Letters Written to Colin Ross
During his imprisonment
The following two letters were sent by Colin’s aunt, Lillian Blake (nee Eadie), Mrs Elizabeth Ross’s first cousin. In the first, undated, letter, Lillie writes to Colin in gaol during the course of his trial, probably soon after 21 February 1922.
Letter 1
My dear Colin,
The last sheet in the tablet so must make the most of it. Was out at your home last night (it’s open house there now). A regular mothers’ (and fathers’) meeting held most nights in the week I think. Talk about ‘talk’, the Yarra bankers are not in it with us. But the worst of it is that everyone wants to say his (or her) say at once, and the consequence is that the gems of logic with which yours truly is brimming over, is lost in the clatter. We hold discussions on the subject of the Law of Today, etc. We also vie with each other in the picking to pieces of Brains and Reasoning Powers, as well as the supposed doings of a certain person whose surname begins with R. Well, to quit foolery, lad, I may tell you that the public is beginning to use its brains now instead of its spectacles in regard to your case. Its gospel up to now has been that newspaper, which I think I once mentioned to you as being a very good paper (to use to wipe one’s razor on) but take it from me the majority are using their thinking boxes now. I know from what I hear 4 out of 5 saying. I believe one man who rarely takes strong drink, took more than was good for him yesterday in the lunch hour, because out of a crowd of people airing their views in the precincts of the Courts, for and against you, he found only 3 of the latter. So the spirit of conviviality was so strong upon him that he had to ask one or two to have ‘wan’. Well that’s the way of it, lad, I’m pleased to tell you.
I was telling them last night that I’m going to stand for the hire of a piano at your home when we have that celebration, but I’m thinking the house will only hold a handful of the number that will want to be shaking you by the hand (you’ll have to do as the Prince did, Colin, give your left to rest the right), so was thinking it wouldn’t be a bad plan to ask the Governor of the Castle, to let you hold your levee there. That butler who ushers in your visitors now†, would come in handy. Well, I don’t know of any more to say, lad, this time, except that you are losing me a lot of sleep the last couple of months (excitement and suspense) so the sooner I’m able to order that piano the better for us all. I think your folk are wonders, there’s no downing them (I don’t think anyone’s tried an … [word illegible] on them yet, but they’ve had enough hard knocks goodness knows to flatten them out).
Carrie‡ and your mother heard you call ‘Tata’ on Wednesday. With love—From Auntie.
Letter 2
In this further undated letter, Lillie writes to Colin on the eve of his execution. The date is therefore around 22 April 1922.
My dear brave lad
I am trying to screw up my courage to write you a few last lines as you wished, as I am not brave enough to accompany your aunt tomorrow. Besides, I feel I should be with your poor mother, tho’ there is not much I can do or say to comfort her. Everyone is most kind but she seems to rely on me—even though we just sit silent, for we can’t talk of tomorrow—not now—
We are all keyed up, but hoping and praying that even at this the 11th hour, God will touch the heart of one of those perjurers and liars, bad as they are. But as Mr Maxwell told the jury, there is not a scrap of conscience among the lot, all are underworld, crooks and prostitutes.
Still—we hope.
We, none of us, went to bed last night—just lay down now and then—or outside walking up and down.
I am sorely tempted to ask is there an Almighty? Who permits this awful sacrifice of an innocent person, but I must not; for God must have answered my prayers, to help me bear up and enable me to be a little help and comfort to your dear mother through these last awful days.
We are all very proud of the brave way you are bearing this shocking cruel thing and I can’t tell you how thankful we are that you have Mr Goble to help you. He speaks so well of you Colin and said he would as soon believe his own son to be guilty of that vile crime as you.
Your mother has received piles of letters from every state, all showing that the writers see this thing as a frame up. I shall not forget the promise I made you lad to be as a sister to your dear mother and be with her as much as possible—I do so dread tonight for her, tho’ up to now she has been as brave as you.
Oh Colin I just can’t believe this awful injustice will be carried out to the bitter end. Something surely will happen to prevent it.
‘Some day we’ll understand.’
Goodnight dear Colin. Be your own brave self. May God sustain and comfort you is the wish of your Unhappy Aunt Lillie.
Your aunts Teenie† and Annie‡, also Lexie will stay tonight. I’m glad that Lex was able to see you today—she was so heartbroken we thought she would not be able to, as it would only break down your control if she broke down.
‘Lead kindly light, amid the encircling gloom.’