Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Sydney Insiders Blog

A REMARKABLE LOVE STORY 100 YEARS IN THE MAKING

a close up of a book

When a masked and cloaked bandit robbed the bank at a small gold town in 1869, little did anyone know that it would give rise to the legend of Andrew George Scott, or “Captain Moonlite”, one of the most intriguing figures in Australian history. A charismatic man of God who enthralled and appalled the nation for over a decade, Captain Moonlite was a gun-toting bandit who captured the public’s imagination with his daring robberies and dramatic escapes from jail.

But Captain Moonlite was more than just a notorious thief. He was a man who loved deeply and was loved unreservedly in return. His dying wish was to be buried with his soul mate, James Neisbet, but it took more than a century for that wish to be fulfilled.

Charming, articulate, and intelligent, Captain Moonlite was also a flawed genius. He was a thief, a liar, and a chameleon whose true story has been lost to myth and misinformation. Nevertheless, his love story with Neisbet is one that deserves to be celebrated.

Andrew George Scott was born in Ireland in 1845 and migrated to Australia in 1862. He worked as a jackaroo, gold miner, and horse breaker before turning to a life of crime. In 1869, he robbed the bank at a small gold town, sparking a nationwide manhunt. He was eventually captured and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

But prison didn’t dampen Captain Moonlite’s spirit. He became a model prisoner, reading extensively and learning multiple languages. He also developed a keen interest in theology and became a lay preacher. It was during his time in prison that he met James Neisbet, a fellow inmate, and the two fell deeply in love.

When Captain Moonlite was released from prison in 1880, he and Neisbet began a new life together. They formed a gang and embarked on a series of daring robberies, but their luck eventually ran out. In November 1880, they were cornered by police in a shootout at a farmhouse in New South Wales. Neisbet was killed, and Captain Moonlite was captured and sentenced to death.

Before he was executed, Captain Moonlite made a dying wish to be buried with Neisbet. But his wish was not granted, and for over a century, the two were separated. It was only in 1995 that their remains were finally brought together and buried side by side in a cemetery in Gundagai, New South Wales.

Maker:0x4c,Date:2017-10-1,Ver:4,Lens:Kan03,Act:Lar01,E-Y

Captain Moonlite’s story is one of tragedy, love, and redemption. Despite his flaws and his criminal activities, he was capable of experiencing deep and meaningful love. His love story with James Neisbet is a testament to the power of love and the lengths that people will go to be with the ones they love.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Captain Moonlite’s story, with books, movies, and TV shows dedicated to exploring his life and legacy. The true story of this charismatic and complex figure is still shrouded in mystery, but his love story with James Neisbet is one that deserves to be celebrated and remembered.

Maker:0x4c,Date:2017-10-1,Ver:4,Lens:Kan03,Act:Lar01,E-Y

In conclusion, the legend of Andrew George Scott, or Captain Moonlite, is one that has fascinated and intrigued Australians for over a century. His life as a gun-toting bandit and lay preacher is one that defies easy categorization. But it is his love story with James Neisbet that stands out as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Their love, though unconventional, was deep and meaningful, and it is a reminder that love knows no boundaries. The story of Captain Moonlite and James Neisbet is a love story that deserves to be celebrated, and one that will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

Learn more on our Sequined Steps – LGBTQI+ Sydney Tour