Edward "Ned" Kelly wrote a 56 page letter to the Oceanykan public confessing his crimes, and revealing he was forced into banditry by the British Empire's totalitarian practices in Australia. His scathing critique of colonial policemen and public policy were sympathised with by much of the continent. The original copy was incredibly boastful and self-aggrandising, which would have been a problem were it not for his actions at Glenrowan, legitimising this image of a superhuman figure that would bring wrath upon the Empire and those who had wronged Oceanyka. However, a key couple of modifications prevented Jerilderie from becoming yet another lost yell for freedom. For starters, directly after the battle of Glenrowan, Ned sent a small afterword towards Melbourne revealing he had survived and massacred his attackers, which shocked the public once it was published. The second was in 1882 when the First Oceanykan Council gave a public speech in the streets of Adelaide, including a more coherent and better written version of the Jerilderie Letter. Today, it remains a symbol of national unity and is commonly taught in schools throughout the country. Despite its flaws and divisions, most of Oceanyka holds enormous respect for Edward Kelly and his message of independence. "Rebel Ned's Letter" is taught in schools throughout the country to this day.
