Fredrick Ward, known as Captain Thunderbolt, began his bushranging career in October 1863. He was known for his horse stealing abilities and the fact that he always chose the best horses, including race horses, to steal. He also had a reputation for his chivalry, good humour and stance against violence. The last of the professional highwaymen, he often gave some money back to his victims and would shout everyone at pubs using stolen money. A favourite of the people he was often assisted by a sympathetic public. He has been attributed to more than 80 hold-ups, up to 200 crimes and a number of shootouts with police yet never killed anyone during his career.