The graves of famed queer bushrangers, Captain Moonlite and James Nesbitt, have officially been listed on the State Heritage Register, offering insight not just of their notorious history but also of same-sex relationships during the 19th century. The decision reflects the evolution of historical narratives, aiming to challenge the typical stereotypes surrounding Australian bushrangers.
Born Andrew George Scott in Ireland in 1845, Moonlite embarked on his criminal career at the age of 24, robbing the Bank of Victoria wearing a mask and cloak. His life of crime, marked by daring exploits, led him to be incarcerated at Pentridge Prison, where he met James Nesbitt. This meeting would change both of their lives forever. After their release, the pair moved to New South Wales with four other young men, where they were involved in various criminal activities, leading to their eventual notoriety.
Tragically, their tale took a grim turn when, during a shootout at Wantabadgery Station near Gundagai, Nesbitt was killed. Eyewitness accounts suggest Moonlite cradled Nesbitt’s lifeless body, openly weeping, illustrating the deep bond they shared. Following these events, Moonlite was captured and sentenced to death, during which time he penned more than 60 letters detailing his love for Nesbitt and reflecting on their life together.
One poignant excerpt from his correspondence to Nesbitt’s mother read: "… his hopes were my hopes, his grave will be my resting place, and I trust I may be worthy to be with him where we all meet to part no more…" Despite these heartfelt words, the authorities never allowed Moonlite to be buried alongside his beloved. Instead, he was executed by hanging in January 1880 and buried at Rookwood Cemetery.
It wasn’t until over 100 years later, when Moonlite’s letters were rediscovered, sparking the efforts of two Gundagai women, Christine Ferguson and Sam Asimus. Driven by a desire to fulfill Moonlite’s final wish, they launched a campaign to have his remains exhumed and reinterred beside Nesbitt’s grave. Their petition was granted, and on January 1995, after 115 years of separation, Moonlite was ceremoniously relocated to North Gundagai Cemetery, resting beneath a eucalyptus tree close to Nesbitt's burial site.
The recent listing of their graves on the State Heritage Register not only honors their memories but also enhances the historical narrative of New South Wales. According to Penny Sharpe, the NSW Minister for Heritage, "Captain Moonlite and James Nesbitt were outcasts even among outcasts, who might have lived very different lives in more contemporary times. This listing reflects the desire to tell the diverse stories of our rich history."
Stephen Lawrence, the Duty MLC for Cootamundra, also remarked on the significance of this listing, stating, "The protections afforded to the gravesites through listing on the NSW State Heritage Register...ensure this rare site, and the life story it embodies, are preserved. The letters written by Captain Moonlite to James Nesbitt give a rare insight...into male same-sex relationships during the 19th century."
Many are now learning the story of Captain Moonlite and James Nesbitt for the first time, highlighting the lack of acknowledgment of queer histories, especially within colonial Australia.
One local individual reflecting on this said, "A lot of people, even up until recently, say they were just good friends. We don’t really have much colonial gay history around, so as a gay man, I think that's significant. It opens up the perspective on queer history, reminding us it's not just about contemporary experiences but also about those throughout history."
The graves of Captain Moonlite and James Nesbitt now stand as both historical monuments and reminders of the diverse narratives within Australian history. Their story serves not only to honor their lives and love but also to pave the way for broader discussions on same-sex relationships, which have existed long before the modern era's visibility and acceptance.”}