Pilot train hired in expedition of rails being pulled up by Kelly

Lodged at 7pm on 27 June 1880, this telegram by Superintendent Hare asks CCP Standish whether a pilot engine should be sent from Benalla ahead of the special train. The fact that this telegram was sent indicates that the police had suspicions that the rails may be pulled up by the Kelly Gang and that they were taking necessary precautions. It is not known if Superintendent Hare knew of the Gangs plot to derail the line at Glenrowan. If in fact he was not aware of their plot, his perceptiveness, along with Thomas Curnows heroism, certainly altered the chain of events that took place that evening.