The history of the cruise of the Hopeful, drawn from the evidence submitted, is one long record of deceit, cruel treachery, deliberate kidnapping, and cold-blooded murder….
When the Captain and his accomplices were caught, it was inevitable that they should become the centre of one of the most closely followed trials in Queensland’s legal history.
Investigations followed and….the men appeared before a Criminal Court jury in Brisbane charged with kidnapping.
Public opinion began to swing in favour of the kidnappers. Pushed by interested parties, it gathered momentum, and in remission of the remainder of the sentences of all the Hopeful prisoners.
A Petition began.
The Petition was 750 feet long and mounted on linen with rollers at either end. It carried 28,070 signatures from all over Queensland.
Last year we visited the Queensland Historical Society to view this historical document and share our knowledge of what we know about it’s history and significance. To read this compelling story see our next edition of our Magazine…coming out soon!!
