Request of prisoner Edward Kelly to be allowed an interview with his mother and sister

VPRS 4967 Consignment P0 Unit 1 Item 28 Record 1 Document: Request of prisoner Edward Kelly to be allowed an interview with his mother and sister

19/07/1880

Overview

Dated 19 July 1880, this note was dictated by Ned to a warden while he was recuperating in the hospital of the Old Melbourne Gaol. In the note, Ned requests permission to confer with his sister, Maggie, so that they may prepare for the provision of a solicitor for his forthcoming trial. At the bottom of the letter he has marked his name with a cross, and along the bottom left hand margin is the name of the warden who witnessed him sign. The top of the page lists four regulations that all prisoners must abide by and overleaf are various annotations made by the Governor of the Gaol, J. Castieau, the Sheriff, Colonel Rede and the Chief Secretary. Governor Castieau provided the specific instructions that Ned be supervised whilst in conference with his family.

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[Sheriff 19/7 Ref 27.7.80]	80/R7154 Date 19 July Regd [1]Sheriff Forwds request of prisoner Edwd Kelly to be allowed an interview with his mother and sister [End of page 1]	VPRS 4967 Consignment P0 Unit 1 Item 28 Record 1 Document: Request of prisoner Edward Kelly to be allowed an interview with his mother and sister

Witness G ? Hos. ?	R7154 [2] 1. Prisoners may write a letter on arrival to their friends, and one other every three months. 2. They must confine themselves strictly to their own domestic or private matters, and are not permitted to comment on the discipline or arrangements of the Establishment, or on public or political affairs. 3. They are not to write closer than the ruled lines, nor across. 4. Any matter which may appear objectionable will be expunged, or the letter may be withheld, as provided by the Regulations. Re. M Gaol, Melbourne July 19th 1880 The Hon, The Chief Secretary Sir, I beg most respectfully to request your permission to send for my sister Mrs Skillion to visit me at the Hospital of the above Gaol, to enable me to confer with her respecting the provisions of a Solicitor to prepare my Defence at my forthcoming trial and likewise for her to procure me the necessary clothing to appear thereat. I would also ask you to allow me to see my Mother. I have only seen her once Your obedient Servant Edward Kelly x his mark xxx [End of page 2]	VPRS 4967 Consignment P0 Unit 1 Item 28 Record 1 Document: Request of prisoner Edward Kelly to be allowed an interview with his mother and sister

	Forwarded to the Sheriff. If these interviews are permitted I will as previously instructed permit them in my presence only The Sheriff M Castieau Govr of Gaol 19.7.80 Referred to the Honble the Chief Secretary (signature unreadable) 19.7.80 Sheriff Permission granted but special care must be taken as I have already verbally explained to the Governor of the Gaol. AA 19.7.80 Noted and returned (M. Castieau) 20.7.80 Governor of the Gaol To note and return (signature unreadable) Sheriff 20.7.80 Returned (signature unreadable) Sheriff 26.7.80 [End of page 2 reverse]	VPRS 4967 Consignment P0 Unit 1 Item 28 Record 1 Document: Request of prisoner Edward Kelly to be allowed an interview with his mother and sister

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Request of prisoner Edward Kelly to be allowed an interview with his mother and sister