Police file – James Lithgow – 17th January 1887

[The following is the transcription of two cyphers. The first being a telegram to the Supt. of Police sent by W.C. Lawrence in Roebourne and then a reply. The first cypher did have spelling errors.]

**********

Electric Telegraph Western Australia
Time 12.37pm January 17th 1887
The following telegram received from Roebourne Station.

To Supt of Police

as lithgow any forther statement grate sospecion here against hbornng making enquiries re lithgo statement which he made to me in Perth.

W.C. Lawrence
Sub Inspector

_________________________

Yes rather different – now says not with them not asked join – saw about midnight three men pass Hotel go to bank – saw Bevan – heard name Pontt – did not know other. McRae not mentioned. Bevan had tomahawk. Heard crash and heavy fall. Men at Bank fifteen minutes. Saw man come out back bank and go to McRae’s store – other two came out front go towards Thompson’s stockyard. Then Lithgow got horse and went to Woolhouse’s – ostler at Thompson’s served him that night with drinks. Thinks he was Dutchman. Thinks Bevan was in shirt sleeves.