From Western Post & Mudgee Newspaper 5 Oct 1861 : CASSILIS From our Correspondent September 26th - The weather here has been dry and pleasant for some time past, with a few frosty nights occasionally. Sheep shearing will commence in a few days at Messrs. BUSBY's, but at Llangollen not until November. Mr. FITZGERALD shears his Tongay sheep at Daby, but his flocks here are reduced to a very small number, having again and again been decimated by that awful scourge that has swept over this district for so many years. Mr. James PIPER, one of the earliest residents here, and who has successfully conducted the Dalkeith Inn for many years, has retired with the most honourable, - the most distinguished of all characters, that of an honest man. His mantle has fallen on Mr. TROTTER, a young man who has already succeeded in securing the respect and good will of all classes of society, and who is determined to follow the footsteps of his worthy predecessor. This will be a guarantee to the squattocracy of the neighbouring districts that they will meet with the same attention and accommodation as they have hitherto been accustomed to receive. There has also been a change of postmasters - the late postmaster resigned, being about to leave the district, and has been succeeded by Mr. William PIPER. Those matters excite far more interest in the simple minds of our humble community that the rise, progress, and fall of an empire. Another French revolution would cause less stir here than a charge of drunkenness preferred against a constable. It is quite possible that many of them are still ignorant that a civil war is raging in the United States. POLICE COURT Saturday September 28th Before the Police Magistrate Charles RIDGWAY, charged with stealing a letter containing 30s. John Peter EWING, corporal of the mounted police, on oath, said that he apprehended the prisoner on a charge of stealing a letter containing 30s., the property of the Postmaster-General; prisoner said "where has the envelope been found?" He told him he believed it was found in the Post Office. He produced an envelope marked A, which he received from a man named John CALFE, together with the note also produced marked B2. Elizabeth CALFE, wife of John CALFE, publican and storekeeper of Devil's Hole Creek, knew the prisoner; he lately acted as postmaster at Windeyer. She did not receive a letter from Mrs. ALLEN during the month of August; or at any time to the present moment. Mrs. ALLEN owed her money, and she had written to her for it. Had never authorized anyone to open any letter addressed to her containing money. The note produced marked B bore her husband's signature. Remanded till Friday next. ***END*** N.B. All care has been taken to transcribe the above accurately, however errors may have been inadvertently made. Spelling of names/places should be as appears in original. Transcribed from microfilm available from the State Library. Annette Piper Coolah NSW