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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Journal of Landsborough's Expedition from
+Carpentaria, by William Landsborough
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Journal of Landsborough's Expedition from Carpentaria
+       In search of Burke and Wills
+
+Author: William Landsborough
+
+Release Date: July 8, 2005 [EBook #16243]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL OF LANDSBOROUGH'S ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Sue Asscher
+
+
+
+
+
+JOURNAL OF LANDSBOROUGH'S EXPEDITION
+
+FROM CARPENTARIA,
+
+IN SEARCH OF BURKE AND WILLS.
+
+
+WITH A MAP SHOWING HIS ROUTE.
+
+
+MELBOURNE:
+F.F. BAILLIERE, PUBLISHER, 85 COLLINS STREET EAST.
+LONDON: H. BAILLIERE. PARIS: J.B. BAILLIERE. NEW YORK AND MADRID.
+AND ALL BOOKSELLERS.
+
+1862.
+
+
+
+LANDSBOROUGH'S EXPEDITION.
+
+The readers of this pamphlet are no doubt aware that the anxiety
+entertained for the fate of Burke and Wills led to the formation of
+several expeditions in their search. The first of these was formed in
+Melbourne and entrusted to the command of Mr. Howitt. The second in
+Adelaide, under Mr. McKinlay. The third from Rockhampton, under Mr.
+Walker; and the fourth from Brisbane, under Mr. Landsborough. These
+several expeditions were organised and started within a short period of
+each other. The steamship Victoria, Commander Norman, was despatched by
+the Victorian Government to the Gulf of Carpentaria to assist the
+explorers in carrying out their objects.
+
+Mr. Howitt, as is well-known, early succeeded in ascertaining the
+melancholy fate of Burke and Wills: but before his letter announcing it
+reached Melbourne the other expeditions referred to had set out.
+
+The brig Firefly was chartered in Melbourne to take from Brisbane to
+Carpentaria Mr. Landsborough's party and equipments, and also some stores
+for Mr. Walker's party, the latter having been instructed to proceed from
+Rockhampton overland, by the shortest route, to a rendezvous at the Gulf.
+The Firefly, having reached Moreton Bay and shipped the horses, set sail
+for Carpentaria on the 24th August with Mr. Landsborough and his party.
+
+As it is the object of this pamphlet to give details, especially of his
+expedition, the journal, letters, etc., which follow, are now presented.
+
+...
+
+
+(NUMBER 1.)
+
+BRISBANE PARTY, W. LANDSBOROUGH, ESQUIRE, LEADER, REPORT TO 30TH
+SEPTEMBER 1861.
+
+(COPY.)
+
+Sweer's Island, Gulf of Carpentaria, 30th September 1861.
+
+To Captain Norman of Her Majesty's Colonial War Steamer Victoria, and
+Commander-in-chief of Northern Expedition Parties.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have the honour to inform you that the greatest attention was paid by
+my parties to the horses for the expedition on board the Firefly, and
+they ought, during the eight days after leaving Moreton Bay, while we had
+the finest weather, to have done well, if their allowance of five gallons
+of water each a day had been sufficient for them; but with that allowance
+they were so thirsty that they did not thrive well. That quantity of
+water may do well for horses intended for the Indian market, where they
+can be fattened afterwards; but for our expedition horses, which were
+intended for immediate service on landing, to be kept in a close hold,
+confined by the cargo of the vessel, and fed with dry forage (they did
+not eat the carrots at first, until they had acquired a taste for them)
+eight gallons of water each per day at least should have been allowed to
+them.
+
+On Sunday the 1st instant, when Captain Kirby expected to get through the
+Raine Island passage on the following day, where he hoped to get such
+calm weather that it would admit of your giving him a fresh supply of
+water, he allowed our party to give the horses a good drink. On that
+occasion they drank each, on an average, nine gallons. Towards evening of
+the same day the breeze freshened into a gale, and about ten at night,
+when the Firefly was head-reaching under close-reefed sails, we had the
+misfortune to lose sight of H.M.C.S. Victoria, under your command.
+
+On Monday the 2nd instant the gale continued, and during the night the
+ship was hove to with her head to the eastward.
+
+On Tuesday the 3rd instant the gale still continued, but Captain Kirby,
+having got observations of the sun, he boldly made sail in for the reefs,
+and between eleven and twelve a.m. he sighted the Raine Island beacon,
+and early in the afternoon he went through the passage, and got into
+smooth water, where we congratulated ourselves, and were thankful, I
+hope, to God, for the comparative safety of ourselves, and also of the
+horses under our charge.
+
+All the horses were alive except one, which, from the sand being pumped
+from under its feet, had not been able to stand during the gale, and in
+consequence had been trampled underfoot by the other horses and so much
+injured that we were compelled to destroy it. About an hour before dark
+we reached, with a fresh and favourable breeze, a point between the two
+largest of the Sir Charles Hardy's Islands, where one of the anchors was
+let go and, upon its dragging, another was let go, which dragged also,
+until we were close to the lee shore, when it held, fortunately, till
+after daylight of the morning of Wednesday the 4th instant when, the
+cable parting, the brig went ashore broadside onto the reef which extends
+for about half a mile from the base of the bold rocky island. The waves
+breaking over the ship, the masts were cut away and fell over the side.
+The smallest boat was then launched and immediately broke in pieces.
+While the wreck of a masts was being cleared away by a good swimmer
+called Muller, a Dutchman, in order to get a clear sea to launch the
+ship's large boat, our party took the opportunity of feeding and watering
+the horses, and in the meantime the tide had fallen so much that Muller
+found footing. The boat was launched safely and, on being asked by
+Captain Kirby, I went ashore with Mr. Martin, the supercargo, and a part
+of the crew. We found we could wade on shore; and, on the previous
+evening having seen the masts of a ship on the other side of the island,
+Mr. Martin and I went across and found it was a vessel which had sunk
+within half a mile of the shore in deep water.
+
+At the abandoned camp of the shipwrecked crew we found a copy of The
+Argus newspaper of the 14th June, a barrel of peas, fragments of paper
+bearing the names of the Lady Kinnaird and Captain Chorley on them, a
+part of a child's dress, etc.
+
+On our return to the wreck of a Firefly, we found the crew very busily
+engaged in carrying stores on shore on their backs, as Captain Kirby did
+not like using the boat for that service, being afraid of having it
+injured. In the evening we fed and watered the horses, and Mr. Campbell
+offered to remain on board if he got someone to assist him to attend to
+the horses during the night; but as there were drunken sailors on board,
+and I thought the breaking up of the old Firefly not improbable, I did
+not like remaining or asking anyone else to do so. After the ship struck,
+the officers and crew considered themselves under no discipline, taking
+from the stores whatever they wanted, and, I am sorry to say, much of the
+Expedition spiced beef and other things were stolen, and many things
+destroyed from recklessness; but I am pleased to add that, after your
+arrival, when order and sobriety became prevalent, from the prompt and
+wise measures adopted by you, a considerable quantity of the slops were
+recovered by a diligent search through the effects brought on shore by
+the crew of the Firefly.
+
+Shortly after the ship struck I overheard one of the officers say that we
+were all alike; and now that the vessel was a wreck the cargo belonged to
+no one in particular; and one of our party overheard another officer say
+to the crew: "There are twenty-two pairs of (Expedition) boots; help
+yourselves. There are a pair each for all hands, and a pair to spare."
+
+On the afternoon of Wednesday 4th instant (the day on which we were
+wrecked) with Captain Kirby's approval I offered the carpenter five
+pounds to cut the vessel close down to the water's edge to get the horses
+out. (This, under the circumstances, I hope will meet also your
+approval.) This he agreed to, and on the following morning when it was
+almost high-water, he (the carpenter) and Muller swam off to the wreck to
+do so, and shortly afterwards, when I had found a good place on the
+island for watering the horses, I accompanied Messrs. Campbell and Martin
+and three of my aboriginals to the wreck to assist the carpenter in
+making a breach in the side of the Firefly. To do this work the only
+tools the carpenter and his assistants had were two adzes and two small
+tomahawks. My aboriginals, Jamie, Fisherman, and Jackie, worked hard with
+the tomahawks, and were most able assistants in cutting the vessel down.
+
+On Friday (the 6th instant) we landed safely twenty-five of the horses.
+We were obliged to land them chiefly at low-water, and then we had to use
+every precaution to prevent them swimming off to sea; for some of them in
+the first instance, when we were not watching them, swam off and did not
+drift ashore until they were exhausted, and one, after swimming for about
+an hour in different directions, reached the southern island, about a
+mile distant, with a strong wind and considerable waves against him.
+
+On Saturday the 7th instant, while we were attending to the surviving
+horse of four which had been trampled down by the stronger horses among
+the floating empty water tanks, we had the great pleasure of seeing
+H.M.C.S. Victoria coming to our relief; and I can assure you we were very
+thankful, and our spirits much cheered by your telling us, after Captain
+Kirby had intimated to us that he had abandoned the Firefly as a total
+wreck, and in our presence told his crew that as shipwrecked mariners he
+had placed them under your charge, that you would do your best under the
+circumstances to enable us yet to start on our expedition from the Albert
+River in search of Mr. Burke and his companions, and with that view you
+would endeavour to get the Firefly afloat again, and have her refitted as
+a transport hulk for the conveyance of our party, horses, and stores; and
+if you did not succeed in that undertaking (which I hope you will pardon
+us all for having thought a most hopeless affair) you would in several
+trips transport our party, horses, and stores in H.M.C.S. Victoria.
+
+Now that the great exertions made by you and your officers and crew in
+getting the Firefly afloat again, in refitting her, in embarking
+twenty-five of the horses, with our party and stores, and in transporting
+them safely to the Gulf of Carpentaria, has been crowned with success,
+allow me to congratulate you on those events, and to assure you that,
+these difficulties being overcome, I have now great hopes of carrying out
+at least satisfactorily, with the assistance of my brave, trusty, and
+zealous companions, the instructions of the Victorian and Queensland
+Governments, with those which I may receive from yourself.
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir,
+
+Your obedient servant,
+
+(Signed) W. LANDSBOROUGH,
+
+Commander of the Victorian and Queensland Land Expedition.*
+
+(*Footnote. Captain Kirby of the Firefly has since published a pamphlet
+in which he states that my party were at times in a great state of alarm,
+but in fairness to them I may mention that although they had frequently
+much reason to be so, I never saw them exhibit any traces of fear. He
+further states that from what he saw of them they showed great ineptitude
+for camping out. This is surely very unlikely as we were all old
+travellers, three of my party and myself had at one time been
+gold-diggers, a mode of life well calculated to give the necessary
+experience in this way. And as for Captain Alison, who had never been a
+gold-digger, I observed on the island that his tent was particularly well
+pitched.)
+
+...
+
+(NUMBER 2.)
+
+(COPY.)
+
+Sweer's Island, 8th October, 1861.
+
+To Captain Norman, of H.M.C.S. Victoria, and Commander-in-chief of the
+Northern Expedition Parties.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have the honour to inform you of the following particulars with regard
+to the Albert River:
+
+On Tuesday morning (the 1st instant) at 8 o'clock we reached the mouth of
+the Albert River, on the sandy beach of Kangaroo Point.* There were about
+a dozen blacks, who appeared friendly and kept speaking to us as long as
+we were within hearing; but none in the barge (not even the native
+troopers) understood them. With the exception of Kangaroo Point, on the
+east bank, the river has an unbroken fringe of mangrove to a point two
+miles in a straight line from its mouth, and an unbroken fringe to a
+point three miles in a straight line from the mouth on the other side of
+the river. Above these points the lower part of the river has (where the
+edges have no mangrove) fine hard sandy sloping banks which are well
+adapted for landing horses or goods. A short time before we reached the
+point, above thirteen miles in a straight line from the mouth of the
+river where we anchored for the night, we saw about six blacks, who were
+very friendly and followed us for some time. We found that the water was
+fresh when we reached Alligator Point, about twenty miles in a straight
+line from the mouth of the river; above this point the fringes of
+mangrove are scarce on the edges of the river, and back from the river
+there is rising ground, consisting of fine, well-grassed, and slightly
+timbered downs. On passing up the river, on the left bank, we observed a
+blackfellow asleep. At sunset we anchored at a point about twenty-six
+miles in a straight line from the mouth of the river, where a river from
+the southward, which Mr. Woods called the Barkly, joins the Albert River.
+
+(*Footnote. Kangaroo Point would in my opinion be a healthy site for a
+township. The ground is sufficiently high along the shore at that place,
+and without mangroves. We did not find water there, but, as there were a
+few blacks almost always in that neighbourhood, I have no doubt that
+there is some surface water, or that it is easily procured by digging.)
+
+On going on shore on the western bank of the Albert River I found within
+a hundred yards of it a waterhole at which it would be more convenient to
+water stock than the river, as the banks of it are at this place too
+steep. Above the junction of the Barkly the Albert River is not navigable
+for even boats, from its being too full of snags. On the following
+morning we went up the Barkly on the barge for about two miles, to where
+it was too full of snags to proceed further up the river by water. We
+then took a walk over the Plains of Promise and crossed at a point about
+three miles from where we had left the barge. In doing so we started a
+black man and woman; they were both old and naked; the former went out of
+sight by running down the bank and plunging into the river, and the
+latter climbed up a tree, where, while we remained, she continued
+speechless. Where we crossed the Barkly it had a narrow muddy bed, the
+water in which was cool from its being shaded with pandanus, palms, and
+Leichhardt-trees. A short distance lower we recrossed by a tree which the
+carpenter felled for that purpose, at a point where the deep water in it
+is caused in some measure by the rise of the tide; afterwards we followed
+down the river to the barge. At different places we marked the trees, but
+did not see any that had been marked previously, nor indeed any traces of
+any European parties. After walking over the Plains of Promise we went
+down the river and anchored opposite the point where the cliffs are
+mentioned in the charts as thirty feet high. In the morning, accompanied
+by the native troopers Jemmy and Jackie, I went north-westerly over
+slightly timbered grassy plains, and reached in about a mile a waterhole,
+and in about another mile a narrow mere, which I called Woods Lake,
+extending northerly and southerly at least for a mile or so in an
+unbroken sheet of water. I went southward along the edge of Woods Lake to
+a clump of box and tea-trees, and while I was marking a tree Jackie shot
+(chiefly with one discharge of his gun) about half a dozen of
+whistling-ducks and a large grey crane. As I never saw so many aquatic
+fowls assembled as were at this place it is to be hoped that, when we
+reach the Albert River again, we will be able to shoot great quantities
+of them for fresh food.
+
+The bank on which I marked the tree will, probably at no very distant
+time, be chosen as the site of a homestead for a sheep establishment, as
+it is surrounded by fine dry plains which are covered with good grasses,
+among which I observed sufficient saline herbage to make me feel
+satisfied that they are well adapted for sheep runs. As the wind was
+unfavourable during the afternoon the crew had to row down the river. On
+passing near where we saw the blacks on our way up we found about twenty,
+counting men, women, and children, waiting to see us as we passed. On the
+following morning we went ashore and got water in a waterhole near the
+bank, and also firewood off an old fallen tree, which, I think, is
+probably the real ebony. Late in the evening we reached a point on the
+eastern bank about three miles above Kangaroo Point.
+
+We went ashore and in the course of a walk started on the wing two large
+bustards, and also, within shot of us, two or three wallabies.
+
+In our way up and down the river the temperature ranged on the bar from
+74 to 94 degrees. The nights were agreeable, and we were fortunately not
+troubled with mosquitoes or sandflies.
+
+On the upper part of the river we saw altogether three crocodiles, but
+they were so shy that they remained in sight only a few seconds.
+
+The slightly timbered downs and plains on the banks of the Albert River
+are, as I hoped they would be from their western position, of a similar
+character to good inland settled sheep country of New South Wales and
+Queensland; the trees that we saw are all small; but as sheep do best in
+Australia where the temperature is dry, the soil rich, and slightly
+timbered, and as this is the general description, I believe, of the
+country and climate of the Albert River, the sheep farmer should be
+willing to put up with the inconvenience caused from the want of good
+timber for building purposes.
+
+We saw large quantities of the small white cockatoos, and the
+rose-coloured ones, which are to be found only in the inland settled
+country of New South Wales and Queensland. The Albert River being
+navigable will make the country on its banks very valuable, as I believe
+sheep will do well on it, more especially as they do well on
+inferior-looking country within the tropics to the north-west of
+Rockhampton.
+
+Allow me to recommend for the depot which you propose forming with the
+Firefly hulk on the Albert River some place as convenient as possible to
+Woods Lake, or the waterhole that I mentioned that I had found near the
+head of the navigation, and as there is very little forage on board the
+Firefly it would be advisable to land, as soon as possible, the horses on
+the west bank of the river above the second inlet, that is, if there is
+any chance of the Firefly being delayed in proceeding up the river.
+
+I have the honour to be, etc.,
+
+(Signed) W. LANDSBOROUGH,
+
+Commander of the Victorian and Queensland Land Expedition.
+
+...
+
+(NUMBER 3.)
+
+BRISBANE PARTY, W. LANDSBOROUGH, ESQUIRE, LEADER.
+
+CONTINUATION OF REPORT ON THE ALBERT RIVER, ETC.
+
+OCTOBER 15TH 1861.
+
+(COPY.)
+
+Albert River, Gulf of Carpentaria, October 15 1861.
+
+To Captain Norman of H.M.C.S. Victoria, and Commander-in-chief of the
+Northern Expedition Parties.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have the honour to inform you that the senior lieutenant of H.M.C.S.
+Victoria, having been commissioned by you to take the Firefly hulk to the
+head of the navigation of the Albert River to form a depot there, shortly
+after midnight of the 14th October, at the flood of the tide, which
+occurs here only once in twenty-four hours, we stood in for the mouth of
+the river and, as the channel is of a winding character, and the ship
+almost unmanageable, we had to take her right over the bar. From thence
+we proceeded some time after daylight with a fair wind, several miles up
+the river to where we took grass on board, which some of my party, having
+preceded us, had in readiness. On the 16th, from the time of the tide,
+the wind being unfavourable, we had reached no further than Norman's
+Group of Islands, which are about ten miles in a straight line from the
+mouth of the river. At that place, from the small quantity of water on
+board it became necessary to decide on what bank the horses should be
+landed; consequently three parties started in search of water--a boat and
+two land parties. The former, under the command of Mr. Frost, found a
+good pond of water near the lowest water we had found when we first
+explored the Albert River. In the same neighbourhood Mr. Campbell's
+party, who went up the west bank of the river, found another waterhole,
+which was distant from the ship, by the road they went, about four miles,
+and passable for the horses, although partly over mudflats which during
+high tides are covered with water; and on that account I thought, having
+observed the country to be very low from the masthead, it would be
+impassable.
