The Jerilderie Letter

The Jereliderie letter is an exceedingly significant part of Australia’s colonial history. This letter is the only document providing a direct link to the Kelly gang and the events with which they were associated. The Jerilderie Letter brings Ned Kelly's distinctive voice to life, and offers audiences a unique insight into the man behind the legend. Ned pronounces himself innocent and the victim of ongoing injustice.

The Jerilderie letter was dictated by Ned Kelly and written down by one of his associates, Joe Byrne. During February 1879 whilst the gang were waiting for the bank of Jerilderie to open the letter was transcribed. It was aimed towards multiple audiences and this could have greatly affected Kelly's intentions in writing the letter. Kelly wrote to the authorities of the time, trying to prove his claim of innocence. He also wrote to the people of Victoria, hoping that they also would view his actions as just.

Ned had a way with words and a vicious sense of humour. In the Jerilderie letter, the build-up of anger amongst Kelly’s mind comes pouring out, about his unfair jail sentences and the injustices his family had faced, especially the jailing of his mother. His hatred of the police was transformed into a torrent of sarcasm and insult.

“The public could not do any more than take firearms and assisting the police as they have done, but by the light that shines pegged on an ant-bed with their bellies opened their fat taken out rendered and poured down their throat boiling hot will be cool to what pleasure I will give some of them.”

Kelly warned the public of supporting the state police, denouncing them, threatening them and claiming that they should support him in his search for justice. Kelly sought to be seen as a "freedom fighter" in the eyes of the general public, as well in the eyes of history. He attempted to show that he was not an outlaw, but a folk hero, fighting against the oppression of the Anglo-Australian ruling class.

Ned... [continues]

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