I first met Dan Kelly in a museum gift shop . . . So begins Delta Shannon's journey of discovery with Dan and Ned Kelly. For five years after that first meeting with Dan, her life would be consumed by the Kellys, as she channelled their spirits. Together, they now work to share this message, as well as the truth about the Siege at Glenrowan, with the public. Dan and Ned Kelly speak here, to and through Shannon. They want people to know that their spirits are earthbound, that they are restless and angry, and that they no longer wish to be bound to this plane. Somewhat ironically, it is the iconization of their name and legacy (not to mention the merchandising of the Kelly name) that keep them from achieving peace, and they want it to stop. The people of Australia can release Dan and Ned and allow them to go beyond the higher realms and heal their souls. In Encounters with the Kellys, Shannon lets the men share their side of the story and shares how modern-day readers can help these two trapped souls find rest. Their message is clear: They are lost. They are in pain. They want to be free.
Encounters with the Kellys
A Plea for Freedom from Dan and Ned KellyBy Delta ShannonBalboa Press
Copyright © 2012 Delta Shannon
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4525-0340-0Chapter One
June 28, 2005-September 15, 2005
June 28, 2005
Ned: T'was a terrible day for us all this day—
(Chest pain)
We felt we wouldn't see the sunset—or another sunrise.
We felt t'was a trap that day also.
My energy is weak today, as the pain still bears the scars of that tragic event.
Shows (Palings and nails across green door):
Rode into town, were ambushed, took cover in the inn.
Townsfolk and Publican gave them up.
(Bargain tool—Mother)
Happy to stay put and wait it out.
We're surrounded.
I feel so weak today, my spirit is sapped. The cruelty is beyond myself, you know.
[DS] What can I do to help you?
Hear me through, girl.
[DS] Were there times when you thought it all had passed?
No, it felt like doomsday.
Ridge—They came from that ridge.
Certain people gave us away that I thought would never.
Ned was a fun chap, you know, and it all started out as a bit of fun and petty theft.
Then it escalated, and we others worried somewhat.
The pain I carry in my heart is enormous, because I don't understand how other souls can be so "out for number one only."
They haven't that fighting spirit, and the grouping of high energy spirits in a gang is uplifting.
We never meant for it to get as out of control as it did; the papers got hold of us and ran us like a regular column, not doing our name any good or our cause anything in our favour.
We were just young boys having fun, we weren't really outlaws.
People's lives consisted of flat, boring times and poverty, so we came along and lifted the times with our "no guts, no glory" attitudes.
Basically, what started out as fun became a battle of the wills between right and wrong. Because at that time, wages for police were an issue, and the question was whether so many were needed. This eruption of events made their existence and jobs look most important and needed.
Wild Colonial Boys—Yes
Outlaws—No.
I seek forgiveness and understanding to be set free in spirit.
Dan: Various officers from that time came to see me in spirit and stated that they, too, were most unhappy with how things were handled and also the treatment of the female family members at that time. This needs to be abolished.
VISUAL: (Dan)
Right hand badly cut.
Please ask gallery to take down photo of myself due to the fact that my pride hurts whilst persons are viewing this.
When the beams came down on me, I was still alive, even though I was severely burnt and badly charred.
My remains shouldn't be viewed as such. I hold this in contempt. As I've taken no action, let them know I could give all concerned a good shake up.
Literally.
Sad, in pain, flat and low—Dan
The others looked to me for direction, as I was second in charge. I felt then and still feel strongly that I let the side down; I caused their fate.
Publican gave us up.
Disappointed about this.
Ned comes to see me, but we are stuck in a time warp regarding all these events.
People nowadays keep the legend alive by putting us down continually. Please, I ask, let it go so we can be released.
It's forgiveness that we seek, and understanding.
We were never outlaws.
They pushed Ned to the limit.
Seeing how much he would take and if he would retaliate, naturally knowing that he would.
The coppers needed someone to ride; Ned had a few petty charges at the time, as did others, and when they were provoked and backed down, they were of no use.
The coppers needed a would-be thief to retaliate, and they found that in Ned.
They raised the stakes, and Ned rose to meet their match. Every time.
The boys worked it out, as did Ma, but it was too late. Ned was caught up in the game of it all. Little did he know he was playing coppers' game
Death was sure for us all.
This I felt ten days to a week before the final sundown.
You I choose, as I know your soul.
Dan's spirit—confusion and hurt.
Salespeople LIVING OFF THE KELLY NAME!
Do something to stop it.
Just keep coming over here when I call you.
Not next trip, one after, ask they take down photo of Dan's body.
Glenrowan West—Old lady, rocking chair
September 15, 2005
Kellys liked feasting on a Sunday.
Dan: 'Twas a train robbery in April and March that was not us, although it appeared to be the Kelly gang.
Ned: Younger sister not fully related, fathered by one of the coppers—rape.
A neighbour gave the Kellys up for a reward and received nothing.
Ned's father did not die from alcoholism but was bashed to death by the coppers, four in total, and two onlookers.