+
+I accompanied Mr. Bourne, Mr. Hennie the botanist, and two native
+police-troopers to the eastward in search of water. In that direction we
+went about six miles, which was further than was necessary as we found
+water within that distance. The first three miles we went was chiefly
+over hard flats which at high tides are covered with water; the next was
+over such good country that Mr. Bourne, although I had given him my
+account of the Plains of Promise, said he did not expect to have seen
+such fine country on the Albert River. The character of the country is
+plains with the best grasses on them. Mr. Bourne and I agreed in thinking
+that the lowest of them (with the exception of there being on them no
+cotton and cabbage saltbush) resembled in appearance, and from their
+having salty herbage in abundance, some parts of the Murrumbidgee plains.
+The higher parts are more thickly grassed and are slightly wooded with
+stunted timber, consisting of box, apple, white-gum, cotton, and other
+trees. The cotton-trees I had never seen before; but Mr. Hennie told me
+they had been found by Dr. Mueller when in Mr. Gregory's party in the
+expedition to Northern Australia.
+
+On this country we found abundance of waterholes, some of which were
+divided from each other by sandstone dykes and contained fresh, and
+others brackish, water. Near the waterholes, at the most conspicuous
+points of timber on our route, we marked trees. The north-easterly
+waterhole I called Mueller Lake. It is a fine long sheet of water which
+is brackish but not to an extent to render it undrinkable.
+
+Before we reached any water on our way from the ship, we observed, at
+some distance from us, several blacks, of whom three gins and three
+children we overtook in their camps. These we tried to persuade by signs
+to lead us to the nearest water, but they were so extremely terrified
+that they clung to each other and would not move, except to point in the
+direction in which by our proceeding a short distance we found it
+ourselves.
+
+On the 17th October the ship was taken alongside of the western bank of
+the river, and, a landing stage having been made, twenty-three of the
+horses were walked on shore and driven up to Frost's Ponds; the remaining
+two from their being too weak were kept on board. A few of the horses
+after their voyage were in good order, and the most of the others, which
+were in such low condition from their insufficient allowance of water
+from Moreton Bay to Torres Strait, now showed, from their having plenty
+of water since their reshipment at Hardy's Islands, that they were in a
+thriving state.
+
+On the 20th Messrs. Bourne, Moore, Frost, and two troopers started up the
+river on a shooting and land excursion. I accompanied them to near
+Frost's Ponds where the horses were running, and I was glad to find the
+horses were doing well, as I expected they would do, from the herbage of
+the plains in that neighbourhood being of the most fattening character.
+Late in the evening our sportsmen returned and gave a most glowing
+description of about eight miles of the plains they had crossed in going
+to and returning from some waterholes they had found, one of which was
+within half a mile of the river. As they made their excursion an
+exploring rather than a sporting expedition they shot very little,
+although they saw several wallabies on the plains, and crowds of duck and
+other aquatic fowl at the waterholes they passed in the course of their
+walk.
+
+On the 22nd, having made circulars to the effect that the Firefly hulk
+and the horses (broad arrow before L) were on their way up the river, the
+latter on the west bank, some of our party landed on the east bank and
+stuck them up in places where Mr. Walker's party would probably find them
+in the event of their passing us and following down that side of the
+river. In doing so we went over a fine grassed plain, and in that
+distance found two waterholes. On the 24th the blacks paid us a visit and
+we gave them presents; but afterwards, as they stole some clothes that
+were out to dry, we determined to give them no further encouragement
+unless they returned the stolen things. This Mr. Woods, on the following
+day, tried to explain to a few of them who swam across the river to the
+bank that we were alongside of.
+
+When I see naked blacks I am very much tempted to give them clothes and
+tomahawks; but this should not be indulged for I have found from having
+done so that the more they have got the more they have wanted; and on the
+other hand I have found that when they got nothing from us they gave us
+very little of their company and thus rarely gave us any occasion for
+quarrelling with them.
+
+On the 27th of October Mr. Campbell and the troopers went on shore and
+collected the horses and took them up as far as Moore's Ponds.
+
+From twenty-two observations, chiefly taken during the day, the
+temperature has ranged from 69 to 89 degrees and averaged a fraction over
+80 degrees. On the 29th we had a few drops of rain which reminded us that
+we had hardly had any since we started from Brisbane, upwards of a couple
+of months ago.
+
+My party went in search of the horses yesterday and returned with them
+today to the place where the ship was aground, a point about fifteen
+miles in a straight line from the mouth of the river. The horses were so
+fresh that to hobble them two of the quietest had to be caught to round
+with them the others up. In the ten days that they had been ashore they
+had improved more in condition than any horses I have seen do in other
+parts of Australia in a similar period. To collect the horses they had to
+go as far as ten miles in a north-west direction, to a saltwater creek
+which, from Mr. Campbell's report, I believe is the River Nicholson. On
+the following day I accompanied Mr. Campbell and the troopers to the
+Nicholson River. The water in it we found not so brackish as that part of
+the Albert River where we left the ship. I was surprised to find it was
+not so broad as the river I have just mentioned. We encamped all night on
+the bank of the river, and near our camp marked a tree (broad arrow
+before L). On the 30th we returned to the ship after getting the troopers
+to collect the horses and shoot a quantity of ducks. By counting my steps
+I made the distance seven miles to a bend of the Albert River near which
+Moore's Ponds are situated, and two miles and three-quarters further
+brought us to the point near which the ship had reached. It is a grassy
+plain between the two rivers, with a few stunted trees upon it; that
+nearest the Nicholson River is the poorest soil, and the grass at present
+upon it is very much parched up. A fine large enclosure for stock might
+be formed by running a fence across from the Albert to the Nicholson
+River.
+
+On the 1st November we commenced making a yard for the horses and, having
+got the assistance of two of the carpenters, we commenced to shoe the
+horses. On the 4th I got a passage in the barge to H.M.C.S. Victoria,
+which was stationed at the distance of seven miles from the mouth of this
+river, to consult with yourself respecting the plan to be pursued in the
+search for Mr. Burke and his companions, and to express my earnest desire
+to have rations at the Albert River depot to make a second expedition by
+the route which Mr. Gregory and I agreed to as the most likely way to
+find traces to follow Mr. Burke and his companions--namely by skirting
+the desert, and passing, as near as the country would admit of my doing,
+to their starting-point, and also to go to a place on the Bowen Downs (a
+well-watered country) to seek for a continuation of tracks seen by
+Messrs. Cornish and Buchanan, which they thought were made by a South
+Australian party, at a point rather less than 300 miles towards the Gulf
+of Carpentaria from Burke's depot on Cooper's Creek.
+
+On the 6th instant we left the Victoria together (as you are aware) for
+the depot on the Albert River, and that evening after nine hours boating
+reached our destination.
+
+On the following morning, having proceeded up the river on the previous
+day, reached the junction of the Barkly with the Albert River, near which
+we found the tree marked by Mr. Gregory and Captain Chimmo, the former on
+the left and the latter on the right bank; afterwards having marked lines
+of trees, and marked on trees directions to lead the exploring parties to
+the depot, we returned to it.
+
+On the 15th, intending to start tomorrow on the inland expedition, I had
+all the horses, in number twenty-three, brought up, the two weak ones
+having died since our arrival at the Albert River, besides the five I
+mentioned as having died on the voyage. We saddled and packed a few of
+the wildest of the horses* to make them more tractable tomorrow, when I
+hope, as I have mentioned, to start on our journey.
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir,
+
+Your obedient servant,
+
+(Signed) W. LANDSBOROUGH,
+
+Commander of the Victorian and Queensland Land Expedition.
+
+(*Footnote. The freshness of the horses was surprising: because so soon
+after the hardships of their voyage, and the destruction of their forage
+on board the Firefly by seawater, they were chiefly sustained, from
+Hardy's Island till landing at Carpentaria, by grass cut by our party:
+this was a task of some difficulty, as we had no implements for doing so
+excepting our knives.)
+
+...
+
+(NUMBER 4.)
+
+(COPY.)
+
+NUMBER 1.
+
+Albert River, October 18 1861.
+
+To Captain Norman, H.M.C.S. Victoria.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have the honour to inform you that I have much pleasure, after the
+conversation that we had with regard to Lieutenant Woods, in applying to
+you for that gentleman to accompany me in the expedition, of which I have
+the command, in search of Mr. Burke and his companions; and I feel that
+for the unsurveyed western country in the route which I am instructed to
+take, I have much more necessity for the services of that officer in an
+astronomical point of view than Mr. Walker can have.
+
+I have got a sextant for taking the latitude, but I have not a
+chronometer, as Mr. Gregory thought the jolting it would get should
+render it useless.
+
+I hope, therefore, for the cause of science, etc., you will reconsider
+the conversation I have had with you on the subject.
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir,
+
+Your obedient servant,
+
+(Signed) W. LANDSBOROUGH,
+
+Commander of the Victorian and Queensland Land Expedition.
+
+...
+
+(COPY.)
+
+(NUMBER 1.)
+
+Victoria, off the Albert River, October 19 1861.
+
+Sir,
+
+In reply to your letter of yesterday, containing an application for
+Lieutenant Woods to be allowed to accompany you on the expedition which
+you command, in order to fix your position in a correct and proper
+manner:
+
+I have the honour to inform you that it was the desire of the Exploration
+Committee I should furnish that assistance to Mr. Walker, and, having
+only one officer that I can spare for that duty, I must withhold my
+consent until I see Mr. Walker and you are nearer your departure. And
+further, as I understood from Mr. Gregory that Captain Alison was engaged
+for the purpose of carrying out that important part of the duty, you will
+be so good as to explain your reasons for want of confidence in him.
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir,
+
+Your obedient servant,
+
+(Signed) W.H. Norman, Commander.*
+
+W. Landsborough, Esquire.
+
+(*Footnote. I answered this letter; but, having sent a copy of it with
+other papers from Carpentaria to Brisbane, I cannot at present present it
+for publication.)
+
+...
+
+(COPY.)
+
+(NUMBER 2.)
+
+Norman's Group, Albert River, October 18 1861.
+
+My dear Captain Norman,
+
+I have much pleasure in informing you that we have landed safely
+twenty-three horses, and have sent them to a waterhole which we have
+called Frost's Ponds, where they had a great roll in the mud, which will,
+I hope, protect their tender skins in some measure from the sun and
+sandflies; two of the weak ones we have kept on board.
+
+The wind and the time of high-water (at night) was very unfavourable for
+going up the river, and, as we were short of water, I need not tell you
+how glad I was to know of waterholes to which I could drive the horses.
+Three parties went in search of water the day before yesterday, and were
+all successful in finding it. Mr. Campbell went with one party and found
+water on the west bank up the river. I went on the east bank, and in an
+easterly direction got onto a finely grassed, openly timbered country,
+within three miles, and at the edge of the timber, in less than three
+miles further, found a fine waterhole, besides shallow ones, nearly all
+along the last-mentioned distance. Mr. Frost found a fine waterhole
+within five miles of here, to which we have driven the horses, as it was
+on the route which we had previously determined upon as the best to take
+if practicable.
+
+I have not time at present to write you an official letter, except the
+one I sent respecting Mr. Woods. The horses, from our having had from you
+a liberal supply of water, are in much better condition than when they
+left Hardy's Island.
+
+I remain yours very truly,
+
+(Signed) W. Landsborough.
+
+...
+
+(MEMO.)
+
+(NUMBER 2.)
+
+Being at the depot to start Landsborough on the South-West Expedition
+from November 5th to 16th, and Walker not having arrived, I offered the
+services of Lieutenant Woods, which Landsborough declined to accept of,
+stating he considered they could do very well without any assistance.
+
+(Initialled) W.H.N.*
+
+(*Footnote. At Brisbane, where I met Captain Norman before I had started
+on the expedition, he led me to expect that Lieutenant Woods would
+accompany me to make astronomical observations whilst on my search for
+Burke, provided I made application for his assistance. At Carpentaria,
+having ascertained that Lieutenant Woods was himself anxious to accompany
+me, I wrote the foregoing letter (Number 1) applying for that officer.
+Captain Norman's reply to this letter I considered tantamount to a
+refusal, and accordingly arranged to take Captain Alison. Having done so,
+I may have stated to Captain Norman that I considered I could do very
+well on this occasion without any assistance from him.)
+
+...
+
+(COPY.)
+
+NUMBER 3.
+
+Albert River, 15th November 1861.
+
+Sir,
+
+After the unexpected delay of this expedition, from circumstances and
+accidents over which we had no control, on the 4th instant, in
+consultation on board the Victoria, I informed you that my stock of
+provisions for the crew of that vessel would only permit my remaining in
+the Gulf for 115 days, and that in accordance with the spirit of my
+instructions you ought to start so soon as possible for Central Mount
+Stuart, or as near thereto as the nature of the country will admit of
+your approaching it, and returning to this depot within ninety days from
+this date.
+
+You having reported yourself ready for starting tomorrow, and that you
+have ninety days provisions at full allowance, with all the other stores
+complete for the same time, it therefore only remains for me to fulfil
+the wishes of the committee, and to inform you that they expect, on your
+return to Queensland, to be furnished with a copy of your journal and
+surveys; and that, as Mr. Walker has not arrived so as to enable me to
+make arrangements for meeting him at the Limmon Bight River, you are to
+consider that no such arrangement will be made, and that I shall look for
+your return to this depot within the time specified. And as you have full
+instructions for your guidance, the same as myself, I feel well assured
+you will do all in your power to fulfil them, and will make such
+deviations as the country will admit of in order to find any track of the
+missing explorers, as well as to meet the wishes of the Exploration
+Committee.
+
+With reference to your suggestion of starting on a south-easterly
+exploration after you return to this depot, rest assured I will do all in
+my power to assist you in anything that may be likely to lead to the
+discovery of the tracks of the missing explorers.
+
+In conclusion, if any unforeseen accident should delay your return here
+before my departure, I will bury one of the iron tanks and mark on the
+large tree at the smithy where you will find it.
+
+I will also take other precautions to ensure your getting the same
+information by marking other trees, and sinking bottles with letters in
+the ground. In the tank I will secure all the best stores, and if
+necessary sink two to hold them.
+
+With every good wish for your safe conduct, and speedy return before I am
+compelled to depart,
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir,
+
+Your obedient servant,
+
+(Signed) W.H. NORMAN,
+
+Commander, and Commander-in-Chief of Northern Exploring Parties.
+
+W. Landsborough, Esquire.*
+
+(*Footnote. It will be seen by this letter that Captain Norman approved
+of my searching to the south-east when I returned from the south-west. I
+may mention that, when bidding Captain Norman goodbye, before starting,
+he told me that he would be very glad to see me return to the depot at
+the end of two months.)
+
+...
+
+(Number 3.)
+
+Albert River Depot, November 15 1861.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this day,
+and to state that I hope to start on the journey recommended by you in
+accordance with the instruction of the Exploration Committee.
+
+I shall do my utmost to find traces of Mr. Burke and his companions
+between here and Central Mount Stuart, and will, D.V., return within the
+time (ninety days) which you have given me for that purpose, if I am not
+delayed from sickness, or from the country being rather too dry or too
+wet. I am very much pleased to learn from you that you are willing, as
+well as lies in your power, to assist me in making a second journey in
+search of Mr. Burke and his companions, between here and his depot on
+Cooper's Creek; because I believe the traces seen of an exploring party
+by Messrs. Cornish and Buchanan, nearly three hundred miles this side of
+it, were of the parties we want to find, especially as that is a route
+which the Victorian and South Australian parties may not be able to
+explore, and one upon which my knowledge of the country will, I hope, be
+of service to me.
+
+With many thanks for the able assistance you have at all times given in
+carrying out the views intended by this expedition, etc.,
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir, with best wishes for your own health and
+welfare,
+
+Your obedient servant,
+
+(Signed) W. LANDSBOROUGH,
+
+Commander of the Victorian and Queensland Land Expedition.
+
+Captain Norman of H.M.C.S. Victoria.
+
+...
+
+(COPY.)
+
+Depot, Albert River, December 20 1861.
+
+Sir,
+
+Mr. Walker's party having arrived here for supplies on the 7th instant,
+and left again this day, to return to the Flinders River for the purpose
+of following up the tracks they have found of Mr. Burke to wherever they
+may be led by them, I deem it my duty to inform you that for the relief
+of Mr. Burke I consider it is not necessary you should return by the
+overland route, as Mr. Walker's party will, no doubt, do all that is
+possible, and not give up the following of the missing party by their
+tracks to wherever they may lead to.
+
+And notwithstanding my sanction to the contrary I deem it my duty to
+inform you that for the relief of the missing explorers it is not
+necessary for you return overland with your party, and that you ought to
+return by the Victoria to Queensland in accordance with the instructions
+of the Royal Society.
+
+But as much will depend on the time you return here, and condition of
+your horses and party for immediate service, to overtake and render
+assistance in pursuing the tracks found, I must leave it to your own
+decision to determine whether you do so or abandon your horses and return
+by water.
+
+As all the stores are at the depot that can be spared from the Victoria
+(ammunition included) and I have left instruction for their being packed
+in 50-pound packages ready for immediate use, should you arrive here in
+time to overtake Mr. Walker your party might render some service towards
+the main object of the expedition by joining in the following up of the
+tracks found.
+
+I have the honour to be, etc.,
+
+(Signed) W.H. NORMAN,
+
+Commander, and Commander-in-Chief of Northern Expedition Parties.
+
+W. Landsborough, Esquire,
+
+Leader of Brisbane Party for relief of Burke, etc.
+
+...
+
+(COPY.)
+
+H.M.C.S. Victoria, off the Albert River, February 7 1862.
+
+Sir,
+
+I do myself the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 22nd
+ultimo reporting your return, and containing an outline of your
+proceedings, and the nature of the country you passed through going
+towards and returning from the direction of Central Mount Stuart; also a
+tracing of your route for the Royal Society of Victoria.
