Joe Byrne And Aaron Sherritt Pins and Buttons

The journey from best of friends to murder is one that has inspired many artists and authors for more than 130 years. By June 1880 the rumour and innuendo around Aaron Sherritt had pushed Joe to breaking point, resulting in the most tragic of outcomes.

Friends until the bitter end.

Aaron Sherritt: Bush larrikin, trouble-maker and frontiersman. Tough as redwood and flash as Lucifer. Aaron was Joe Byrne's closest friend but their connection to Ned Kelly would destroy them all.

On the 26th of June 1879, worn down by constant questions regarding Aaron’s loyalty to the gang, Joe scrawled his mate a letter. Despite it being written, I believe, while Joe was heavily under the influence of alcohol, it offers a clear glimpse into his mind at this time.

Joe Byrne and Aaron Sherritt

Aaron Sherritt: Bush larrikin, trouble-maker and frontiersman. Tough as redwood and flash as Lucifer.