Wardens Quarters
Despite their efforts to reintegrate into society, both Nesbitt and Moonlite soon found themselves in legal trouble. Struggling to find work and enduring police harassment, they formed a gang with three young associates: Rogan, Williams, and Bennett (see photo of the gang).
On November 13, 1879, the gang attempted to rob Wantabadgery Station. This led to Nesbitt being fatally shot and the death of a police officer. The final shootout occurred at McGlade’s farmhouse, about three miles from the station. Subsequently, Captain Moonlite and Rogan were executed at Darlinghurst Gaol at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
The Newcastle Herald described Moonlite as “nervous” during his execution and reported his reaction upon seeing the crowd: “What do all these people want?” Moonlite had wished to be buried beside Nesbitt. After his death, the Telegraph noted that his body was “buried this afternoon in the unconsecrated ground at Hasleun’s Creek” (see picture of grave).
Accounts of Moonlite’s final moments reveal a deeply emotional scene. As Nesbitt lay dying, Moonlite reportedly cradled him in his arms and kissed his bloodied face, seemingly trying to breathe life back into him, and he was seen crying. Leading up to his execution, Moonlite wrote numerous letters expressing his profound love for Nesbitt. He wrote to Nesbitt’s mother, declaring his great love and his desire to be buried alongside him, sharing a grave for eternity.
This passionate correspondence has fuelled discussions about Moonlite’s sexuality. While men in that era often wrote affectionate letters to each other, Moonlite’s expressions of love and his wish to be buried with Nesbitt suggest a deep emotional and possibly romantic bond. Whether Moonlite was gay remains a subject of debate, but his letters and final actions have led some to view him as a queer icon. His story continues to challenge and enrich our understanding of queer history the complex nature of relationships.
Andrew George Scott was hanged on January 20, 1880. His remains were relocated to the North Gundagai Cemetery in 1995 to a nearby site where James Nesbitt is buried nearby in an unmarked grave.
Other Information
You have now completed the tour. The large gate on your left is where you began.
Tales from Rat City 