+
+In reply to your requisition in the same for a further supply of stores
+for use on going on the south-east route, I regret to inform you that,
+from not having them, I shall be unable to supply you with tea, sugar,
+and rum; but such other articles as we have and can spare you will be
+furnished with; but should you consider it will in any way endanger your
+party going overland without the stores you have asked for, or from the
+smallness of the number for which you can carry stores, or for
+protection, I do not consider that it is imperative you should do so,
+having every reason to believe that Mr. Walker's party will do everything
+that is possible and necessary to continue following up of Mr. Burke's
+tracks, and you can all return by Victoria; but, as you have stated,
+there is a possibility of Walker losing the tracks, and you will have the
+same chance of finding and following them up as he will by going on the
+south-eastern route, you have my sanction to proceed if you consider you
+can with safety do so, taking with you as many of your party and whom you
+think proper, and the remainder will be taken round by this vessel.
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir,
+
+Your obedient servant,
+
+(Signed) W.H. NORMAN,
+
+Commander, and Commander-in-Chief of Northern Exploring Expedition to
+Gulf of Carpentaria.
+
+W. Landsborough Esquire, Leader of Brisbane party, etc.
+
+...
+
+(COPY.)
+
+H.M.C.S. Victoria, off Albert River, Gulf of Carpentaria, February 6
+1862.
+
+Sir,
+
+In reply to your letter of the 20th December 1861, in which you tell me
+you do not deem it necessary for me to go on the second expedition I
+proposed, namely, to the south-east, as Mr. Walker will no doubt do all
+that is possible and not give up following the missing party, I beg to
+disagree with you. I think, now that the tracks have been found, that it
+is an additional reason for my going on the expedition, and that I will
+have a much better chance of being successful in the main object of the
+expedition than I had on my last one.
+
+Mr. Walker will not be able probably to follow the tracks of Mr. Burke
+and his companions, as too long a time has elapsed since these tracks
+were made.
+
+In conclusion I thank you for the sanction you have given me to proceed
+on this expedition, especially as I never would have had anything to do
+with it had I imagined that I would have been checked in going the way I
+now propose; for all along I thought it would be the way where Burke's
+tracks were most likely to be found, and more particularly after I
+learned from Messrs. Cornish and Buchanan that they had seen what they
+believed to be the tracks of Burke's party, about 200 miles to the
+westward of Mount Narien.
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir,
+
+Your obedient servant,
+
+(Signed) W. LANDSBOROUGH,
+
+Commander of the Victorian and Queensland Land Expedition.
+
+Captain Norman, H.M.C.S. Victoria, Commander-in-Chief of Northern
+Expedition Parties.
+
+...
+
+(COPY.)
+
+(NUMBER 5.)
+
+Depot, Albert River, January 22.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have the honour to inform you that our party arrived here all safe and
+in good health on the morning of the 19th instant, when we were informed
+of the successful overland journey, through, in a great measure, an
+unknown country, of Walker's party, and of the glorious news of their
+having found the tracks at the Flinders River of Burke's party returning
+from the Gulf of Carpentaria; and also of your having found tracks lower
+down the river, which were probably older than those found by Mr.
+Walker's party, as the latter were the return tracks.
+
+Mr. Walker's party, as you observe in your letter of the 20th ultimo,
+will no doubt do all that is possible and not give up (if he can follow
+the tracks) following the missing party, in whatever direction they may
+go. This however they will find difficult and tedious, if not altogether
+impossible.
+
+I have brought back all the horses with the exception of two that were
+drowned. I shall therefore, as I have your sanction, so soon as I have
+recruited the horses and rested till there is a probability of my party
+being able to travel, which we cannot do at present, as the country is, I
+think, too boggy, start again, with a better hope of success in the main
+object of the expedition than I had on my last journey, when, in
+accordance with my instructions, I went as far as the dry state of the
+country and my time would admit in the direction of Central Mount Stuart.
+
+For our next expedition we have, as you are aware, no tea nor sugar. When
+you are leaving, I am sure, if you can spare us any of these necessary
+articles, you will do so; also some lime-juice, rum, quinine, caster oil,
+and laudanum, which are so useful for the prevention or cure of diseases
+to which we will be liable during or after wet weather.
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir,
+
+Your obedient servant,
+
+W. LANDSBOROUGH,
+
+Commander of Victorian and Queensland Land Expedition.
+
+Captain Norman, of H.M.C.S. Victoria,
+
+Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Expedition Parties.
+
+...
+
+COPY OF JOURNAL.
+
+W. LANDSBOROUGH, ESQUIRE, LEADER OF BRISBANE PARTY.
+
+Albert River, November 18 1861.
+
+Camp Number 2. Situated near the junction of Beames Brook.
+
+Monday November 18.
+
+From the Post-office Lagoon we went one and a half miles west, thence
+over fine downs, chiefly wooded with acacia, two and a half miles
+south-west, and reached a pond on the left bank of Beames Brook, near
+which we had a dinner of young wood from a cabbage-palm-tree which
+Fisherman felled near the steep bank of the running stream, at which
+place we marked a tree (broad arrow before L) and likewise marked in the
+same way a more conspicuous tree which stands a little further out from
+the brook; thence eight miles south-west, over fine rich plains with a
+good variety of grass upon them, and a few plants of saline herbs. It was
+then time to encamp, as we had been travelling for five hours; we
+therefore changed our course to north-west for three-quarters of a mile,
+and reached a branch of the Nicholson River consisting of at least four
+channels, one full of fine clear running water, on the right bank of
+which we formed our Number 3 Camp.
+
+Tuesday November 19. Camp Number 3.
+
+The channels are shaded by drooping tea-trees, swamp-oaks, etc. As it was
+unnamed on the charts I gave it the name of Gregory River. Some blacks
+came up and watched the camp while we were packing. We started up the
+river at 8.45 a.m.; we followed the right bank of the watercourse in a
+south-south-west direction. At 9.50 we reached a fine point for a station
+for stock, about two and a quarter miles by the river from camp, the
+first mile and a half of which was in a south-south-west, and the last
+three-quarters of a mile in a south by east direction. We could not cross
+the river easily, so we kept on the right bank. At 10.20 we reached a
+point on the riverbank half a mile south-west from the last. At 10.35 we
+made half a mile south. At 10.45, steering south-west by south half a
+mile we came to what seemed to be the junction of the creek. The course
+of the river was then from south-west to north-east, so we followed it up
+for three miles, where we unpacked the horses, as we wanted to water
+them. The approach to the river was boggy. We stopped here and had some
+dinner. On the bank marked a tree (broad arrow before L). In the
+afternoon we travelled from 4.4 to 6.13, in the following courses:
+
+At 4.20 half a mile south-west by south where we passed a fine waterhole.
+
+At 4.40, one mile south-west by south.
+
+At 5.5 one mile south-west.
+
+At 5.30 one mile south-west by south.
+
+At 5.55 one mile south-west to where we passed a broad reach of water.
+
+At 6.10, three-quarters of a mile south-east to a point above junction of
+a dry watercourse where we made our Number 4 camp. The edges of the plain
+which we saw today in following up the river are of the richest soil, and
+only sufficiently timbered to afford firewood for a pastoral population.
+The grasses are of the best description. This is the character of the
+whole of the country we have seen since we left our first camp. There is
+no appearance on the country we have crossed of its having had rain for a
+long time; but from the strong stream of water in the river I think there
+must have been plenty of rain on the country higher up. I saw today, on
+several low places, saltbush which the horses ate, of a kind I have often
+seen in the western country from Rockhampton, but never before so near to
+the coast. By following the river it has taken us nearly right on our
+course towards Mount Stuart.
+
+Wednesday November 20. Camp Number 4.
+
+Situated on right bank of the Gregory River. Started at 8.13 a.m. and
+steered south for about three miles, until 9.25; then I had to change our
+course to south-south-east for about half a mile to where we tried to
+cross the river, but could not find a suitable place for doing so.
+Started again at 10.15 and reached at 11.15, by a south course, two and a
+quarter miles to where we crossed a dry creek near its junction with the
+river. We continued steering on the same course south for about one mile,
+when we reached the bank of the river, and a further continuation of the
+same course for one mile brought us to a place on the river where we
+watered the horses. The watering-place was boggy but we could find no
+better. Started again at 2.4 p.m., and at 3.30 made one and a half miles
+south-south and by east; at 4 made one and a half miles in a south-east
+direction, to where I went in search of a crossing-place, and in doing so
+followed the river in a south-east direction for two and a half miles
+without finding a place where the horses could approach even near enough
+to the river to get a drink without a risk of their falling into the deep
+water. We followed up the Gregory River thirteen miles by the courses I
+have mentioned. We found the branding-irons did not answer for branding
+trees, as it took a much longer time to do so than to mark them with a
+tomahawk, so we buried them at a tree marked Dig, at the camp we left
+this morning. Last night we had a potful of the young wood of the cabbage
+palm, which tasted like asparagus. All the country we have seen today is
+of a similar character to that described in yesterday's journal. This
+afternoon we reached country on which rain had fallen recently and it was
+in consequence covered with herbage so green that we did not think the
+horses on it would require water during the night, so their not having
+been able to approach it earlier in the day was not of any consequence.
+We encamped but the night was so short and the mosquitoes so troublesome
+that, what with watching and getting up at 3.45, we had hardly sufficient
+sleep. I found at this time that the duties of exploring gave very little
+time for fishing or shooting. At this period of our journey the sextant
+was too much out of order for making sufficiently accurate observations
+of the stars.
+
+Thursday November 21. Camp Number 5.
+
+On right bank of the Gregory River. Started at 8.30 a.m., and at 8.55 had
+made along the same bank three-quarters of a mile in a south-south-east
+direction; at 9.25 we made a mile further in the same direction; at 10.13
+also in the same direction (south-south-east) two miles; at 10.30 changed
+our course and made three-quarters of a mile south-east; at 10.45 by
+following up the river we made half a mile south-east by south to a point
+where I marked a tree with a broad arrow before LC+, where the river
+assumed a new character. It has a broad hard bed with only a boggy spot
+at the western bank. The crossing of the horses over this place was more
+difficult than I expected, and had to be accomplished by strewing the
+ground with grass. We started from the left bank of the river at 3.13
+p.m., and at 3.40 made one mile and a quarter south and by east; at 4.18
+two miles in the same direction; at 4.40 one mile south-east; at 4.54
+half a mile further in the same direction; at 5.12 three-quarters of a
+mile south in a fruitless search for water. Returned to the same bank by
+an east-north-east line of one mile and a quarter in length, where we
+encamped. The country we have seen on this side, although fine fattening
+plains, is more thinly grassed and not nearly so rich as that on the
+plains we saw lower down the river. At the camp we found marjoram, which
+makes a pleasant drink. On this side of the river also we observed a
+white stunted gum with leaves like that of the apple tree. I may mention
+a few common trees which I have observed today--first, on the edges of
+the river fine large tea-trees, with foliage (melaleuca) like the
+drooping willow; beautiful Leichhardt-trees, pandanus, and
+cabbage-palm-trees: on the banks and scattered over the plain, stunted
+box, bauhinia, white cedar, and bloodwood; with the pandanus I got too
+intimately acquainted for, while with merely a shirt upon me, leading a
+restive horse across the river, I fell back and, rolling, got its thorns
+into all parts of my body.
+
+Friday November 22. Camp Number 6.
+
+Situated on the left bank of the Gregory River. At 9.44 a.m. steered
+south and by east for two miles, and by doing so went across a bend of
+the river; at 9.58 made half a mile in a south by west direction; at
+10.20 made a quarter of a mile in the same direction, to the left bank of
+a watercourse, which was evidently a new one, and which I called the
+Macadam, after the Secretary of the Royal Society. Stopped to fill
+water-bottles and water the horses as I was afraid of the creek being dry
+further up. Started again at 11.40 a.m. at a quicker pace, and at 12.10
+p.m. made one mile and a half south; at 12.40 p.m. halted to adjust the
+pack of a packhorse after having made one mile and a quarter further in
+the same direction. Started again and at 1 p.m. made south and by west
+(by following up the Macadam Creek) half a mile; at 1.20 one mile
+south-west by south to where we stopped, and started again at 1.26; at
+1.55 one mile south-west by south made a point near which there was water
+in the Macadam Creek, and encamped.
+
+With respect to the Macadam Creek, it is badly watered and has a dry
+shallow aspect, and appears from the scarcity of flood-marks to have
+seldom a stream of water in it, and I am of opinion flows chiefly through
+flat country. This character of a river has in the settled parts of
+Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, the best sheep country on its
+banks; but here, where all the country is dry enough for sheep, this will
+not be a qualification. Following it will be an unpleasant exchange to
+the Gregory River with its beautiful stream of water, which I daresay
+comes from well-watered highlands. At present the plains are dry and
+parched.
+
+The water at our encampment was very bad, in a great measure from its
+being warm, shallow, and frequented by ducks and other birds. This is the
+hottest day we have had. At first we thought we were going to have a
+miserable camp, from the badness of the water; but in the afternoon a
+fine cool breeze sprang up and at the water, or near it, we shot several
+ducks, a large waterfowl, and some rose cockatoos; we had also as many
+nice little figs as we liked to eat from a large shady clump of bushes
+near the camp.
+
+Saturday November 23. Camp Number 7, situated on Macadam Creek.
+
+We started at 8.48 a.m. and at 9.23 had made two and a quarter miles in a
+south-west by south direction. At 9.40 we made one mile further in the
+same direction; from thence we went in a south line for one mile and a
+quarter, and reached, at 10.10, at the end of that distance, a very fine
+waterhole, 300 yards long and forty yards wide, very deep, with basaltic
+dykes at both ends. I thought they were like white limestone. Here we
+watered the horses. Started again at 10.55. At 11.55 made south along the
+bed of the creek three-quarters of a mile. At 11.40 made a mile
+south-west by south, where we stopped to adjust a pack, and started again
+at 11.45. At 11.58 we reached in half a mile south-west by south a
+waterhole in the Macadam Creek, near which there are a great many rocks
+like white limestone. At this water we made another stop, and started at
+12.20 p.m. At 1.3 made one mile and three-quarters south-south-west,
+where we sighted the first hills we have seen since leaving the depot. We
+went on the plain a quarter of a mile south-west by south to get
+observations of the hills. They appeared to be twenty or thirty miles
+distant. Started again at 1.37, with Fisherman, following the rest of the
+party, who had gone on; and at 1.58 made three-quarters of a mile
+south-west by west. At 2.6 a quarter of a mile south to a dry creek,
+which we crossed. 2.40 we reached Macadam Creek in one mile and a half in
+a south by east direction, where we overtook our companions. At 3 we went
+in search of water up Macadam Creek three-quarters of a mile south. We
+stopped to have a drink, and although the water from the leather bottles
+was full of impurities we found it agreeable to our parched palates. We
+started again at 3.20, and made south-west one mile to Gregory's River,
+where we formed our seventh camp. The river is here a quarter of a mile
+wide, running strong in two channels. It is uncrossable for horses, and
+the intervening parts are crowded with fine large weeping tea-trees,
+large Leichhardt-trees, tall cabbage-palm, pandanus, and other trees. It
+is the finest and greenest-looking inland river I have seen in Australia,
+and the country it runs through consists of rich-soiled plains, just
+sufficiently wooded for pastoral purposes. Since we left the depot we
+have not seen any country on which sheep would not do well, excepting
+during the wettest and driest seasons. In country such as this it is a
+singular fact that sheep do better, on the whole, in a wet season than on
+ridgy country. With one exception, where the soil was clayey, the country
+we have seen on this river is of the very richest description. At present
+it is parched up, with the exception of a few patches of young grass near
+the river. In many places the old grass is three feet high.
+Notwithstanding the parched state of the grass, the horses have done well
+upon it, indeed they could not look better if they had been corn-fed.
+
+Sunday November 24. Camp Number 8.
+
+We rested ourselves and the horses. Mr. Alison made a traverse table of
+our course and found that we had made 55 miles south and 25 miles west
+from Post Office Camp, near the junction of the Barkly with the Albert
+River, and the latitude 18 degrees 45 minutes. The sun is too vertical
+for taking it with my sextant and artificial horizon. We were rather late
+in making observations of the sun, and we only got one sight of it, which
+was made by myself. I brought it to a point within 180 yards of me on the
+level bank of the river, which altitude made our latitude 18 degrees 57
+minutes. Thermometer showed 90 degrees at 7 a.m. and 103 degrees at noon.
+We got a fine potful of cabbage-tree sprouts, which eat like asparagus.
+
+Monday November 25. Camp Number 8. Situated on the Gregory River.
+
+From this camp we started at 8 a.m., but had almost immediately to halt
+for ten minutes to adjust a pack on a riding-saddle. The other
+packsaddles were constructed on Gregory's principle, and required less
+adjusting. At 8.45 made one mile and a quarter south by west along the
+bank of the river. At 9 made one mile and a half south-west by south. At
+9.16 made half a mile further along the river in the same direction to
+outlet of creek, which is probably what I have been calling Macadam Creek
+(or River). At 9.23 made a quarter of a mile still further along the bank
+of the river in the same direction, at which place hills were in sight a
+short distance from our course. Fisherman and I started for the hills,
+bearing 231 1/2 degrees, and in two miles we reached the hill, and from
+the top of it we saw ranges from 67 to 328 degrees; but none of them were
+remarkable. The hill we ascended was rocky and barren. Having taken
+observations of these hills, Fisherman and I started to rejoin our
+companions. The country was so parched up that Fisherman said, "Suppose
+you leave him river, you won't find other fellow water." At 11.49 we made
+one mile and a quarter south; at 12.10 we steered south-south-west for
+about three-quarters of a mile, and reached the river, where, at a
+blacks' camp, we overtook our companions. There were three gins and six
+children, who were trembling with fear in and at the edge of the water.
+In a short time they recovered courage, and one of the gins, to whom I
+gave a red woollen neck comforter, wanted to get up behind one of my
+companions, and although her advances were rejected she followed us until
+Jemmy, the trooper, made signs to her to return to camp. We started again
+at 12.30, and at 12.42 made half a mile south-west by west. At 12.56, by
+following up the river, we made half a mile in a south-west direction. At
+1.17 p.m. made three-quarters of a mile south by west along the bank of
+the river. At 1.27 quarter of a mile south-west, where on the bank of the
+river we had dinner, and had for salad cabbage-tree sprouts. The holes in
+the river are here deep and long. Hills confine the river on both sides,
+just above where we had dinner. The one on the right bank of the river I
+have named Heales Ranges, and the one on the left Mount Macadam. Started
+again at 4.53 p.m. At 5.20 followed up the river, one mile in a westerly
+direction, over fine ridges of rich soil. At 5.27 quarter of a mile
+south-west by west. At 6.25 made two and a half miles west-south-west to
+left bank of the river, where we formed our ninth camp--the worst camp
+the horses have had as the grass was completely burned up.
