Michael Howe (bushranger) facts for kids

Michael Howe (1787 – 21 October 1818) was a well-known bushranger in Tasmania, Australia. Bushrangers were like outlaws or robbers who lived in the wild Australian bush. Howe even called himself the "Lieutenant Governor of the Woods." He wrote down his thoughts in a special book he named "The Journal of Dreams."

Early Life and Arrival in Australia

Michael Howe was born in Pontefract, Yorkshire, in 1787. When he was young, he worked on merchant ships. Later, he joined the Royal Navy but left without permission after two years. In 1811, Howe was arrested for a serious crime. As punishment, he was sent to Van Diemen's Land (which is now Tasmania) for seven years.

Howe arrived in Hobart on a ship carrying convicts. He was supposed to work for a farmer and merchant named John Ingle. However, Howe soon escaped into the wild bush. He joined a large group of other escaped convicts who had become bushrangers. This gang had 28 members and was first led by John Whitehead. It even included two soldiers who had left their posts and two Aboriginal women.

Howe Becomes a Bushranger Leader

The bushranger gang robbed many homes and farms, especially around New Norfolk. After their first leader, John Whitehead, died, Michael Howe took charge of the gang. He ran the gang almost like a ship's crew, with strict rules. If someone broke a rule, they could be punished, sometimes even by being whipped. Howe would also read to his gang from the Bible.

He wrote letters to the Governor of the time, Governor Davey. In 1816, he signed these letters as "Lieutenant Governor of the Woods." By 1817, he started calling himself the "Governor of the Ranges." He lived with an Aboriginal woman named "Black Mary." The gang continued to rob people in different areas like Green Point and Bagdad.

Attempts to Surrender

In 1817, Howe wrote to the new Governor, William Sorell. He offered to give himself up if he could receive a free pardon, meaning he wouldn't be punished for his past crimes. He also offered to help the government find the other gang members.

Howe was taken to Hobart jail for questioning. But he managed to escape while being taken for a walk. He quickly rejoined his gang. Governor Lachlan Macquarie in Sydney stopped the pardon and told Governor Sorell to work harder to catch Howe. Sorell then offered a reward of money, a free pardon, and a trip back to England for anyone who could capture Howe.

The Bushranger Gang Breaks Up

The search for the bushrangers became much more organized. In 1817, two gang members, John Chapman and Elliot, were shot and killed by soldiers. Another gang member, Hillier, tried to claim a reward by cutting off Peter Septon's head. He also tried to harm Richard Colier. Hillier was later executed in Sydney. Colier was executed in Hobart in March 1818.

In April 1818, some convicts tried to steal a government boat to rescue Howe and take him to America. However, several gang members, including John Brown and James Parker, gave themselves up to the military. They were punished and sent to jail.

Howe's Capture and End

In September 1818, a group arrived from Sydney to help hunt for Howe, hoping to get the reward. This group included a famous Aboriginal tracker named Mosquito. They almost caught Howe and found his guns and his knapsack.

Inside Howe's knapsack, they found his "Journal of Dreams." This book was made from kangaroo skin, and Howe had used kangaroo blood as ink to write in it. In his journal, Howe wrote about his fears, his dreams of his sister, and even lists of vegetables and flowers he hoped to grow in a house in the forest.

On October 10, Howe was captured by two people he knew and trusted, Watts and Drewe. But Howe managed to untie himself. He stabbed Watts and shot Drewe, killing him. Watts later died from his injuries.

Finally, on October 21, 1818, Black Mary led two men, a convict named Thomas Worrall and a soldier named William Pugh, to where Howe was hiding near the Shannon River. Worrall wanted the reward so he could be free and return to England. After a fierce fight, Pugh and Worrall killed Howe with their muskets (guns).

Howe was buried by the river, but his head was taken to Hobart and put on public display.

Australia's First Printed Book

Much of what we know about Michael Howe comes from a book written by Governor Sorell's secretary, Thomas Wells. The book was called Michael Howe, the Last and Worst of the Bushrangers of Van Diemen's Land. It was printed in 1818 in Hobart. This book was the first work of general literature ever printed in Australia.