of his coat. It was then dark. The escort and eoaehmin went to Mr. Clements, One of the men, the coachman, and other, returned aud gathered up the letters. Air. Clement accompanied by one of the escort, started immediately to give information of the occurrence. About six o'clock yesterday morning Sir F. Poltinger, with eleven troopers, twenty settlers and two trackers, got on the Hack of the bushr.ingers. About three miles from the coach they found, near a cam,) lire, the gold boxes,, which had been opeued. The mails wt're delivered here about six last evening : registered letters were all saved. Soon after the mail left the post office, Havilaud one of the escort (the only man who escaped being wounded), was shot under the chin. He never spoke afterwards but fell down in the Coach. At the inquest held on the body to-day, the verdict was —"Died from a wound by a bullet, whether by intent or accident not known." He leaves a widow and two children. When the carriers arrived at the place where the robbery subsequently occurred, they were stooped by an armed man, and ordered to draw their teams across the road, and take down a case of gin and open it. They were then marched behind the rocks, and made to lie flat ou their faces, an armed man standing over them. They had beeu in this pleasant posture three hours when the escort cauae up. In the Assembly on Tuesday, Mr. Cowper read the following telegram from the Superintendent of police for the Western district who says: — "The men wounded ou the late escort arc in Orauge, and iiu.vil.ind, it is said, died by his own hand. Au inquest will be held this (Tuesday) nurning. I have live men with me and ana just starting in pursuit. I hear th <t Sir F. Pottinger is on their track with a party of thirty," The Colonial Secretary added that Sir F. Pottinger's party was furnished with aboriginal natives as trackers. He said further that, finding that Mr. Norton, with a small party of police at Hartley was rtady for duty, he had instructed him to proceed with his men in pursuit of. the robbers. Mr. Cowper also stated

that he hail been in communication with the managers of tbe Sydney Banks, which were interested in the losses sustained through the robbery, and had offered, on behalf of the Government, to give pound fur pound with them by way of reward, up to a sum of £500, so th.it tbe united sum of £1000 w->u!(i be raised as a reward for the apprehension of the mirawclers ; and it will be seen that this large reward, besides a ftee pardon to an accomplice, is offered. The statement of the Colonial Secretary was received with cheers by the house. The daring character of the outrage has created a great sensation.

It will be seen by our advertising columns that the Government have offered £.1000 reward irrespective of the Bunks, for the apprehension of the guilty parties ; tlie Government have also put in motion every available policeman to secure the capture of this desperate gang of bushrangers, and there can be but little doubt that these desperadoes will shoitly be secured.