+
+Tuesday November 26. Camp Number 9, situated on the Gregory River.
+
+From this camp there are three hills on this side--the left--of the
+river, visible from the camp; ranges bearing from north by east to north
+by west I call the Hull Ranges; a hill west half south I call Mount
+Moore. Fisherman and I set off when Campbell, Allison, and the horses
+were all but ready to start, to go along the ranges to have a view of the
+country. We went along the ranges which confine the river on the left
+bank for forty-eight minutes, when we reached a point about two miles
+west by south from camp. At 9.20 we started to overtake our companions.
+At 10.12 made two miles and a quarter west by north, partly over ridges
+of good soil, and partly over barren ridges, all of which were as dry as
+a chip, to the track of our main party on the way up the river. At 10.40
+made one mile southerly, and reached in that direction and distance the
+bank of the river, where it washes the base of a steep hill on the
+opposite side. At 11 we made three-quarters of a mile along the bank of
+the river in a south-west and by west direction. At 11.12 made half a
+mile west-south-west to a point on the bank where a hill on the left bank
+is about quarter of a mile distant to the north-west. At 11.25 made half
+a mile west-south-west to old channel of river. At 11.37 made half a mile
+west along the river to a point where an isolated hill bore
+west-south-west and by south. At 11.43 made quarter of a mile west and
+watered our horses at the river. Started again at 12 noon. At 12.20
+steered one mile west, overtook our companions, and halted to water the
+horses of the main party. Started at 1 p.m., and at 1.50 made two miles
+south-west by following up the river. At 2.24 made a mile and a quarter
+south-west by west through a pass confined by hills on the right and the
+river on the left. As soon as we got out of it we observed similar ones
+on the opposite side of the river. At 2.45 made three-quarters of a mile
+south-west by south to a point where we made our Number 10 camp. Today we
+went up the river twelve miles and a half. During that space it is
+confined more or less by ranges, which the river on either one side or
+the other washes the base of when it is flooded. The troopers agree with
+me in thinking that the river has the appearance of having a constant
+stream of water. A small log of wood on the edge of the water I observed
+was covered over with a stony substance formed by sediment from the
+water. At one place in the river where we bathed the current was so
+strong that it took our feet from under us in wading across. It is so
+deep that it is not fordable except at the bars between the waterholes,
+where it runs rapid. Its bed is full of large trees, among which I
+observed gum, Leichhardt, tea, and cabbage-palm-trees. Along the edge of
+the water it has a fringe of pandanus. Among the trees in the second bed
+by the river there is coarse grass and other herbs. If we had seen the
+country under more favourable circumstances, a short time after rain had
+fallen instead of now, when the grass is dry and withered, I should have
+called it most beautiful country; for, with the exception of a few barren
+ranges the soil is very rich and clothed with the best of grasses. The
+trees upon it are chiefly bauhinia, and stunted box and gumtrees, without
+ironbark.
+
+Wednesday November 27. Camp Number 10, situated on the banks of the
+Gregory River.
+
+Ginger, the old black horse, was missing until eleven o'clock, when the
+troopers reported that they had found him in the river drowned, and
+floating down with the stream. I had the horses brought down on the
+previous evening to the only watering-place which was safe, but as they
+were watered a few hours before they did not all of them drink so soon
+again. From camp we crossed a bad gully and from it made a fair start at
+11.52, having made at that place half a mile south-west by south. The
+river is at this place closely confined on both sides by stony ranges; a
+few drops of rain fell on us in that pass. At 12.40 p.m. made two miles
+west to a small dry watercourse from the north, which is full of pandanus
+at its mouth. The ranges on the left bank had on them dykes like
+artificial ones, which run at different places across the hills. At 1
+p.m. we made three-quarters of a mile in the same direction south to
+another dry small creek from the north. At 1.14 we made half a mile west
+by south to rapids with a fall of at least three feet, where the river
+was still closely confined on both sides. At 1.45 made a mile south-west
+to a small basaltic hill, opposite what appeared the junction of a larger
+river from the west-south-west. As the crossing-place was bad in this
+river the troopers and I crossed to look at the large watercourse; it was
+running and so full of pandanus that we could not see it well. It might
+be only another channel of the Gregory River. It has the broadest bed but
+has not so much running water in it. The basaltic hill rose too close to
+the river to let us pass so we had to go round it, and as soon as we had
+done so we reached the junction of a creek from the north. The country
+about here consists of stony barren hills and ridges, with the exception
+of a few spots which have rich soil and excellent grass. There is slate
+in abundance, and the country is like that of some goldfields I have
+seen. At 3.40 made half a mile north-west up the creek, which has a slaty
+bed, where we crossed. A little higher it has reeds and water in it. I
+have called it the Stawell Creek. At 3.48 quarter of a mile south-west to
+the river; we observed in crossing this point patches of triodia, or more
+commonly called spinifex. The country near this part of the river is
+wooded with stunted bloodwood. At 4.30 made one mile south-west up the
+river. At 4.43 half a mile south-south-west to a point between river and
+small basaltic hill with two little cones on the top of it, like the
+cairns Mr. Stuart draws of those he made on Central Mount Stuart.
+(Direction omitted, probably about south.) At 4.10 one mile and a quarter
+to where we made our Number 11 camp, at which place I observed some
+first-rate grasses, and for the first time on the Gregory River a few
+tufts of kangaroo-grass. The country we have seen today is fine fattening
+healthy sheep country; but it will not carry much stock as the grass is
+thin. The horse drowned had been an unfortunate brute from the time of
+our leaving Brisbane. On board ship he was nearly kicked to death by
+other horses, having been trampled down during the wreck.
+
+Thursday November 28. Camp Number 11, situated on the Gregory River.
+
+Mr. Allison and I made from time to time observations of the sun and
+stars; but as the sextant, which had been injured at the wreck of a brig,
+was out of order, we had no confidence in those observations, and have
+not preserved them. From Camp Mount Kay, a hill confining the river
+closely on the left bank, about one mile and a half distant (looks about
+three miles) bore 119 degrees; another hill about two miles distant bore
+28 degrees; and another, two miles, bore 312 degrees; also a hill forming
+the south end of the gorge of the river, about one mile distant up the
+river 249 degrees. There is marjoram in abundance at the camp; but that
+is hardly worthy of remark as it is very common all up the river from the
+commencement of the high grounds. We were detained this morning as I had
+a shoe to put on one of the horses and other things to do. At 9.20 a.m.
+Messrs. Campbell, Allison, and Jemmy started up the river, and Fisherman
+and I started to look for a river from the southward. At 10.5, after
+having crossed the river, we made one mile and three-quarters
+south-south-west over rising ground, of the richest soil with hardly a
+tree upon it, to the foot of the ranges, at which place Mount Kay bore 56
+degrees; the hill, probably, with the cairn on the top, 53 degrees; the
+ranges bearing 68 to 71 degrees, which I think are on the right bank of a
+watercourse we found soon afterwards, which I named the O'Shanassy River,
+just above its junction with the Gregory River. A table hill, about a
+mile distant 92 degrees. At 10.50 we made half a mile south-south-west to
+the top of a range which has a basaltic stony character. From it we
+observed that we were 327 degrees from a distant long-topped table hill.
+Having got into broken country I depended too much on Fisherman to take
+me out of it into the next valley, but he took me on to the river at a
+point a considerable distance up its course. At 1 p.m. we returned to the
+point, which is one mile and three-quarters south-south-west from the
+camp we left in the morning. At 1.30 we made east-south-east, past the
+little table hill to a beautiful valley of the richest soil, but now
+without water, and all the grass parched up, at which point Mount Kay
+bore north-north-west, about one mile distant. We then searched for the
+river we expected to find coming from the southward, and found it by
+following down the river north-east for one mile and a half below Mount
+Kay, where we marked a tree--broad arrow before L. We then followed the
+river up for half a mile and observed that it was running. It does not
+join at the place which we the previous day thought was the junction of a
+river. Just above the junction there is a scrub of large fig-trees, on
+which there were a great number of flying foxes. There is a hill on the
+right bank of the river, just above its junction with the Gregory, which
+I named Smith's Range. In returning I observed at a point one mile and
+three-quarters south-south-west from the camp remarkable hills on both
+sides of the Gregory River, about half a mile above the junction with the
+O'Shanassy, which I have named the Prior Ranges. At 4.48 we returned to a
+point opposite Mount Kay. At 5.26 made two miles up the river to where
+there are remarkable bluff hills on both sides of the river (the lower
+hills of the gorge). At 5.50 we observed that we had passed the camp and,
+as the river is difficult to cross even at its best fords, we went to the
+camp ford, which the horses knew, as we had crossed there in the morning.
+Having made camp at 6.35, at dark we made one mile and three-quarters
+west, slightly southerly to the hill at the gorge, on the track of the
+main party. Further than that Fisherman would not follow this track in
+the dark, as it went over a basaltic rocky range. This was a bad camp for
+us, the grass so parched up that the horses could not get any worth
+eating, and we had nothing to eat ourselves. I was stung by a reptile,
+probably a scorpion. The pain it gave was sufficient to make me very
+uncomfortable during the night.
+
+Friday November 29.
+
+At 5.40 a.m. Fisherman and I started on the track of the main party. At
+6.55 we made two and a half miles south-south-west by following the river
+up a gorge to opposite junction of a watercourse from the south, which I
+have named the Verdon Creek. At 7.18 made three-quarters of a mile
+south-west by south up gorge of the river. At 7.35 made half a mile
+south-west and by west to junction of a little creek from the north. At 8
+made three-quarters of a mile west to a basaltic hill on left bank. At
+8.25 three-quarters of a mile in the same direction, to a point opposite
+a large creek from the south, which I have named Balfour Creek.
+(Respecting it see Campbell's report.) At the lower end of a gap in the
+basaltic wall, on the left side, there is a round-topped hill, just above
+the junction of the creek. At 8.35 we made half a mile west-north-west to
+the junction of a small creek from the north. At 9.4 made a mile west and
+by north. At 9.13 a quarter of a mile to junction of a watercourse from
+the north, which I have named Haines Creek. At 9.24 a quarter of a mile
+north-west up this creek to Number 12 Camp. During the remainder of the
+day we all remained in encampment except Mr. Campbell and Jemmy who went
+and examined Balfour Creek, having been asked by me to do so. Mr.
+Campbell gave me afterwards the following report of his survey;
+
+I proceeded, accompanied by Jemmy to the Gregory River, and though I
+endeavoured at several points to effect a crossing, we had to follow the
+stream about four miles before an eligible place could be found. Here the
+bottom is hard and stony, with about three feet of water running at a
+rapid rate. Opposite this point I marked a gumtree with + before broad
+arrow before L. I then proceeded up the opposite bank, and crossed two
+dry watercourses, and at about two and a half miles came upon the branch
+(I presume you to have meant) and found it going in a westerly direction.
+There was but little water in it so far as I went; and, as it was not
+running, I do not think water could be traced up any distance. I tried to
+cross the Gregory at the junction of this creek, but the banks are so
+boggy I had to return by the way I went.
+
+...
+
+Saturday November 30. Camp Number 12, situated on Haines Creek.
+
+At 8.35 a.m. left the camp, and at 8.50 made half a mile south-east and
+reached the river. At 8.57 made a quarter of a mile west. At 9.30 made
+one mile and a quarter west-south-west along the river. At 9.37 made a
+quarter of a mile south-west. At 9.55 made three-quarters of a mile south
+to where there is a crossing-place at rapids, with at least six feet of a
+fall. Made a delay of twenty minutes from having to go through pandanus
+and tea-tree scrub, and then over rocks, etc. Made a fair start at 10.20.
+At 10.35 made half a mile south-west. At 10.45 made half a mile south. At
+11.10 made one mile and a half west-south-west. (About here kangaroos are
+numerous.) At 11.23 made half a mile south-west by west. At 11.40 made
+three-quarters of a mile west to a single column and wall, which I have
+called Campbell's Tower. Mr. Campbell and I got into the tower, which we
+found a delightful shelter from the heat of the sun, while the troopers
+were getting cabbage-tree sprouts. Started again at 12.54 p.m. At 3.45
+made what I supposed to be a branch of the river, as it was hardly
+running. Having stopped the horses, Jemmy and I went in search of the
+running water, and also to look for grass for the horses, as we did not
+remember having seen any on the course we had come for some distance
+back, except very coarse grass in the bed of the river, and old grass on
+the bank, which was too dry to be of service. At a quarter of a mile
+further we found the junction, on the right side of the river, of a
+well-watered creek which I have named after Sir Francis Murphy. We could
+not, from its bogginess, cross. We therefore returned, and recrossed at
+the old place. There we went down the river and crossed between the creek
+I mentioned. We then followed the same down on the right side about two
+miles without finding the junction of the running stream; and as it was
+late we returned to where we had left the main party, and near there
+formed our thirteenth camp on the left bank of the river.
+
+Sunday December 1. Camp 13, situated on the Gregory River.
+
+On a particular examination of the grass about the camp I had a better
+opinion of it, and thought it advisable to remain here until I had made a
+search for the running water. At this camp we had a potful of
+cabbage-tree sprouts, and we ate a large quantity of it with lime juice
+which made it resemble rhubarb in taste. It agreed well with us, except
+with Mr. Campbell, who was slightly sick from eating it.
+
+Monday December 2. Camp 13.
+
+Before starting to look for the running stream Mr. Allison and I clinched
+and fastened with other nails the shoes on the horses that Jemmy and I
+were going to ride. We left camp at 7.52 a.m. At 8.30 made one mile and a
+half east. At 8.53 made one mile further east. At 9.6 half a mile
+east-north-east to junction of a creek on the right side of the river,
+which I have named the Wilson Creek. In the fork made by it and the river
+marked a tree with broad arrow between E. L. At 9.27 we crossed the creek
+and followed down the river. At 10.4 we made one mile and a quarter
+north-east (chiefly at some distance from the river, on the top of the
+high basaltic bank, which, from the want of soil, has nothing on it
+except triodia and stunted bloodwood-trees) to a point half a mile south
+of Campbell's Tower and west-south-west from a point about two miles down
+the river. We started again at 10.13 and reached the rapids in the river,
+which are about three miles above Number 12 camp; in doing so we kept
+chiefly at some distance from the river on the barren basaltic rocky
+ridges, and only crossed two dry watercourses. With some difficulty we
+crossed at the top of the rapids. A few yards lower the stream is three
+feet deep and several yards wide. Having now gone round the running
+water, as the country is very dry on both sides of the river, it follows
+that this fine stream proceeds from springs in the immediate
+neighbourhood. We left the rapids to return to camp at 3.22 p.m. at a
+smart walk. At 4.10 we made two miles and a half to a tree in a narrow
+pass, which we marked with a broad arrow between E. L. At 4.20 started
+again, and at 4.40 made one mile to Campbell's Tower; then at 5.9 two
+miles and a half to a pillar 40 feet high. At 6.14 two miles and
+three-quarters to camp.
+
+Tuesday December 3. Camp 13.
+
+At 8.15 a.m. we left this camp; crossed the river with the intention of
+following it on that side when practicable. At 8.26 made a quarter of a
+mile north-west. At 8.35 made half a mile west-north-west. At 8.50 made
+half a mile south-west and by west. At 9.4 made half a mile
+west-north-west. At 9.16 made half a mile west-south-west to junction of
+another creek from the south, named by me Haughton Creek. At 9.45 made
+one mile west-south-west to junction of another creek from the south,
+named by me Dodwell Creek. At 10.12 made one mile west by north. At 10.20
+made a quarter of a mile west to junction of another creek from south. At
+10.27 made a quarter of a mile north by west. At 10.52 made
+three-quarters of a mile north-west. At 11.7 made half a mile north-west.
+At 11.20 made half a mile west and by south. At 11.40 made three-quarters
+of a mile north-west. At noon made three-quarters of a mile west. At
+12.26 made one mile west and by south. At 1 made one mile west by south.
+At 1.7 made a quarter of a mile south to a point on the right bank, where
+we formed our fourteenth camp, as we found there water in the river from
+a recent thunderstorm. The bed of the river we had found perfectly dry
+for some distance back. The river is badly watered along the course we
+have come. Below our last camp it has quite a different character. There
+are now only gumtrees in the bed of it, whereas lower down it was crowded
+with green trees, consisting chiefly of fig, Leichhardt, drooping
+tea-tree, cabbage-palm, pandanus, etc. All the country above Camp 11 on
+the banks of the river is composed of barren, rocky, basaltic ridges,
+which are slightly timbered with stunted bloodwood trees and overrun with
+triodia, with the exception of narrow strips of flooded country on each
+side of the river, on the lowest parts of which there is coarse grass,
+and on the higher parts there are tufts of the best description of
+grasses.
+
+Tuesday December 4. Camp Number 14, situated on the Gregory River.
+
+At 7.58 a.m. left camp and at 8.20 made three-quarters of a mile south to
+opposite junction of creek from south, which I have named Fullarton
+Creek. At 8.35 a.m. made three-quarters of a mile south-west to the
+junction of another creek from south. At 8.53 made a quarter of a mile
+west-south-west. At 9 made three-quarters of a mile west. At 9.20 made
+three-quarters of a mile west-south-west. At 9.27 made a quarter of a
+mile west-south-west to junction of creek from west. At 10 made one mile
+south-west. At 10.35 made one mile south-west to junction of creek from
+north named by me Dixon Creek. At 10.45 made a quarter of a mile
+south-west. At 11.20 left main party to go in search of water, with
+orders to party to return to old camp if not back in an hour. At 11.40
+made three-quarters of a mile west to junction of small creek from south.
+At 11.45 made a quarter of a mile west. At 12.10 p.m. made half a mile
+north-west. At 12.40 made one mile north-west to junction of creek from
+south-west which I have named Abbot Creek. At 12.48 made a quarter of a
+mile south-west up the creek, and marked a tree in its bed. Fisherman got
+some honey from a tree. At 2.30 made a quarter of a mile south-west,
+proceeded up the creek. At 2.40 made a quarter of a mile south-west,
+passed the junction of two small creeks. At 2.58 made three-quarters of a
+mile south-west by west. At 3.20 made three-quarters of a mile south. At
+3.30 made a quarter of a mile south-west to junction of small creek on
+south side. At 3.53 made three-quarters of a mile south. At 3.58 made a
+quarter of a mile south-east. At 4.8 made a quarter of a mile
+south-south-west, at which point, having marked a tree with broad arrow
+over L and not having found either water or grass since leaving Number 14
+camp, we started to return at 5.5. We reached our honey delay tree in
+about two miles and three-quarters. At dark we reached in about three
+miles to where we had left our party, when we went in search of water,
+and in a distance of fully five miles and a quarter to Camp 15, situated
+about one mile higher up the river than Camp 14. From our companions we
+learned that Jemmy had been up the river, and although he had been away
+all day, had returned without finding any water. He observed however a
+smoke to the southward, where water very probably may be found, as these
+fires are generally kindled by the natives near water.