Ned and his family were honest, hardworking people, and there was disapproval and jealousy of their success with the property. They were not wanted or accepted in the area.
Ned's dislike was directed to the authorities for the lies told regarding his father's death.
Ned was only around sixteen years old when they made him sign papers regarding his father's death. That's when his anger became rage.
Ned knew the truth about the four coppers. He was threatened with jail to keep quiet. It was not in Ned's makeup to do so, though.
Ned said his father was an honourable, brave spirit who was toiling away to make a living for his family. It was his father's confidence in himself that the police didn't like. He was constantly harassed and abused by the coppers.
The family was wanted out of the district. Ned's father's brother was also harassed.
"Racism."
Racism towards the settlers. The Poms against the Irish, etc.
Simple life made the Kellys happy, like sitting on the veranda, fire going, music, singing, dance. (Remained private.)
Drew attention to themselves and didn't know why.
Ned: There was an element of curiosity around us. Always.
Ned was a kind and considerate man, and he did not tell his mother the details around his father's death.
Ned was told to keep quiet, bullied, and stood over, threatened by the coppers. Told, "If you don't keep quiet, boy, we'll put you behind bars."
Ned carried the weight on his shoulders for months, did not want to share this with his family, did not want to hurt them.
Ned: We just want to be free. Can you help us?
Ned told his eldest sister of their father's death.
Ned said a lookalike gang robbed a train; wasn't the Kellys.
Ned moves around a lot in spirit, walks with his head down. Sad in spirit, needs to be freed.
Dan is in Glenrowan, he stays there.
Chapter Two
June 13, 2007-December 9, 2007
June 13, 2007
VISUAL: Hiding in mountains
Burnt feeling in throat—Dan's spirit
Dan: We were proud, tidy, neat persons who just wanted a position in society. All the time, ridiculed and threatened to stay away from certain parties, as in families and women.
All the time just wanting to be accepted for our natures and fighting spirits. Undermined the Pommies, also the Irish that wanted not a battle or disruption in their society or ranks.
Racism, I recall.
My spirit today is dampened, tired, sad, drained, and trapped. I'd lost hope of ever being freed, until now. The time is here to reach an understanding in the current situation, that we wanted once for a message of good news and were cheated and set up not only by foe, but friends also.
That neighbour put our whole family in jeopardy. The [unintelligible] the details of the start of all this. I don't have all the details. Ned kept it all close to his chest. He was that type of man, a protector. He was sad when all died in his honour and would have preferred we left him to fight the battle alone when we had the chance to escape—penalty free.
The [feeling] of the unhappiness the latest interest and ridicule of the Kelly name and gang has brought to the surface is too much to bear.
VISUAL: Pub burnt, lit up by police, and there were witnesses to this. They never got involved, as they never wanted trouble.
Four in pub.
Innocent parties were allowed to leave.
I—Dan—hid behind bar. Things to ignite pub were thrown in window and onto building. One of us escaped out back of pub and hid in dense bush till safe to move.
I was burnt to a crisp.
I would like to see the whole family buried together.
Also the people who love the legend should be abolished from ever visiting our grave sites.
I never want another souvenir [sold of] me again.
This trip I just want you to know how I felt.
Burnt throat—feeling sense/closed throat.
Listen to how I feel.
June 28 I will give you what you need then.
Dan—Angry
June 28, 2007
Dan: The hills were our cover this day, all those years ago. That day started off a good day. Joy.
We didn't know that day would be our last.
I cry now in spirit to see the events reoccur over and over in this town like a movie playing out. Over and over. My spirit is weary and tired of all the extravagance. Please end it.
I was totally unaware of the time of day and the innocence of my brother, Ned. When we got lured into one HELL of a trap, always a suspicion around Hart, whether he be friend or foe.
I feel to this day he was never my friend.
The lies and deceit were internal as well as external.
My brother was always uneasy if there be a plan unplanned.
I tried so hard to keep it quiet when it came to a head, as [Hart] was an internal member viewed by Ned as a brother.
VISUAL: Mother Kelly and Hart's mother.
My gut always told me not to trust this lad. Driven and guided by my brother, Ned, I always came to the party to side up with Ned, although Ned had so many different ones in his ear that his mind became confused in the end.
I always knew there was more to it all and that Ned was hiding something from me. In a sense, I blame him for our deaths.
His dishonesty regarding the harassment from the law I always figured was untoward and extravagant. I never asked or questioned why, and I thought he would tell me if it mattered.
In a sense, Ned is a hero to all of us, as his loyalty to family and friends is one that we no longer see on this dimension.
Of course, in spirit I now know, as I've connected with my father.
Never an angry soul, not like I.
I wish for revenge if it does not stop soon.
Recognise us for what we were; not villains and thieves, but martyrs and soul men, loving the animals and the bush. Why were we not just left alone? My soul will never rest in peace until this becomes such.
To be at peace with one's self is to recognise the truth, and as the superficial tourists know not what this means, I wish to make it quite clear to leave us alone and continue no more to rape the Kellys' name of their dignity and pride.
