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  "alias ""Yankey Jack"" whose body"

[in top left in embossed stamp] 1275
[written across top] R.B. Sheridan P.M. Evidence touching the death of a man
supposed to be "John Pigott" Frazers Island.
Maryboro 16 April 1884
Sir
I do myself the
honor to enclose certain evidence
taken by me concerning the
death of a White man whose
body was found on the beach
at the North end of Frazers
Island. I am aware that the
Depositions contain much
which is irrelevant; but I
was compelled to allow Sailors
to make their statements to
a great extent in their own
way.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your obt. servant
[signed] RB Sheridan W.P.M.
The Honorable
The Colonial Secretary
Brisbane
[written in left margin]
The Lands Dept have I believe
determined to prohibit the cutting
of timber
[initialled] RGWH
-----
Queensland to Wit
Magisterial Enquiry
Before RB Sheridan W.P.M.
Concerning the death of a white
man supposed to be John Pigott
alias "Yankey Jack" whose body
was found on the Beach at the
north end of Great Sandy Island.
William Pratt Bearse states on oath.
I was Chief Officer of the American
Barque "Panama" lately wrecked at
the north end of Great Sandy Island.
The vessel went ashore on the 20th
March 1884. I remained off and on
by the bank until Friday the
1st instant. Six seamen the ships [sic]
steward, and two passengers stayed
with me. The Captain 2nd Mate
Coast Pilot and steward** with
three seamen started to seek assistance
in Maryborough on the 23rd Ultimo
about four hours after they left
while seven men and myself
went away about three miles from
the break in search of a boat
which drifted away. The Steward
whom we left with two other
men at the camp came running
towards us and said that
natives are plundering