+
+Thursday December 5. Camp Number 15.
+
+Mr. Campbell having gone today in search of water, made the following
+report:
+
+Left camp at 8.15 a.m., accompanied by Jemmy. On reaching the rise above
+the camp I steered in a south-west direction which we followed for six
+miles over a barren country intersected in many places by deep gullies or
+watercourses; one of these we followed to its junction with a very wide
+channel, larger, in my opinion, than the Gregory at the point where we
+left that stream. From its appearance I imagine it has not been visited
+by a flood for a considerable period, as in many places it is overgrown
+with rank grass and young timber.
+
+We followed this channel up for some distance in the expectation of
+finding water in the deep holes along its bed, in one of which we
+discovered a native well, but which was quite dry.
+
+Seeing after a time there was no prospect of procuring water by following
+this course, I left the channel and proceeded in a south to south-east
+direction, and (being advised by Jemmy) and having neither water nor
+provisions with us, determined on returning back, seeing no probability
+of obtaining water in the character of country through with we were
+travelling. On our return we made the channel before mentioned several
+miles to the north, which we followed down, and it brought us into the
+Gregory, about four miles above our camp. Distance travelled about thirty
+miles.
+
+...
+
+Friday December 6. Camp Number 15.
+
+Fisherman and I left camp this morning to go in search of water. At 9.50
+a.m. made three-quarters of a mile south to Fullarton Creek. At 10.15
+made one mile south up the creek. At 10.43 made one mile south up the
+creek. At 10.50 made a quarter of a mile south-east. At 11.8 made a
+quarter of a mile north. At 11.15 made a quarter of a mile east. At 11.35
+made a quarter of a mile east, general course of creek. At 11.40 made a
+quarter of a mile south-east. At 11.50 made half a mile south. At 12.7
+p.m. made three-quarters of a mile south. At 12.52 made two miles south.
+At 1.18 made one mile south by east, to a plain with tableland of the
+richest soil, and with grasses of the most fattening nature, but which at
+this time are old and dry. This tableland I have named Barkly Plains,
+after His Excellency Sir Henry Barkly. At 1.26 made a quarter of a mile
+south by east three miles and three-quarters south to plains, to reach
+which we crossed barren ridges with gullies, having an easterly course.
+To the south-west not a tree was to be seen. At 3.37 made two miles and a
+quarter south, with which course we skirt the left edge of Barkly Plains.
+Stopped here and had some dinner. Started again at 4.15. At 4.30 p.m.
+made one mile south where Fisherman shot and dressed an emu. At 5.23 we
+started again. At 5.40 made three-quarters of a mile south-south-east to
+a watercourse which I have named Pratt Creek. At 5.45 made a quarter of a
+mile south-east down the creek to water. Proceeded about one mile
+further, and then returned about halfway to where we encamped (compare
+with 7th December). The grass in this neighbourhood is good, excepting of
+course on the ridges, which are barren and covered with triodia. The
+creek has been recently flooded, and has remaining in it, I hope,
+sufficient water to last us until we find more permanent water to which
+we can proceed. I think that watercourses do exist, both to the right and
+left of the plain, from the general appearance of the country running
+parallel to the plains.
+
+Saturday 7th December.
+
+Started to return to camp at 8.25 a.m. At 9 a.m. made one mile
+north-west, and having tracked the emu there it was then packed upon the
+packhorse; we started again at 9.20. At 10.10 made two miles and a half
+north. At 11.8 made one mile and a quarter north to the barren ridges. At
+11.42 made one mile and a half north over the ridges. At 12.56 p.m. made
+two miles and three-quarters north. At 1.20 made one mile north-west
+where we had dinner and started again at 1.55. At 2.5 made a quarter of a
+mile north-west by north. At 2.15 made half a mile north-north-east to
+outward tracks upon Fullarton Creek. At 5.35 made seven miles and a half
+to the junction of creek with river; upon the point formed by junction
+marked tree (broad arrow over L). At 6 made half a mile and reached Camp
+Number 15.
+
+Sunday 8th December. Camp Number 15.
+
+Being anxious to benefit by the water in Pratt Creek, on Barkly
+Tableland, we left camp at 11.7 to go to it. At 11.20 a.m. made half a
+mile to marked tree at junction of Fullarton Creek. At 11.25 made two
+miles and three-quarters to a cross log. Soon after Mr. Campbell was
+taken unwell. At 2.20 p.m. made four miles to where we left the creek
+when upon its right bank. At 3.20 made three miles and a half south over
+barren ridges to Barkly Tableland, where we delayed until 4.10. At 5.17
+made three miles south. At 5.45 made one mile and a quarter south by
+east. At 6.56 made three miles and a quarter south by east. At 7.13 made
+three-quarters of a mile south. At dark made one mile east-south-east and
+encamped at Pratt Creek.
+
+Monday 9th December. Camp Number 16.
+
+Mr. Campbell has been for some days somewhat unwell. Jemmy and I started
+down the creek in search of more permanent water. At 12.6 p.m. made one
+mile and three-quarters east-north-east on right bank to the junction of
+small creek. At 12.20 made three-quarters of a mile east-north-east over
+barren stony basaltic ridges, overrun by triodia and slightly timbered
+with stunted bloodwood and bauhinia trees, to a plain of rich soil
+covered with fattening grasses. At 12.30 made half a mile east-north-east
+over a plain to where we observed smoke half a point northerly of the
+course we had just come. Kept towards it, thinking water might be found
+near it. At 1.32 made two miles and a half east-north-east, chiefly over
+ridges of a character like those I have previously described, to a
+watercourse which I have named Burrows Creek; its course is easterly. At
+1.52 made three-quarters of a mile east-north-east to a tree from which
+Jemmy got some honey. Started again at 2.30. At 4.50 made three miles and
+a half east-north-east to a small creek from the north. At 5 made three
+miles and a quarter east-north-east to another creek from the north. At
+6.23 made three miles to a little creek from the south. At 7.20 made two
+miles and three-quarters easterly down the creek from the south. At 8.15
+made two miles north-east. Made down the creek in search of water but had
+to camp without succeeding. The latter part of the day's journey has been
+along a stony barren ridge, as I have described, which told severely on
+the feet of the horses.
+
+Tuesday December 10th.
+
+Not being able to proceed further with our lame and thirsty horses I
+deemed it advisable to return campwards at 6.30 a.m. At 7.30 a.m. made
+two miles and three-quarters west-south-west to where I told Jemmy to
+lead the way over the range and follow down one of the southerly creeks
+in search of water. At 8.35 made three miles south-west by west to the
+head of the creek. At 9.20 made four miles and three-quarters south-east
+down the creek, where we left it, as its course was contrary to the
+direction of the camp. At 9.50 made one mile and a quarter
+west-south-west to another small creek, which we also resolved to follow
+down a short distance in search of water. At 10.12 made one mile south
+down the creek. Crossed our old tracks. At 10.27 made half a mile
+south-east. Left the creek. At 10.53 made one mile west-south-west. At
+11.3 made half a mile south-west to creek, which we also searched. At
+11.35 made one mile south-south-east down creek, and then left it; no
+appearance of water, which we very much wanted. At 1 p.m. made two miles
+south by west. At 2 made two miles and three-quarters west half north
+where we gave our horses each two quarts of water from our leathern
+bottles, and changed saddles so that Jemmy could ride the packhorse, as
+the one that he had been riding was not able to carry him any further. At
+3.15 made two miles and three-quarters west by north to our outward
+tracks, and also a great number of emu tracks, from which we concluded
+that water existed in the neighbouring creeks. At 3.50 made one mile and
+a half west-south-west to Burrows Creek. At 4.5 made half a mile
+north-east where we had to proceed without our packhorse down the creek a
+considerable distance without noting the distance, as I was too thirsty.
+As the birds were very numerous here, we were convinced that we were near
+water. The continual noise they made was more tantalising than can well
+be conceived: it sounded to us like, "We know where there is water, but
+you foolish fellows cannot find it." About one mile further down the
+creek we came upon a hole very recently dry, in the bottom of which we
+dug with a pointed stick, clearing away with our hands to the depth of
+two feet. We found muddy water, with which we quenched our thirsts and
+gave the horses a few quarts of it. Having hobbled our tired horses we
+started upon foot to look for water. We went up the creek a mile to where
+it is joined by another branch; this we followed up for about two miles,
+and found a hole with a few gallons of water in it. In about a mile we
+crossed over to where we had left the packhorse, which we found after a
+prolonged search. At 12.10 a.m. made half a mile north-east down Burrows
+Creek to the junction of Pratt Creek. At 1 one mile and three-quarters
+north to our well. At 1.25 started to take the horses to the water. At 3
+two miles and a quarter south by west to the water previously found; and
+unsaddled our horses. We were twenty-two consecutive hours, more or less,
+engaged, during which time Jemmy never showed any signs of fatigue, or
+unwillingness to proceed.
+
+Wednesday December 11th.
+
+Jemmy and I started to follow up the creek to camp. At 10.20 made four
+miles up the creek to where we found just sufficient water to quench the
+thirst of the horses, and after delaying for that purpose we started
+again at 10.50 a.m. At 11.20 made one mile to the best pond of water that
+we have seen either up or down the creek. One of the horses was so fagged
+that we delayed in consequence till 12.35. At 12.50 made half a mile up
+the creek to opposite junction (or main) one-eighth of a mile to opposite
+junction of another creek. At 2.27 made three miles up the creek to Camp
+17, where we were glad to find from Mr. Campbell that he had quite
+recovered from his illness.
+
+Thursday December 12th. Camp Number 16. Situated on Pratt Creek.
+
+At 8.50 made one mile south-west by south up the creek from Number 16
+Camp to a waterhole where Fisherman and Jemmy were filling the
+water-bottles to carry on the packhorse, so as to supply us whilst in
+search of more water. At 10.4 made one mile and a quarter, about south to
+a waterhole up the creek. At 12 made five miles and three-quarters
+south-west to one of the branches of the Gregory River, which I have
+named Elliott Creek, over rich well-grassed plain country. At 12.10 made
+one mile south to where Jemmy left us to return to Camp 16. At 1.24 made
+two miles south, where we left following up Elliott Creek, despairing of
+finding water in it. At 1.35 made half a mile south-west to a tree which
+Fisherman climbed to look across the plains. At 6.24 made thirteen miles
+south-west, which distance on that course took us across the plain near
+to a large clump of timber. The grass on the plain is good, with a
+considerable quantity of saltbush among it, but we were afraid we would
+not find water in the watercourse we were approaching, we had seen so few
+birds on the plain. At 6.43 made one mile south to a clump of trees
+resembling myall, which I have seen before to the west of Rockhampton. At
+8 made two miles and three-quarters about south down the watercourse in
+search of water, having stopped for our supper and started again. At 12
+made two miles and a quarter south by west down the watercourse to some
+young grass, where we camped for the remainder of the night.
+
+Friday December 13th.
+
+In the morning we heard a great number of birds and expected to find
+water. At 6.5 a.m. made three-quarters of a mile west in search of water,
+hearing birds in that direction. At 6.44 made one mile about south-east
+back to the creek. At 8.45 made six miles about south-west down the creek
+in search of water to the junction of watercourse from the north which I
+have named Pring Creek. On the point between the two creeks we marked a
+tree with a broad arrow before L. At this place we stopped until nine
+o'clock and in the meantime gave the horses each two quarts of water from
+the supply we had with us. At 9.25 made one mile north-north-west up
+Pring Creek to the junction of a creek from north. At 9.35 made one mile
+north-north-west up the latter creek to where we started for Number 16
+Camp without having found water. At 10.47 made three miles and
+three-quarters west by north over rich thinly timbered plains, the grass
+old and dry. At 11.22 made one mile and a half north-east to our outer
+track below camp on creek. At 11.38 made three-quarters of a mile about
+north-north-east up the creek. At 11.55 made three-quarters of a mile
+north to last night's camp. At 12.26 p.m. made one mile and a quarter
+north-east up the creek. At 1.3 made one mile and a half north to where
+we supped last night. At 1.30 made one mile and a quarter north-east at
+where we stopped and started again at 2 p.m. At 2.20 made one mile
+north-east to the plain. At 3.10 made two miles and a half north. At 7.15
+made ten miles and a half north-east to lookout-tree, which we made
+steering by compass. At this place I gave the horses almost all that was
+left of the water, as I thought that Fisherman would be able easily to
+lead the way to Camp 16, and I being so confident of this paid no
+attention to the course that he was leading me. At 11.30 I found that
+Fisherman did not know where he was, so I gave my horse his head,
+thinking he would go to water near Number 16 Camp; but he searched along
+the bed of a watercourse for water and found a fine waterhole, where we
+saw a fire on the banks, at which we thought there were probably blacks,
+as boughs and a net had been recently placed around the water to ensnare
+large birds. After we had got a supply of water we watered the horses and
+went west-north-west about one mile and a half to a point on the plain
+about half a mile distant from the watercourse, where we hobbled out the
+horses and stopped till morning.
+
+Saturday December 14.
+
+The watercourse I named Clifton Creek. At 6.30 a.m. Fisherman and I left
+our camp. At 7 made one mile east-south-east down Clifton Creek to where
+we passed from left to right bank, which we then followed up a few yards
+to the junction of a larger creek on the right side, where there is a
+fine waterhole. At 7.45 made one mile east-south-east down the Clifton
+Creek to where we stopped for breakfast, and started again at 9.35. At
+9.42 went quarter mile south-east across a range to a creek with deep
+empty holes. At 9.49 went quarter mile south-east to plain. At 10.40 went
+two and a half miles south-east to a large river, with large waterholes
+recently empty, surrounded by tall cabbage, pandanus, and large drooping
+tea-trees. I ascertained afterwards that it was the O'Shanassy. One of
+the cabbage-trees we cut down to get its centre sprout to eat. Started
+again at 11.40. At 12.13 made three-quarters of a mile south-south-east,
+passed the junction of two creeks, one from the east and one from the
+west. At 12.45 made one mile north-west across a range to dry creek. From
+the range we saw the river had a north-north-east course. At 1.9 made one
+mile north-west up a barren, rocky, basaltic range to rich well-grassed
+plains. At 1.33 made one mile north-west to a creek with empty deep
+holes. At 2.10 made two miles north-west to Clifton Creek, where we had
+breakfast, and started again at 3 up the Clifton Creek. At 3.15 made
+three-quarters of a mile north-west up the creek to where we crossed to
+left bank and left it. At 3.50 made one mile and three-quarters
+north-west over a fine downs ridge covered with green grass. At 4.15 made
+one mile north-north-west to outward track on right bank on the Pratt
+Creek. At 4.45 made one and a quarter mile north-east and at 5 made
+three-quarters of a mile north-east in the direction of Number 16 Camp.
+At 5.9 made quarter of a mile north by east to creek. At 5.17 made
+quarter of a mile north over a barren desert grass ridge. At 5.30 made
+one mile and a half to Number 16 Camp. At 5.40 we left Number 16 Camp to
+go two and a half miles south-west by south to where our companions had
+formed Number 17 Camp in our absence.
+
+Monday December 16. Camp Number 17. Situated on Pratt Creek.
+
+At 8.15 left camp to go to the fine waterhole at the junction of a creek
+from the west, which I have named Campbell's Creek, with Clifton Creek.
+At 8.48 made one mile and a half south-west by south. At 9 made half a
+mile south-south-west to tracks made, when Fisherman and I returned to
+Number 17 Camp. At 9.45 made two miles south-east down to Clifton Creek.
+At 10.10 made one mile south-east down the creek to where we formed our
+18th camp. At the camp we had a severe thunderstorm which lasted for
+about four hours. At the two previous camps Mr. Allison made observations
+of the sun with the plains for a horizon, which were very satisfactory,
+as the latitude obtained was nearly the same as that of my dead
+reckoning, also nearly the same as the latitude made with the
+observations of the stars Aldebaran and Castor with an artificial horizon
+at Number 16 Camp. Observations taken at Camp 16: Aldebaran 19 degrees 14
+minutes 21 seconds; ditto Castor 19 degrees 24 minutes 30 seconds; ditto
+Sun 19 degrees 24 minutes 30 seconds; ditto dead reckoning 19 degrees 24
+minutes. At Camp Number 17 about two miles southward from Camp 16: Sun 19
+degrees 26 minutes 47 seconds. At Camp Number 20: Sun dead reckoning
+nearly the same 19 degrees 37 minutes.
+
+Tuesday December 17. Camp Number 18. Situated on Clifton Creek.
+
+Left camp at 7.32. At 8.15 made two miles south to dry creek from
+south-west, where we were delayed till 8.32; at 8.50 made three-quarters
+of a mile south to the plain; at 10.45 made five miles and a half south
+to a watercourse which I have named Darvall Creek: at 11.10 made
+three-quarters of a mile west by south up the creek; at 11.32 made one
+mile south-west by south; at 11.48 made three-quarters of a mile
+south-west by south; at 12.8 made three-quarters of a mile south-west
+where we crossed the creek; at 12.13 made quarter of a mile south-west to
+junction of creek; at 12.35 made one mile west-south-west to left bank of
+the creek; at 1.10 made about one mile south-west up the creek; at 1.27
+made three-quarters of a mile south-west up the creek; at 1.34 made
+quarter of a mile west-south-west to where we stopped, as some of our
+party were looking for water, at 3.35 made three miles and a quarter
+south-east to where, having found a little water in a watercourse with an
+easterly course, which I have named Wilkie Creek, we formed our 19th
+camp.
+
+Wednesday December 18. Camp Number 19. Situated on Wilkie Creek.
