I fell to the ground. They then fired
at me, and rode over me several times. I never had
any hand in the disturbance. There, that's all.
Ballaarat, Dec. 11, 1854.
-----
FIRST CASE of an inquest which has taken place since
the massacre of the memorable 3rd. The evidence as to
the murder of Powell (writes 'The Argus' express
correspondent) is but a specimen of the recitals heard
on every hand of the reckless brutality of the troopers
that morning.
VERDICT OF THE JURY.
The death of deceased, Henry Powell, gold-digger, was
caused by sabre cuts and gun shot wounds, wilfully
and feloniously, and of their malice aforethought
inflicted and fired by ARTHUR PURCELL AKEHURST, Clerk
of the Peace, Ballaarat bench, and other persons unknown.
The jury return a verdict of Wilful Murder against
A. P. Akehurst and other persons unknown.
The jury express their condemnation of the conduct of
Captain Evans, in not swearing deceased at the time
of taking his statement after having been cautioned
by Dr. Wills of his immediate danger. The jury
view with extreme horror the brutal conduct of the
mounted police in firing at and cutting down unarmed
and innocent persons of both sexes, at a distance from
the scene of disturbance, on December 3rd, 1854.
WILLIAMS, Coroner.
-----
Mind, good reader, the above is a legal document.
After my trial, on my way to Ballaarat, I met in Geelong the identical
Akehurst, cracking some nuts with (I mean, speaking to) some young ladies.
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