On a wintry night in early June 1880, Joe crept along the old mining race at Sebastopol and visited his mother, Margret. Here, he collected some clean clothes and filled his belly with warm stew. Joe’s visit was reported by his brother Paddy to Jack Sherritt, while the pair were drinking together. According to Jack, at around midnight Paddy ventured home, where he was greeted by Joe filling a swag. After he had left, Paddy returned to the drinking spot, saying, “Joe has been home and got some clothes, and cleared out; is not he a bloody smart fellow?”
From the Royal Commission.
An Outlaw’s Journal 