+
+At 7.10 a.m. Fisherman and I left camp to search for water; at 7.20 made
+half a mile south-east; at 7.50 made one mile and a half east by north
+half north over well-grassed plains to poor soil ridges slightly timbered
+with bauhinia, stunted box, and bloodwood trees; at 8.6 made
+three-quarters of a mile east by north to a little creek; at 8.20 made
+three-quarters of a mile east by north to a watercourse which I have
+named Allison's Creek; it has narrow channels and flats, timbered with
+gum trees, and thickly covered with what is called on Darling Downs oaten
+grass: At 8.30 made quarter of a mile south by east up the creek: at 8.50
+made three-quarters of a mile south-south-east to a small rocky hole with
+a little water in it: at 9.45 made one and a half miles east-south-east
+up the creek to where we left it: at 10.6 made three-quarters of a mile
+south-west by west to a little creek from east; at 10.15 made quarter of
+a mile south-west to plains; at 10.45 made one mile and a half south-west
+across the plains; at 11.17 made one mile and a half west-south-west to
+where we stopped to have dinner under a solitary tree which cast a deep
+shadow. Started again at 1 p.m. At 2.10 made three miles and two-thirds
+west-south-west across the plain, without finding the track of Campbell
+and party; at 4.30 made six miles and three-quarters north-west over
+unbroken rich plains, timbered slightly with bushes; at 6.16 made four
+miles and a half north-east to where some of our party on a previous day
+went in search of water; at 6.45 made one mile and a quarter east a short
+distance back from right bank of creek; at 7.15 made one mile and
+three-quarters north-east by north to where he went down right bank of
+creek to search for water; at 7.22 made quarter of a mile
+north-north-east searching down the creek in vain for water; at 8.5 made
+two miles along yesterday's outward track to waterhole in Darvall Creek,
+where the horses were watered yesterday, near which on the left bank of
+the creek we found Messrs. Campbell and Allison had encamped.
+
+Thursday December 19. Camp Number 20. Situated on Darvall Creek.
+
+Accompanied by Mr. Allison I went out on the plain to a point about
+three-quarters of a mile south-west by south from camp, where Mr. Allison
+made the noon altitude of sun 85 degrees 57 minutes, which gave the
+latitude 19 degrees 37 minutes, which was nearly the same as my dead
+reckoning. Mr. Campbell and Fisherman returned to camp, having been out
+in search of water. He brought back a turkey which he had shot, and the
+good news that he had found water up the creek. At 6.30 p.m. we left
+Number 20 Camp; at 7.45 made three miles west-south-west up the creek to
+the waterhole which Mr. Campbell had found, near which on the right bank
+we formed our 21st camp. The banks of the creek at this camp descend in
+gentle slopes, and consequently have a continuation of rich soil from the
+plains; and as the grass was not too old it proved one of the best camps
+for horses we have hitherto had.
+
+Friday December 20. Camp 21. Situated on the Darvall Creek.
+
+The troopers and I left this camp at 10.4 to go in search of water; at
+10.45 made two miles west-south-west to the junction of a watercourse
+from south-west which I have named Turner Creek; at 11.14 made one mile
+and a quarter up Darvall Creek; at 11.37 made one mile west by north
+further up the creek. All the country we have seen since we started
+resembles the rich country about the camp. At 12.4 made one mile west by
+south to where there are trees, which I have named Western Wood; at 12.27
+made one mile south through Western Wood scrub, it is full of salt herbs,
+of which the horses were fond of eating as they went along; at this place
+we saw cockatoos and pigeons. From seeing them we searched for water but
+did not find any; at 1.20 one mile and a half south-south-west across
+rich well-grassed plains to a belt of acacia, overlooking a plain to the
+westward, but beyond it a line of trees stretching north and south which
+I have named Manning Plain. At 2.40 went three miles and three-quarters
+west to a belt of Western Wood scrub; at 2.57 went three-quarters of a
+mile west to where we stopped to have dinner; we started again at 4.25;
+at 4.53 made one mile and a quarter west by south to a watercourse from
+the north-west; at 5.30 made one mile and three-quarters about south-east
+down the creek to our old track of the 12th instant; at 6.35 made one
+mile and a quarter to our old camp; here we again encamped.
+
+Saturday December 21.
+
+Having used the water up on the additional packhorse that we had brought
+on this occasion with us, Fisherman left us, taking back the packhorse to
+the camp; at 6.5 Jemmy and I started down the watercourse which I have
+named Herbert Creek, in search of water; at 8.4 made six miles south-west
+across rich fine plain country to Pring Creek from north-north-east; at
+8.14 made half a mile north by east down Pring Creek to a point at the
+junction with Herbert Creek where we had on the previous occasion marked
+a tree broad arrow before L; at 8.30 made three-quarters of a mile
+south-south-west down Herbert Creek to where we saw a flock of pigeons,
+and immediately after found a little water, where we halted, but again
+started at 8.47; at 9 made half a mile south-west down the river; at 9.20
+made three-quarters of a mile south-east down the river; at 9.40 made one
+mile east by south down the river, at 10.10 made one mile about
+south-east down the river; at 10.30 made three-quarters of a mile
+south-east down the river to where we found a little water out of small
+holes in the rock, which seemed like a robbery from the flocks of little
+birds which surrounded them; from here we started again at 11.5; at 11.15
+made a quarter of a mile south to junction of large creek from
+south-west, which I named Hervey Creek, near which we observed several
+flocks of pigeons; at 11.50 made half a mile east-south-east to where the
+channels are confined, and where there is on the left side a strange deep
+rocky pit; at 12.12 made three-quarters of a mile south-south-west down
+the river; at 12.21 made quarter of a mile south-east down the river; at
+12.35 made three-quarters of a mile south-south-east to the junction of
+creek from north-east which I have named Chester Creek; at 12.58 made one
+mile south-east by east down the river; at 1.6 made quarter of a mile
+south-south-west to a very fine waterhole which I have named Mary Lake.
+This place seems to be a favourite resort for blacks; the banks are
+covered with mussels, and all the firewood burned. We turned the horses
+out for some time; it is surrounded with bushes of polygonum; at 4.32
+started to return to Number 21 Camp; at 4.50 made one mile north to
+Chester Creek; at 6.15 made five miles north across high stony rich plain
+country, where we encamped, as there was a patch of young grass for the
+horses.
+
+Sunday December 22. Camp.
+
+From camp on left bank of little dry creek we left at 6.20 to return to
+Camp 21; at 8 a.m. made six miles north to left bank of Herbert Creek; at
+8.20 made one mile and a quarter north up the creek to old camp, where we
+delayed to give the horses water from the bottles, and started again at
+8.38; at 10 made three miles and a half in different directions to the
+Western Wood tree, where we had dinner on Friday last; at 11.20 made
+three miles and three-quarters to east side of Manning Plain, where we
+lost the tracks and delayed looking for them till 11.40; at 12.20 made
+three miles, where we met Fisherman with a horse loaded with water.
+Started again at 12.50; at 1.44 made two miles and three-quarters east;
+at 2.8 made one mile east; at 3.2 made two miles and three-quarters east
+by north to 21 Camp.
+
+Monday December 23. Camp Number 21. Situated on Darvall Creek.
+
+We left this camp at 9.3 a.m. on a south-west course. On that course from
+camp we crossed and recrossed the creek. At 10.3 made two miles and
+three-quarters south-west over rich well-grassed tableland plains,
+slightly timbered with bushes. We observed the small saline herbs which I
+have mentioned the horses to be so fond of, also more of the Queensland
+saltbush than we have seen previously; at 12.3 made four miles and a
+quarter south-west by west to Manning Plain, where we delayed, and
+started again at 12.14; at 1.20 made two miles and a quarter south-west
+by west where we delayed and started again at 1.35; at 2.20 made two
+miles and a quarter south-west by west, where we having halted started
+again at 2.48; at 3.10 made one mile south-west by west to where we found
+yesterday's tracks; at 4.35 made four miles south by east to Saturday
+night's camp; at 4.45 made half a mile south to where Mr. Campbell's
+horse knocked up; at 6.19 made three miles and three-quarters south; at
+6.27 made a quarter of a mile south half east to Chester Creek; at 6.52
+made one mile and a quarter south half east to Mary Lake, where we formed
+our twenty-second camp.
+
+Tuesday December 24. Mary Lake.
+
+Rested ourselves and horses, and put shoes on Mr. Campbell's horse with
+screw nails. We found the punching and fitting of the shoes difficult and
+tedious, although Mr. Gregory, who is himself a first-rate hand at that
+sort of work, assured me that it would not be a troublesome operation.
+
+Christmas Day. Mary Lake.
+
+As ducks were abundant and the grass good this was a fine place for
+spending Christmas. In the afternoon Jemmy and I went down the river in a
+south-south-east direction to a fine waterhole, which I have named Lake
+Frances; between Mary Lake and it, we only found shallow pools of water
+from the last thunderstorm. We saw a fat old white-headed blackfellow and
+his gin near the waterhole. The gin was very anxious about the safety of
+her four dogs and carried one of them in her arms; but on our approach
+she abandoned it and fled into the water; but afterwards seeing the old
+blackfellow had gone up a tree she followed his example. Jemmy not
+understanding their language we could not get any information from them.
+
+Thursday December 26. Camp Number 22, situated on Mary Lake on Herbert
+River.
+
+We left this camp at 7.37 a.m. At 7.42 made a quarter of a mile
+south-west by south to end of Mary Lake; at 7.52 made half a mile south
+on left side of the river, to plains, which are slightly timbered; at 8
+made half a mile south-south-east, skirting the river to Lake Frances; at
+9 made three miles; at 9.19 made three-quarters of a mile south to where
+we crossed a watercourse from the east which I have named the Don Creek:
+at 9.30 made half a mile south-south-west on left side of river over
+plains; at 9.41 made half a mile south by west to where I waited for the
+party, who came up at 9.45; at 10.5 made one mile south by west to where
+we crossed a creek from north-east; at 10.24 made three-quarters of a
+mile south by west; at 10.45 made one mile south to the left side of the
+river; at 11 made three-quarters of a mile south-east by south along the
+dry bed of the river, from which we started successive flights of
+pigeons. At this place Mr. Campbell and party halted with the horses
+while Mr. Allison and I went about a mile westward onto the plain, where
+he made the altitude 86 degrees 30 minutes, which makes the latitude 20
+degrees 6 minutes, agreeing with the latitude of my dead reckoning and
+with an observation I made of a star last night; at 3 Jemmy, who had gone
+down the river, returned without finding any water, except what was left
+by the last thunderstorm; and as he told me I was following up a river,
+and not down, I too hurriedly believed him, and made up my mind to return
+to a waterhole that Fisherman had found to the right of our course in the
+bed of the river. At the waterhole I found blacks, but, as I always avoid
+them when I can, after I had a short interview with them we started down
+the river to the water Jemmy had found, following along the right bank as
+we had the left before; at 4.40 made two miles and three-quarters down
+the river to where we crossed, near its junction, a river or a branch of
+one from north-west; at 5.8 made one mile and a half back to where Mr.
+Allison went on the plain to get an observation; at 5.20 made half a mile
+south; at 5.40 made one mile south to where the river has two channels;
+the one trending to the west of south we crossed, between the two
+channels of the river; at 5.53 made half a mile south to where the left
+channel of the river was full of water and fine grass on its banks, on
+the right bank of which we formed our twenty-third camp, at the place
+where Mr. Allison made an observation of the sun. The country is very
+level and the watercourses are unconfined, and in times of floods the
+water overflows the low banks of the different channels. The blacks we
+saw today appear to be circumcised; three of them approached us, one of
+whom was the old blackfellow we had seen yesterday. Their name for water
+we thought from what they said was oto. We presented them with a tin pot
+and two empty glass bottles with which they were very much pleased.
+
+Friday December 27. Camp Number 23, situated on the Herbert River.
+
+Left camp at 8.24 a.m. to go down the river; at 8.35 made half a mile
+south-south-west to where we crossed, near its junction, a western
+channel of the river; at this place there are flats covered with bushes
+like saltbush, which the horses eat. These bushes I have observed on the
+western plains from Rockhampton and on most of the low situations along
+our route on this expedition; at 8.43 made half a mile south; at 8.48
+made a quarter of a mile south-west where we crossed, near its junction,
+a more western channel of the river; at 9.10 made one mile south-west by
+south to where we crossed, near its junction, a river from west, with a
+shallow and broad channel; the banks of the river at this place are very
+little below the level of the plain on each side of it; at 10.10 made
+three miles south-south-west with level plains on each side of us,
+without trees or bushes, except along the watercourses; at 10.30 made one
+mile south to the right bank of the river, where there are twelve
+box-trees growing in its bed; before crossing to its left bank we got
+enough water to satisfy the horses; at 11.4 made one mile and a half
+south to a junction of a watercourse with extensive flood-marks from the
+east. This river has a deeper channel, with trees on its banks, than the
+river we have been following down had. At 11.15 made half a mile south,
+when Mr. Allison and I went back to the westward, on the plains, and got
+the following altitude of the sun: 86 degrees 37 minutes, which makes the
+latitude 20 degrees 11 minutes 15 seconds; at 1.35 made three-quarters of
+a mile south down the river; at 1.47 made a quarter of a mile south-east
+down the river; at 2.20 made one mile and a quarter south, following the
+course of the river in search of water; at 3.10 made one mile and
+three-quarters about south-south-west, following the course of the river
+in search of water; at 3.44 made half a mile about south-west, following
+the course of the river in search of water; at 4.10 made one mile and a
+quarter about south, where, accompanied by the troopers, I left Campbell
+and Allison to go in search of water; at 5.20 made three miles about
+south-west down the river in an unsuccessful search for water; at 6 made
+two miles north-east by east; returning, we steered over plains, the
+grass of which was completely parched up. Near the creek I observed more
+owls than I have ever seen anywhere before; at 6.27 made one mile and a
+quarter north-east by east back to our party; then went, at 6.56, one
+mile and a quarter north by east, towards where we had seen the last
+water; at 7.15 made one mile north by east; at 7.35 made three-quarters
+of a mile north-east; at 8 made three-quarters of a mile about north-east
+by north and encamped.
+
+Saturday December 28. Camp Number 24, situated on the Herbert River.
+
+We started back up the river being unable to pursue our course to the
+westward from want of water. I sent Mr. Campbell and Jemmy on with the
+horses, while Mr. Allison and I went out on the plain to take an
+observation of the sun, which was not satisfactory from the sun being
+over-shadowed; we made the latitude 20 degrees 12 minutes 35 seconds; at
+1.21 p.m. made three miles north by east from where we took the sun's
+altitude; at 1.53 made one mile north to where we crossed a channel of
+the river; at 2.35 made two miles and a quarter north by east partly on
+the tracks of Campbell and party; at 2.50 made three-quarters of a mile
+north-north-east to where we recrossed left bank of the river and
+overtook Campbell and party. Here we delayed till 3.22 in consequence of
+one of the horses being knocked up; at 3.40 made one mile north by east
+to where we recrossed the right bank of the river; at 3.55 made
+three-quarters of a mile and encamped. Here the grass was very abundant
+and the holes full of water. This camp is about half a mile from Number
+23 Camp.
+
+Sunday December 29th. Camp 25. Situated on the Herbert River.
+
+It was our intention to remain here for several days as the grass was
+good and the horses required a rest, but I deemed it advisable to return
+at once up the river because there were about one hundred blacks in the
+neighbourhood of the camp, some of whom were so bold that I feared it
+might be necessary to shoot some of them, or give them possession of the
+ground. Two of them had passed our camp on the previous evening, and the
+troopers, with my consent, presented them with glass bottles, after
+receiving which they soon returned with a large mob, who remained with us
+till dark. In the morning they returned and surrounded the camp. Mr.
+Campbell went up to one mob and tried to make them understand by signs
+that we had peaceable intentions towards them, but they from his account
+seemed fully bent on having us off the ground. When he was returning to
+the camp Jemmy saw one of the blacks hold his boomerang as if he intended
+throwing it at Mr. Campbell, but he was probably advised by others not to
+do so. I am not surprised that they were vexed, as we would not allow
+them to come up to the camp, although they showed a bunch of hawk
+feathers and two bottles we had given them, which they wanted us to
+believe were the signs of their good intention; and it is not to be
+wondered at on the other hand that we would not trust a mob of blacks,
+all warriors, heavily armed with spears, boomerangs, clubs, and little
+thorny sticks, to approach the camp. From my previous knowledge of the
+blacks I fancied we would easily have driven them away on horseback, but
+this I did not think necessary. The mere fact of seeing the horses
+brought towards the camp made them retire to a more respectful distance
+from us; at 10.5 a.m. left Number 25 Camp; at 10.18 made half a mile
+north-east half north to Number 23 Camp, where I stopped with Fisherman
+and observed that we were not followed: at 10.45 made half a mile
+north-north-east up the river; at 11.23 made one mile and three-quarters
+north to the place where I accompanied Mr. Allison on a previous occasion
+westward on the plain to take an observation of the sun, at which place
+we overtook Campbell and party; at 11.48 made one mile north to where we
+observed rising ground. I left the party, accompanied by Fisherman, to
+ascend the rising ground; at 12.2 made half a mile north-east by east to
+a tree on the rise which Fisherman climbed, and from it observed plain
+country to the south and west and wooded country to the east and north.
+Here we observed stunted box and bloodwood trees, and a variety of
+grasses, among which I observed barley, oaten, kangaroo, and triodia; at
+12.23 made one mile north by east; at 12.53 made one mile and a half
+north by east to the waterhole I named Kenellan, where there were the
+same blacks I had seen before. On this occasion they remained on the
+right, while we had dinner on the opposite side, during which time others
+to whom they cooeyed arrived at their camp, several of whom were loaded
+with game. These, heedless of their own camp or of us, bathed the first
+thing on their arrival. We shot ducks, and before leaving Kenellan
+presented to the blacks glass bottles of which they were very proud; at 5
+made one mile and a quarter north-north-east to Lake Frances, where I
+bathed, and some of our party shot ducks. Started again at 5.33; at 6.40
+made three miles about north-west by north (see outward route). At 6.56
+made three-quarters of a mile north by west; at 7.15 made three-quarters
+of a mile north-north-east to Mary Lake, on the lower end of which on the
+left bank we formed our twenty-sixth camp.
+
+December 30th. Mary Lake. Situated on the Herbert River.
+
+As some of our horses were not able to travel as far as Camp 21, or to
+any water we knew of to the northward, in one stage, without overworking
+them, Jemmy and I started to try and find water in the intermediate
+distance. Started at 5.55. At 6.5 made half a mile north-east to where we
+stopped till 6.20; at 6.47 made one mile and a quarter north by east; at
+7.10 made one mile north by west half west to Chester Creek; at 7.28 made
+three-quarters of a mile about north-north-east; at 7.52 made one mile
+and a half north-east up the creek; at 8 made a quarter of a mile east up
+the creek; at 8.10 made half a mile east by south up the creek; at 8.38
+made one mile north-east to where we left the creek, because the grass in
+the bed of it was parched up, and as we saw no deep holes. It has however
+high and extensive flood-marks; at 9.20 made two miles west-north-west;
+at 10.26 made three miles west by south to bank of Herbert River; at
+10.37 made half a mile north-north-west up the river to where we left it
+to follow up the Hervey Creek; at 10.50 made half a mile about north-west
+up the creek; at 11.17 made one mile about west by north up the creek. At
+11.30 made half a mile south up the creek, where I went on to the plain
+and took the noon altitude of the sun, which was not very satisfactory as
+I did not give myself sufficient time to go far enough out on the plains.
