Reproduced from the original manuscript held by McGuire’s descendant, Jeff Freeman of Eugowra, ‘Early Colonial Days’ was launched at the Ben Hall Festival and sold nearly 100 copies.

The tale focuses on John McGuire who was Ben Hall’s brother-in-law and business partner at Sandy Creek Station, prior to the Escort Rock gold robbery.

McGuire then spent 10 months on remand on suspicion of involvement in the robbery until he was acquitted.

“I think the McGuire manuscript provides a fascinating window into the early Lachlan pastoral days, the tumultuous gold rush era and the lives of the central west bushrangers,” Bob Roach said.

Mr Roach said many of the bushrangers for the most part were just young men off the stations who had a life of riches waved in front of them by Frank Gardiner.

“What it brings home to me is the life of hard work and drudgery on the cattle stations, to the glamour and fame many might say of the bushrangers,” Mr Roach said.

Mr Roach said the book has been produced as a result of continuing interest.

“We were pleased with the level of sales at the Ben Hall Festival by locals and visitors and we have now arranged to have it available at the Forbes Railway Art and Tourist Centre,” Mr Roach said.

“We’re very thankful to the McGuire descendants, in particular Jeff Freeman of Eugowra for making his copy of the manuscript available to us for publication,” he said.

Early Colonial Days retails for $25 and is now available from the Forbes Railway Art and Tourist Centre, Eugowra Museum, newsagency and supermarket.

Mr Roach said it is also planned to make the book available in Grenfell and Canowindra.