Benjamin Cross

342

Maureen Withey on 16th October 2025

Colonial Secretary Index. ROSS, Benjamin. Per Eliza", 1822 1822 Nov 26 On list of convicts landed from the "Eliza" and forwarded to Windsor for distribution (Reel 6009; 4/3506 p.474) 1823 Apr 14-May 8 Sentenced to death. In reports of prisoners tried at Court of Criminal Jurisdiction (Reel 6023; X820 p.97) 1823 May 27 Sentence commuted to transportation (Reel 6070; 4/1265 p.10) 1823 May 27 Commutation warrant (Reel 6069; 4/1817 pp.15-15c) 1823 Jun 3 On lists of prisoners transported to Port Macquarie per "Sally" (Reel 6019; 4/3864 pp.52, 410-1) 1823 Jun 3 Attested copy of respite extended to Cross forwarded to the Provost Marshall (Reel 6010; 4/3508 p.440) 1823 Jun 4 Re commutation of sentence of (Reel 6057; 4/1767 p.117) -------------------------------------------------------------- Criminal Court. TUESDAY.—Benjamin Cross, Thomas Belcher, and Samuel Fipps, were indicted for stealing a sheep, the property of Mr. Henry Baldwin ; and also, with stealing a musket, the property of Hindoo Sabea. From the testimony of an approver (Ralph Dean) it appeared that the prisoners, and himself, only arrived in the Colony on the ship Eliza a few months back, and were assigned to a Mr. McKenna, settler at Wilberforce, where they met with the kindest treatment. It happened, however, that the unfortunate men were not aware of the comfort they enjoyed, after experiencing such an apparent waste of Royal clemency, it appearing that deprivation only must bring men, like those, to a proper sense of that state which now, likely enough, is for ever forfeited. The prisoner Cross, so said the approver, suggested to his shipmates the old tale of escaping to Timor, though utter strangers to every part of the country. The bait being thus held out, it was greedily devoured ; and they actually set out, with a week's provisions, in quest of Timor! On their way from their master's farm, they robbed the hut of Sabea, an Indian, of an old musket. Their first, and in fact last, rendezvous, was by the side of a small rivulet, called "Churchill's lagoon :" this was about 6 miles from McKenna's. Here they devised measures for the accomplishment of their desired object. Their plan of procedure was as follows :—They were, for a while, to take to the road, and plunder the carts going to and fro' the market, from which source clothes, ammunition, and money were to be derived. When they had obtained what might be considered a sufficiency to warrant the prosecution of their journey, with the possession of a geographical work, they were to set out ; and in order to render failure impossible, it was their intention to keep the beach as soon as the sea-shore was gained, shooting birds, kangaroos, &c. for their support ! ! Such was the object in which these deluded men embarked, one in which so many lives have been sacrificed. However, to shorten the story, the first week flew by ; and, in order to obtain present food, the wanderers plundered the flock of Mr. Baldwin, and from a neighbouring field purloined a bag or two of corn, which lasted Saturday and Sunday. On Monday the approver, and the prisoner Cross, left their associates with the intention of availing themselves of the first offer of plunder. In the act of escaping from a poor Hawkesbury-bank hut, they were espied and pursued. Cross escaped, but Dean (the approver) was secured. To Mr. Chief Constable Howe, of Windsor, he wisely related the whole of the transaction ; in consequence of which the party was secured, and the expedition thus broken up. The skin of a sheep was found near the rendezvous of the prisoners, at the instance of the approver : it was produced in Court, and identified ; together with the musket. The prisoners were adjudged Guilty.—Remanded. Sydney Gazette, 1 May 1823. Wednesday. - The following prisoners, who had been convicted during the session, were now brought up for sentence :- ... Benjamin Cross, Thomas Belcher, Samuel Phipps, ... -DEATH! Sydney Gazette, 8 May 1823.

342

Maureen Withey on 16th October 2025

BEDFORD ASSIZES. The following  eight prisoners were capitally convicted, and received sentence of death, viz. …  Benjamin Cross, for burglary in the house of the Duke of Bedford, at Woburn; … —They were all reprieved. Cambridge Chronicle, 22 March 1822.