+Latitude from observation 19 degrees 53 minutes 39 seconds. Started back
+without having found water at 12.27; at 12.50 made one mile south-east
+back to Hervey's Creek; at 1.30 made two miles east by north to Herbert
+River; at 1.40 made half a mile east-south-east down the river: at 1.45
+made a quarter of a mile about south-east to the strange pit on the left
+side of the river; at 2.45 made three miles to camp. Cantered the last
+half mile or so and forgot to look at the watch until a short time after
+our arrival.
+
+December 31st. Mary Lake.
+
+We left Number 26 Camp bound for Number 21 camp; at 7.32 made one mile
+and a half along an old track to where we crossed Chester Creek; at 9.10
+made four miles and a half to First Return Camp; at 10.45 made four miles
+and a half along outward track to Western Wood Scrub, where, accompanied
+by Fisherman, I went three miles north-east by east and got an
+observation of the sun which made our latitude 19 degrees 47 minutes 35
+seconds; at 12.50 started again; at 1.20 made one mile and a half north
+by west to tracks of Campbell and party; at 1.35 made three-quarters of a
+mile east-north-east along the track; at 1.58 made one mile about
+north-east to where we lost the tracks, and was delayed a short time in
+consequence; at 4.5 made half a mile, chiefly along the track; at 5.8
+made three miles, where Campbell and party had formed our twenty-seventh
+camp at our Outward Camp 21. During this day's journey we have crossed no
+watercourse that I deem worthy of notice, except Chester Creek.
+
+Wednesday January 1st 1862.
+
+At 21 Outwards and 27 Inwards Camp we rested the horses, some of which
+were very sore-footed and tired. We also observed New Year's Day by
+dividing a bottle of rum, sundry pots of jam, and an extra allowance of
+meat amongst us. The waterhole was nearly dry.
+
+Thursday January 2nd. Number 27 camp.
+
+At 6 a.m. we left 27 Inward and 21 Outward Camp, situated both on the
+right bank of the creek; at 7.35 made two miles about east by north half
+north down the creek; at 7.53 made three-quarters of a mile north-east to
+Number 20 Camp; at 8.7 made half a mile east-north-east down the creek,
+where we left it to go on the tableland on its left bank; at 9.5 made two
+miles and three-quarters north to where we crossed a small creek, which
+is from the west; at 10.45 made four miles and a half due north, and
+there, having instructed Campbell and Allison to proceed to Clifton Creek
+and encamp, accompanied by Fisherman, I went two miles and a half west,
+and made our latitude by observation of the sun 19 degrees 31 minutes 35
+seconds. Jemmy I had sent back for my rifle, which was left behind. At
+12.45 started to camp; at 1.47 made two miles and a half east-north-east
+to Camp 18 Outward and 28 Inward on Clifton Creek.
+
+Friday January 3rd. Camp 28.
+
+From old stubs out of cast-off shoes Mr. Allison shod a horse for
+Fisherman to accompany me to the O'Shanassy River. We started for it at
+11.50. At 1.25 reached it, in about four miles and a half, at a point a
+short distance below, where we had been on it a few days ago. We found it
+had been flooded since we last visited it, and the holes along its bed
+were in consequence full of water. Judging from this that rain had fallen
+from the southward, I felt disposed to proceed in that direction, but
+considering the short time at my disposal and the condition of the horses
+and their want of shoes, and knowing that the time was fast approaching
+when the Victoria would, from want of provisions, be obliged to leave the
+depot at the Gulf of Carpentaria, I considered it expedient to continue
+my return journey.
+
+Saturday January 4th. Camp 28.
+
+We left Inward Camp 28 and Outward Camp 18 at 9.2. This camp is situated
+on Clifton Creek; at 9.38 one mile and a quarter east down the creek to
+the broad arrow L tree; at 10 made three-quarters of a mile north to
+where we left the creek; at 10.20 made three-quarters of a mile
+east-south-east to rich tableland; at 10.38 made half a mile south-east
+by south to track where Mr. Allison stayed behind to get the latitude; at
+10.50 made three-quarters of a mile east; at 11.18 made three-quarters of
+a mile east to O'Shanassy River; at 11.52 made one mile and a half
+north-east by north to the junction of Clifton Creek, on which we had our
+last night's camp; at 12.16 made one mile north-east by north down the
+river; at 12.45 made one mile and a quarter east by north down the river;
+at 12.55 made half a mile east by north to junction of little creek from
+the south. Ridges on both sides, long straight race covered with blady
+grass, near deep reach of water, which has apparently a permanent stream;
+at 1.30 made half a mile east by north to where we crossed a small creek
+from the south; at 1.40 made half a mile east-north-east to where we
+crossed, near its junction with the O'Shanassy River, a watercourse from
+the south named by me the Douglas River; at 2.50 made one mile and a
+quarter north down the river to where we crossed a small creek from the
+south-east. The O'Shanassy has a good stream of water. On these ridges I
+observed marjoram. They are nearly barren and confine the river closely
+on both sides. At 3.15 made three-quarters of a mile north-east along a
+confined part of the river where it has very high flood-marks; at 3.40
+made half a mile east-north-east to where we crossed a little creek from
+the south, near its junction. At 4.3 made quarter of a mile east down the
+river; at 4.15 made quarter of a mile east-south-east down the river; at
+4.30 made quarter of a mile east up a gully from right side of the river;
+at 4.40 made quarter of a mile north-east down a gully to the river; at
+4.50 made quarter of a mile east down the river to where we formed our
+29th camp. Here we were joined by Mr. Allison and Jemmy. The former, near
+where they left us, made the latitude 19 degrees 31 minutes 49 seconds,
+which is nearly the same as I made it a few miles to the westward.
+
+Sunday January 5. Camp 29.
+
+Started at 8 a.m. and went along the edge of the river which was very
+confined; so much so that the horses had at one place to be led.
+Accompanied by Fisherman I left the party and went a few hundred yards
+ahead to a creek full of water to widen with a pick a path up the creek.
+While I was doing so Mr. Campbell reported that some of the horses had
+gone into the river of their own accord, and one of them was drowned
+although Jemmy and he had swum to its assistance. On hearing of this
+misfortune I came down to the river, got the two troopers to go and dive
+where the mare had disappeared, and they managed to get its saddle and
+pack on shore. Fisherman, while the things were being dried, marked the
+tree on the point at the junction of the watercourse with the river. The
+former I have named Harris Creek. At 11.56 started again at point where
+the tree is marked, say half a mile from camp; at 12.2 made half a mile
+south-south-east from river up the creek, where we crossed after a delay
+of eight minutes; at 12.33 made three-quarters of a mile north to where
+we crossed the river; at 1.2 made one mile north down the river; at 1.27
+made three-quarters of a mile north-east by north to where we formed our
+Number 30 Camp, where the river is apparently often badly watered. At
+this part of the river even now it is without a running stream although
+recently flooded, and there is an absence of the pandanus, cabbage, and
+tall drooping tea-trees which crowded the bed of the river higher up and
+are fine signs of the permanence of the water.
+
+Monday January 6. Camp 30.
+
+Started from camp which is situated on left bank of O'Shanassy River at
+6.52. At 7.8 made half a mile north-north-east down the left bank of the
+river; at 7.40 made one mile and a quarter north-east to where we crossed
+a creek near its junction, and also crossed to the right bank of the
+river; at 7.57 made half a mile north-east to where we recrossed to left
+bank of the river; at 8.15 made half a mile east-north-east to where we
+crossed a little creek near its junction. The river is still confined by
+barren and stony ranges and has flood-marks from thirty to forty feet
+high. Kangaroos are numerous on this part of the country. At 8.43 made
+three-quarters of a mile east to where we crossed, near its junction, a
+small creek from the north; at 9.12 made one mile and a quarter east by
+north to where there are flooded box and drooping tea-trees in the bed of
+the river; at 9.25 made half a mile east to where there are cabbage-trees
+in the river; at 9.40 made half a mile east to where there are Leichhardt
+and cabbage-palm-trees; at 10.5 made three-quarters of a mile north-east
+down the river (we have been following it when practicable on the left
+side) at 10.45 made one mile and a quarter east down the river where it
+is very confined and well watered; at 11.20 made half a mile
+east-north-east to opposite junction of river from south, where I,
+accompanied by Fisherman, left the party and crossed the river on a log
+to see it. We found it rather smaller than the O'Shanassy and I have
+named it the Thornton River. We marked a tree broad arrow before L on the
+point between the two rivers and started after the party at 12; at 12.25
+made one mile north-north-east along the track down the river; at 12.43
+made three-quarters of a mile east-north-east along track down the river;
+at 1.7 made one mile north to where we overtook Campbell and party,
+having dinner on the bed of the river. Started again after marking a tree
+broad arrow before L E, at 3.33; at 3.45 made half a mile north to where
+the confined bed of the river is at places boggy and on the edge of the
+waterhole the tea-trees are very tall; at 4.20 made three-quarters of a
+mile north-north-west and camped.
+
+Tuesday January 7. Camp 31 is situated on the left bank of the O'Shanassy
+River.
+
+We started from there at 9.10; at 9.45 made a mile and a quarter north by
+east down the left bank of the O'Shanassy River; at 9.55 made a mile and
+a quarter north-north-west to opposite junction of a watercourse which I
+have named the Seymour River; at 10.12 made three-quarters of a mile
+north-west to where we crossed a small creek with reeds in its bed at a
+point near its junction with the river; at 10.37 made one mile north-west
+by north along the left bank of the river, where we had a good road. The
+river is still confined by ranges which sometimes terminate with cliffs;
+at 10.48 made half a mile north-east to opposite junction of the creek;
+at 10.54 made a quarter of a mile north-east to where we crossed a small
+creek near its junction with the river; at 11.27 made one mile and a
+quarter north by east along the left bank of the river; at 11.42 made
+half a mile north; at 12 made three-quarters of a mile north-north-east
+to where we watered the horses and waited for Mr. Campbell. Started again
+at 12.30. At 12.53 made half a mile north-north-east. Made quarter mile
+north to where we waited to mount Mr. Campbell who was tired of walking.
+Started again at 1.3 p.m.; at 1.35 made a mile and a quarter north to
+opposite junction of creek from the east; at 2 made one mile
+west-north-west to where we formed our 32nd camp, on the left bank of the
+river and right bank of a gully just above the junction of a small creek
+with the river. If this had been a good season a fine place for the
+horses would have been up this gully, as the soil is good with right kind
+of grasses and surrounded by basaltic cliffs.
+
+Wednesday January 8. Camp 32. Situated (as before) on the left bank of
+the O'Shanassy River.
+
+Left here at 7.7; at 7.18 went half a mile north-north-west to a cleft
+hill on the left bank of the river; at 7.35 went three-quarters of a mile
+north; at 7.52 went half a mile north-east; at 8 went quarter of a mile
+east-north-east to where we got any quantity of figs from trees like the
+Moreton Bay fig but another variety. At 8.20 made half a mile north-east.
+This scrub is composed of Leichhardt, tea, fig, and cabbage-palm-trees,
+where we were delayed till 8.42 from having to pull one of the horses
+that had got into a boggy place out. Pandanus along the edge of the
+reaches of water. At 9.10 made half a mile north-north-east through the
+scrub; at 9.50 made one mile north by east through the scrub; at 10.5
+made half a mile north-north-west which took us out of the scrub and to a
+fine reach of water; at 10.20 made half a mile north-north-east to where
+we crossed a small reedy creek near its junction with the river; at 10.35
+made three-quarters of a mile north-north-east along the left side of the
+reach of water mentioned. I, accompanied by Fisherman, here made a
+deviation from the river. While Campbell and party proceeded down the
+river we went up a gully of the richest soil, but all the vegetation was
+withered from the dryness of the season. It, like the other gullies we
+saw afterwards, was surrounded by basaltic hills, which were again
+surrounded by basaltic columns composed of rocks of a more grotesque form
+than the columns which are common in a granite formation. The rocks were
+so rough that it was unpleasant to lean against them; and were very
+severe on the feet of the horses. These columns, with the bottle-trees in
+the foreground and the open flats and basaltic hills in the distance, had
+a picturesque appearance. When we had got three-quarters of a mile about
+north-west we started again to overtake our party. At 12.15 made one mile
+and a quarter north down a gully; at 12.23 made quarter of a mile
+north-east to where Fisherman and I thought we were on a flat of the
+Gregory River near its junction with the O'Shanassy; at 12.52 made one
+mile and a half east-north-east across the plains to the right of a range
+towards Smith's Range, on the right side of the O'Shanassy River and its
+junction with the Gregory River; at 1.9 made three-quarters of a mile
+north to the left bank of the O'Shanassy River, where we got the tracks
+of Campbell and party; at 1.45 made one mile and a half north-west to
+broad arrow before L marked tree, on the point formed by the junction of
+the Gregory with the O'Shanassy River, near which we found our party had
+formed their 33rd camp on the right bank of the Gregory River.
+
+Thursday January 9. Camp Number 33. Situated between the junction of the
+Gregory and the O'Shanassy River.
+
+We left here at 8 a.m.; at 8.15 made half a mile south-east to where we
+crossed O'Shanassy River to follow down the Gregory River; at 8.37 made
+three-quarters of a mile north. Then from the right bank of the river we
+went round a hill which terminated abruptly at it; at 8.45 made quarter
+of a mile east-north-east over stony ridges covered with triodia; at 8.53
+made a quarter of a mile north-north-west over similar country; at 9.9
+made half a mile north-west to the river; at 9.37 made one mile and a
+quarter north-east by east to where we crossed a small creek near its
+junction with the river; at 9.55 made three-quarters of a mile north-east
+by east to where the river is confined on both sides by ridges; those on
+the right side are isolated; at 10.45 made two miles and a quarter east
+half north and delayed till 10.55; at 11.15 made three-quarters of a mile
+east to a hill which rises abruptly from right side of river; at 11.26
+made quarter of a mile south-east back from the river; at 11.45 made
+three-quarters of a mile east-north-east to where we crossed a small
+creek near its junction to the right side of the river; at 12.10 made one
+mile north-east to a patch of good soil with good grass, but old and
+withered. At 1.5 made two miles and three-quarters over flats and ridges,
+the former of good soil but the grass burnt up from the dryness of the
+season, the latter stony and badly grassed, to a gap with an isolated
+hill on the north-west and two on the north-east side; at 1.22 made
+three-quarters of a mile north to where we delayed at the river to water
+the horses till 1.48; at 2.37 made two miles and a quarter east over fine
+rich country, the grass of which was just beginning to show life in
+consequence of recent rains; at 3 made one mile north-north-east to the
+right bank of the river where we intended to camp, but were obliged to go
+further as the horses could not water from the steepness of the banks. At
+3.20 made one mile north-east and encamped where there is a rapid stream
+of water about two feet deep below the reach I have mentioned.
+
+Friday January 10. Camp Number 34, situated on the right bank near where
+there is a good crossing place.
+
+Mr. Allison at one o'clock this morning made an observation of Pollux
+from an artificial horizon, which made its altitude 85 degrees 36
+minutes. At 8.45 made one mile east-north-east over poor stony ridges and
+light loamy flats, in which the tombung fruit-trees were plentiful, also
+the following trees: bauhinia, broad-leaved box, broad-leaved Moreton Bay
+ash, sweet-smelling jessamine, and bloodwood. The flats have got good
+grasses and marjoram. The river has here isolated hills on its banks,
+with ranges a mile or so back; at 8.55 made half a mile north-east by
+east to river about 150 yards wide with high flood-marks, which I have
+named the Ligar after the Surveyor-General of Victoria; at 9.6 made half
+a mile east-north-east down the Ligar River to where we crossed it above
+an isolated hill, where it was dry; at 9.30 made one mile north-east by
+east to bluff rocky hill where the flood-marks are about 30 feet high,
+west-north-west side; at 9.52 made one mile north-east along a range with
+a bluff termination; at 10.35 made two miles and a quarter
+east-north-east in sight of the high trees of the river; at 11 made one
+mile east-north-east to the mount, on the west side of which, at the
+Gregory River, we watered our horses and started again at 11.15; at 12.8
+made two miles and a half north-east by east half east to west side of a
+range; at 12.35 made one mile and a half north-east to Heales Creek and
+gap in Primer Range; at 12.55 made three-quarters of a mile north-east
+down the creek to the last hill coming down and the first going up the
+river (I have named it Mount Heales after the premier of Victoria). It
+was about one mile to the eastward of our course; at 1.5 made half a mile
+north-north-east from left bank of Heales Creek; at 1.26 made
+three-quarters of a mile north to Gregory River; at 1.30 made a quarter
+of a mile north down the river and encamped.
+
+Saturday January 11. Camp Number 35, situated north-west half north from
+Mount Heales, on Premier Range, on the right bank of the Gregory.
+
+We left here at 7.3 a.m. At 7.20 made three-quarters of a mile north,
+which course keeps the tall trees of the river in sight; at 7.30 made
+half a mile north; at 7.42 made half a mile north-east, which course
+still keeps the tall trees of the river in sight; at 7.48 made a quarter
+of a mile north-east by north to the edge of a rich plain of the Gregory
+River; at 8.4 made half a mile north along the west side of plain; at
+8.30 made one mile and a quarter north by east; at 8.40 made a quarter of
+a mile north-north-east; at 9 made three-quarters of a mile north by
+east, still keeping in sight of the tall trees on the river; at 9.24 made
+one mile north by east; at 9.58 made one mile and a half north; at 10.15
+made one mile north-east; at 10.27 made half a mile north-east by north;
+over rich country, now beautifully grassed, slightly timbered along the
+river and watercourses with bauhinia, broad-leaved stunted box,
+broad-leaved Moreton Bay ash, bloodwood, acacia (which gives a gum like
+gum arabic, and is plentiful near the depot) pomegranate, and other
+trees; at 11 made one mile and a half north-east to the river, where we
+stopped for Mr. Allison to get an observation of the sun. A short
+distance to the eastward observed apparent altitude of sun, which made
+our latitude 18 degrees 34 minutes 30 seconds. Started again at 2 p.m. At
+2.15 made half a mile north by east; at 3 made two miles north-east by
+north; at 3.30 made one mile and a half north by east; at 3.55 made one
+mile north-east by north half north; at 4.13 made one mile north; at 4.30
+made half a mile north-north-east; at 5.2 made one mile north by east; at
+6.2 made two miles and a half north-north-east. By these courses we cut
+off the bends of the river excepting towards the last when we got too far
+away from it and required to make for it again. The country we went over
+was from the greenness and length of the grass the finest-looking country
+we have seen on the expedition; but I think the Barkly tableland is
+superior to it from its having more salty herbage. The timber is of a
+similar description to that I have recently mentioned except that the box
+was stunted (narrow-leaved instead of broad). Having reached water in an
+eastern channel of the river we formed our thirty-sixth camp on the right
+bank of it.