July 24, 2007
VISUAL: Ned riding horse, rifle pointed into air to a blockade used to watch town from hills.
Ned: This is the day we were rolled over. We were rubbished by the public. Dan was not happy with me, as I would not listen regarding Hart.
VISUAL: Explosion and fire.
Dan: Ned was not there, he was drawn away, led away purposely. Hut burned; Ned was not home. I am slow in spirit today, as this was the day we were labelled no good—they were already dead.
Do you know what it was like to hide and live like a scoundrel, being blamed for something you haven't done? We had to run like scoundrels and hide like thieves.
December 9, 2007
Ned: It's like chains that keep us bound to this earth, Dan and I, with all its misery and suffering, conflict and likewise.
To another it may seem subliminal, but to us there is no greater crime than to ridicule the Kelly name in ways such as the Victorian police have done so. It is as fresh as yesterday in my eyes and soul, and as for Dan, he has suffered the most, knowing that I, Ned, kept much from him in the way of the women of ours and what they endured. Also the suspicion Dan has regarding my father and the surrounding events that took place that I never, ever elaborated on due to not wanting to hurt anyone.
Misconception regarding two guns used was because I couldn't see. It was due to being outnumbered at all battles.
Police Officer O'Grady [Fitzpatrick], it was his own guilt that drove him to a place of suffering and for our want to bring the Kellys "to justice" [Ned laughs] as he puts it.
VISUAL: Police officer did drink alcohol on occasions with Ned and family and brother. All the while, wishing to be an upstanding citizen, all the while having his own vicious and malicious streak. In order to set it all straight in this.
Dan: The times he spent drinking with us, you could say he said a bit much on occasions—O'Grady [Fitzpatrick] said too much and then came to regret it in later days. Also, he was a big part in Ned's first arrest.
Loyalty was a big thing in the Kelly clan.
We came to realise that it all wasn't so real and friends could become foes.
VISUAL: Train holdups fabricated by police lookalikes of Ned Kelly and friends.
Ned: It was time we left the tavern, and Joe Burn had spoken too much to our colleague and so-called friend regarding our derailing of the posse's train. I know not why he did care to discuss this to this man, who was virtually a stranger.
If being a Kelly did teach me one thing, it was significantly about being a loyal soul. I feel distraught and confused in regards to the derailing gone wrong. I felt it would have been a strong signal to all police afar and wide to back off the Kelly clan.
My days were numbered, I do believe, as the derailing failed. The police thought, with the citizens on [their] side, there would be no stopping them regarding all our adventures and endeavours.
I thought long and hard about leaving Glenrowan altogether.
My family is what stopped myself from doing so, being female and not able to fully protect themselves, also.
My father did ask me to always be there for them all if anything were to happen to his self.
I respected his wishes to the end and in death, too.
My brother, Dan, was a worrier, and I did not want to trouble him any regarding my current plans to attack the posse, although he did wish to become involved and a part of all that went on.
My brother, Dan, is a sad soul. Earthbound as such, I please ask the people of the earth plane to NOT visit these sites anymore, as we rest and our troubled minds are conscious with the dilemmas that went on. Every time one of you earth souls visits one of those sites, you make our souls weep.
Our souls are needing to be set free so badly that it hurts.
Disrespect.
Dan and Ned: Our troubled souls need some time out to regroup our energy to move on to the next plane.
Ned: I also believe my mother can't rest in peace until we cross over also.
I plead.
As you all know, I've never pleaded for freedom, ever.
This has been the longest time.
Ned showed me a scene of himself as a child with his father and many police in a bush surrounding.
It was described in Ned's words as a pitted feeling.
Ned: As a child I always knew there would be trouble for you and I [meaning the Victorian Police.]
I knew then, at an early age, their game was all in numbers to outnumber the opposition, and this they did on many occasions.
Ned: I was aware that the Victorian Police were setting me up, trap after trap. I was only too happy to oblige, knowing the outcome was never going to be a good one.
My mother and sisters suffered terribly at the hands of the Victorian Police. For that I am deeply sorry.
VISUAL: One of his sisters is earthbound and will be so until the Kelly name ceases to be ridiculed and rubbished.
I have moved onto the spirit world, although I cannot settle there, for my family is not at peace. We are divided; we need to be as one. Justice needs to be served in order for people to see the truth.
Is power and greed all that matter?
Do people not care that others hurt? Release our spirits from that plane and let our souls rest in peace.
"Call it a legend that it may" was not the turn of events. None of you were there, only we were. Don't dress it up and make it seem but a legend anymore, for all it was unjust.
Those with black hearts will never hear the truth.
Pain and [suffering] is all you people put us through while keeping the legend alive.
The difference between me and my father was that I had the fighting spirit, and I will be buggered if I was going to let them put it over on me.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Encounters with the Kellysby Delta Shannon Copyright © 2012 by Delta Shannon. Excerpted by permission of Balboa Press. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