+
+Monday January 13. Camp Number 36, situated on the right bank of the
+eastern channel of Beames Brook.
+
+From here I sent Fisherman to the south-east in search of water in that
+direction; and after Mr. Allison had made an observation of the sun,
+placing us in latitude 18 degrees 31 minutes 37 seconds, got by observed
+altitude 86.45. I left my party in camp and accompanied by Jemmy went in
+the following directions: At 2.6 went one mile and a half north to where
+I shot an emu, and started again at 3.6; at 4.6 went three miles north
+over rich plains covered with most fattening grasses; at 4.42 went two
+miles north-west half north to east channel of watercourse; at 5.10 went
+three-quarters of a mile north half west along a deep reach; at 5.20 went
+half a mile north-north-west over the finest plain country; at 5.40 went
+half a mile north; at 6 went half a mile north-west; at 6.30 went about
+one mile and a quarter north; at 7.30 went about two miles and
+three-quarters north to where we encamped close to the right bank of
+watercourse.
+
+Tuesday January 14.
+
+Continuation of excursion made by Jemmy and I down the watercourse from
+36 Camp; at 6.50 made one mile and three-quarters about north to where we
+crossed an eastern channel of the main watercourse; at 7.5 made
+three-quarters of a mile about north-west; at 7.35 made one mile and a
+quarter west to a running stream in a watercourse with banks so low that
+a rise of a few feet would flood the adjoining plains; at 8.20 made two
+miles about north-north-east over rich thickly-grassed country
+intersected by several watercourses and swamps, where I felt convinced
+was a watercourse to the eastward of the Gregory River (I afterwards
+ascertained this to be so) which I then supposed to be Beames Brook, as I
+thought we were on Gregory River when I started and intended following it
+down on its right bank only to the crossing-place on our outward journey.
+We took no rations whatever with us and delayed to 8.35; at 8.55 made one
+mile south-east; at 9.23 made one mile and a quarter south-east by south
+over a rich, well-grassed, and slightly-timbered plain to the eastern
+channel of the watercourse, where we made our breakfast off figs and the
+young wood of the cabbage-tree: we found it rather a light one, as we had
+no supper on the previous night. Started again at 10.25; at 10.55 made
+one mile and a half south-south-east; at 11.20 made one mile
+south-south-east to where we crossed an eastern channel of the
+watercourse; at 11.35 made three-quarters of a mile south-south-east; at
+11.45 made half mile south by east; at 12.5 made one mile south by east;
+at 12.15 made half a mile south by west; at 12.35 made one mile south
+half west to watercourse where it has deep reaches of water and banks
+about twenty-six feet high. I guessed the last entry of miles as my watch
+had run down. We had a bath and started at 1.22. At 2.10 made two miles
+and a quarter about south half east along the watercourse to an eastern
+channel where the horses got water and we delayed until 2.22; at 2.44
+made one mile south-east by south half south over plains; at 3.15 made
+one mile and a half south over plains; at 3.32 made three-quarters of a
+mile south-south-east over plains; at 4.5 made one mile and a half south
+to emu tree, where we stayed to separate the best portions of the emu I
+had shot and take them to camp; at 5.10 made one mile and a half north to
+Number 36 Camp.
+
+Wednesday January 15. Camp 36, situated on the right bank of Beames
+Brook.
+
+Fisherman informed me that he had gone on Monday a long half-day's
+journey without finding any watercourse except one trending to the
+north-west and which, from his description, I thought might join the one
+I had seen about six miles distant. The country he saw in the course of
+his ride was well-grassed, lightly timbered plains, the latter stretching
+to the north-east. By climbing a tree he observed a range to the
+south-east. We left our camp here at 7.25; at 8.48 made three miles and a
+half north by west, which took us down rich plains with the river trees
+in sight along our course; at 9.45 made two miles and three-quarters
+north; at 11.15 made four miles and a half north, which course took us
+out of sight of the trees on the river, over a similar country to that I
+have described where we stopped for Mr. Allison to take an observation of
+the sun, and for Mr. Campbell and Fisherman, who were behind, to come up.
+Observations: altitude 86.52, latitude 18 degrees 18 minutes; we started
+again at 12.34 p.m.; at 1.17 made two miles north-west to where we
+crossed to the left side of eastern channel; at 1.35 made one mile
+north-west to watercourse with fine stream of water; at 1.50 made
+three-quarters of a mile north, where we watered the horses, and started
+again at 4.25; at 4.33 made a quarter of a mile about north where Jemmy
+and I encamped last Monday night; at 4.5 made one mile north-north-east
+to where we crossed to left side of eastern watercourse; at 5.24 made one
+mile and a half north-north-east over a thickly-grassed slightly-wooded
+plain with flood-marks on it; at 6.2 made one mile and three-quarters
+north over a similar country, slightly timbered with flooded box; at 6.13
+made half a mile north-north-west; at 6.35 made three-quarters of a mile
+north-west by north over similar country; then crossed during a
+thunderstorm to left side of eastern channel of watercourse; at 7.15 made
+one mile and a half west by north to the main channel of Beames Brook
+which has a fine stream of water only a few feet below the level plains
+on each side of it. The water was muddy from the recent shower and in
+consequence anything but pleasant. Mosquitoes were very numerous and
+allowed some of us but little sleep.
+
+Thursday January 16. Camp Number 37. Situated on the right bank of Beames
+Brook.
+
+We left here at 7.16; at 8.30 made three-quarters of a mile north-east by
+north to where we crossed to right side of an eastern channel of a
+watercourse; at 10.5 made four miles and a half north-north-east over
+level rich country, slightly timbered with stunted box and a small tree
+like the Queensland sandalwood, called by Mr. Walker the gutta-percha
+tree, and reached extensive plains; at 11.15 made three miles and a
+quarter north-north-east over fine rich plains with the tall trees of the
+banks of a watercourse in sight to the eastward: at 11.32 made
+three-quarters of a mile north-north-west where we stopped on the plain,
+and Mr. Allison made the following observation of the sun: altitude
+86.45, latitude 18 degrees 0 minutes 50 seconds; started again at 12.58;
+at 1.10 made one mile and a half north over fine slightly timbered downs,
+but from the want of rain the grass on them was rather brown, to where we
+crossed to the right bank of a watercourse (Barkly River) with high
+flood-marks, but at present without water; at 1.20 made half a mile north
+where we recrossed it; at 2.25 made three miles north to where we crossed
+again to left side without finding water; we passed at this place a
+number of blacks perched in the trees; at 3 made a quarter of a mile
+north to where we stopped as we could not proceed in consequence of a
+heavy thunderstorm and the bogginess of the ground; at 4.35 made quarter
+of a mile south, then three-quarters of a mile northerly to where we
+formed our thirty-eighth camp on the left of the main watercourse (Barkly
+River).
+
+Friday January 17. Camp Number 38. Situated on the left bank of Barkly
+River.
+
+The morning was wet so I thought that after the rain of yesterday we
+could not proceed, but it cleared up between 8 and 9, and at 10.20 we
+were packed up and started; at 10.45 made one mile north by east to the
+tree marked Lieutenant Woods with line and broad arrow; at 12 made three
+miles west to Beames Brook over richly grassed plains slightly wooded
+with stunted box; at 1.30 made quarter mile south by east where we
+crossed Beames Brook. We found the crossing-place a bad one; when a few
+of the horses crossed it became so bad that we had to unpack and unsaddle
+several before we could get them onto the firm ground on the left side of
+the brook. This is the first stream of water we have crossed since we
+left the O'Shanassy River near its junction with the Gregory. Beames
+Brook therefore must connect the Gregory with the Albert River, which
+accounts for the great size of the latter. At 1.55 made one mile north by
+west; at 2.20 made three-quarters of a mile north-west to Nicholson
+River, which has got a broad sandy bed so full of tea-tree that we could
+not see its breadth at this place; at 2.35 made half a mile south-east by
+east; at 2.55 made three-quarters of a mile east back to Beames Brook and
+to our outward track; at 3.4 made half a mile north-east to tree broad
+arrow before L, where we had on outward journey dined off the young wood
+of a cabbage-tree. We also observed the tracks of an expedition party
+trending towards the depot; at 4.10 made three miles north-east down the
+brook and then down the plain; at 4.45 made one mile and a half east to
+outward track; at 4.50 made half a mile south-west to our outward Number
+2 Camp (Post Office Lagoon) where we expected to have got letters but in
+this we were disappointed.
+
+Sunday January 19.
+
+Yesterday we rested ourselves and our horses; at 6.20 a.m. my party left
+the Number 2 Camp of outward, and 39 of inward journey, situated at what
+I call the Post Office Lagoon, near a point on the left side of the
+Albert River, just above the Barkly and Beames Brook. I stayed behind,
+attended by Jemmy, until 7.30, and marked the camp tree as I had done at
+the other camp with my brand, the number of the camp, and the date; at
+7.30 we made about half a mile in a north-north-east direction over rich
+undulating well-grassed country, slightly timbered with flooded box; at
+7.45 made three-quarters of a mile north-east; at 8 made three-quarters
+of a mile north-east by north over similar country; at 8.18 made one mile
+north-north-east across similar country  with portions of it without
+timber; at 8.37 made one mile north-east by north down well-grassed
+plains with the timbered country extending from the Albert River about a
+mile to the eastward of our track; at 8.46 made half a mile north-east;
+at 10.10 made four miles and a quarter north-east down well-grassed
+plains to where we stopped to rest the horses for ten minutes, as the
+ground was very soft from the recent rain; at 10.35 made three-quarters
+of a mile north-east by east to triangle made on the left bank of the
+Albert River by Lieutenant Woods; at 10.58 made one mile north-east by
+east to where we crossed Moore's Creek; at 11.10 made half a mile
+north-east by east; at 11.20 made half a mile east-south-east to Albert
+River depot.
+
+(Signed) W. LANDSBOROUGH,
+
+Commander of the Victoria and Queensland Land Expedition. 8th February
+1862.
+
+I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of Mr.
+Landsborough's journal.
+
+H.W.N. CAMPBELL,
+
+Second in Command.
+
+...
+
+H.M.C.S. Victoria, 7th February 1862.
+
+Sir,
+
+You will proceed to the depot on the Albert River and so soon as possible
+after arrival render assistance to Mr. Landsborough to get the horses and
+stores safely over to the eastern shore: then collect whatever surplus of
+provisions may be remaining, i.e. flour, biscuit, or peas, and have them
+securely fastened down in one of the iron water tanks sunk in the ground
+for that purpose. It will be as well to place therein some of the
+ammunition remaining, and to take a list of whatever is secured in the
+tank for the information of the Royal Society.
+
+When the above is completed and all stores belonging to this ship
+collected you will remove the guard and return on board, bringing with
+you any of Mr. Landsborough's party that he may not require to proceed
+with him overland.
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir,
+
+Your obedient servant,
+
+(Signed) W.H. NORMAN, Commander.
+
+Lieutenant C.C. Gascoyne.
+
+...
+
+H.M.C.S. Victoria, off Albert River, 9th February 1862.
+
+Sir,
+
+In accordance with your instructions of 7th February 1862 I proceeded up
+the Albert River with Mr. Landsborough and have the honour to forward the
+following report of my proceedings, namely:
+
+I left the ship 7th February at 1.10 p.m., the cutter and whale-boat
+being placed in my charge to assist in crossing the horses and stores
+belonging to the Exploring Expedition, and bring down to the ship our
+party from the Albert River depot.
+
+We had a north-easterly breeze on leaving the ship which carried us up as
+far as the saltwater arm, arriving there at 6.10 p.m., when the boats'
+crews went to supper; left there at 7 p.m., perfectly calm; arrived at
+the Firefly at 1.10 a.m.
+
+Saturday 8th February.
+
+At 5 a.m. (the weather looking very threatening) Mr. Landsborough sent
+out for the horses, which were brought in at 7.30 a.m.; it was then
+raining heavily, attended by thunder and lightning. At 8 o'clock I
+started with two of the black boys to drive the horses to the place for
+crossing, having sent the two boats round with lines as guess warps for
+hauling the boats to and fro. We succeeded in getting all of them,
+twenty-one in number, on the eastern shore by about 10 a.m., after which
+we got the stores across and pitched Mr. Landsborough's tents for him to
+keep them dry, as it had to all appearances set in for a wet day. I then
+got the provisions and stores (20 pounds biscuits, 250 pounds flour, nine
+half-pound canisters F.G. powder, two boxes percussion caps) placed in
+one of the tanks. I then had the tops of the tanks secured and covered
+with pitch and afterwards earth. Buried a bottle containing directions
+relative to the foregoing, close to a tree which I had marked thus: DIG 2
+feet north, which tree being on the verge of a waterhole, close to the
+camp, must attract attention. At 8.45 p.m. we all left the Firefly. I put
+Mr. Landsborough and his party, consisting of Mr. F. Bourne, William
+Leeson (groom) and three black boys, onto the opposite shore, bringing
+Mr. H.N. Campbell and a black boy down to the ship, arriving on board at
+1.15 p.m. on the 9th February.
+
+I have the honour to be Sir,
+
+Your most obedient servant,
+
+(Signed) Charles Cecil Gascoyne, Second Lieutenant.
+
+...
+
+Bunnawaunah, Darling River, June 2 1862.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have the honour to inform you that the exploring party under my command
+arrived here yesterday in safety and in good health. From the Gulf of
+Carpentaria we came, in search of Burke's party, without difficulty, to
+Gregory's route from Queensland to South Australia, to a point within 280
+miles of the point marked first depot on Burke's route on the map which
+shows the routes of different explorers.
+
+Our route from the Gulf of Carpentaria, Mr. Gregory's route to South
+Australia, and the routes of other explorers demonstrate the fact that
+sheep, cattle, and horses can be taken at a small cost and in the finest
+condition from South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and the inland
+districts of Queensland to stock the country near the Gulf of
+Carpentaria, or for exportation to India or elsewhere.
+
+The road we came was so easy, from the richness of the pasturage and the
+abundance of water, that a foal, named Flinders from his having been
+foaled on the Flinders River, followed his mother most bravely from the
+time he was a few hours old until he reached here. When we were on
+Gregory's route to South Australia, and for some time previously, we took
+many opportunities of asking the blacks respecting the explorers they had
+seen. This we were enabled to do as Jemmy the native police trooper could
+speak their language. We learned from them that they had seen during the
+last ten moons explorers to the eastward, but that they had seen none
+with larger animals than horses.
+
+I am sorry to have to inform you that our familiarity at last led to our
+having a hostile collision with them on the Barcoo River, near where the
+blacks treacherously tried to take Mr. Gregory's party by surprise during
+the night. They tried to take us at night by surprise. If they had
+succeeded they would no doubt have overpowered us; but it was during
+Jemmy's watch and, as he always kept his watch well, he awoke us when
+they were within a few yards of our fire, and we fortunately succeeded in
+driving them away. Next morning (very early) two of them came near our
+camp. At my request Jemmy warned them to leave us, for we had now a most
+hostile feeling towards them. Instead of their showing the least symptom
+of leaving us they got their companions (who were in ambush, heavily
+armed with clubs and throwing-sticks) to join them. Under these
+circumstances we fired on them. In doing so, and in following them up to
+where the horses were feeding, one was shot and another slightly wounded
+in the leg.
+
+I had very little assistance from Walker's previous discoveries as he had
+left instructions that while his chart and journal were in Captain
+Norman's charge no one should be allowed to take notes from them. I tried
+to follow Mr. Walker's tracks to the Flinders River where he reported he
+had left the tracks of Burke's party. After tracing Mr. Walker's tracks
+for four days with considerable difficulty we reached plains near the
+Leichhardt River where so much rain had fallen on the rich soft soil that
+it was impossible to trace them further.
+
+From the Leichhardt River we travelled over well-watered country to the
+Flinders River; then travelled up that river, through fine rich pastoral
+country, to about latitude 20 degrees 40 minutes; from there we reached
+Bowen Downs in a few miles. The creeks and the river that water that
+country I knew previously to a certain point down the river, but beyond
+this point I did not know where the river flowed. On this expedition I
+followed it down to near its junction with the Barcoo River (formerly
+known as the Victoria and as the Cooper) and discovered that it was the
+Thomson River. After leaving the well-watered country of Bowen Downs,
+with the assistance of one of the blacks of that locality, we came
+through a fine rich country to the Barcoo River; then without following
+the river further, or searching ahead for water, we went across to the
+Warrego River without the horses being at any time longer than a day and
+part of a night without water. The country is therefore, I have no doubt,
+on the whole well watered.
+
+From the Warrego River we tried to go to the south-eastward, but, from
+not knowing the country, we had to return, owing to the want of water. On
+this occasion, although the weather was cold, the horses suffered very
+much. We travelled almost incessantly, day and night. In going from and
+returning to water the horses were without it for seventy-two hours. In
+returning we found water in a creek in which we had found no water at the
+place we crossed it in our outward route. If I had had plenty of rations
+I probably would have searched with one of the aborigines for water
+before taking the whole of the horses on a journey of that kind.
+Afterwards we followed the river down to near Kennedy's Number 19 Camp to
+the station of Messrs. Williams, where we met with a most hospitable
+reception and learned for the first time the melancholy fate of Messrs.
+Burke and Wills. Sold some expedition supplies which we thought we would
+not require any more, and bought rations to take us here.
+
+Following the Flinders River up from the Gulf of Carpentaria took us for
+a long distance in a more southerly than easterly direction, then in a
+more easterly than southerly direction. About twenty miles below where we
+left the Flinders River we saw horse tracks, which were probably made by
+Mr. Walker's party when on his route from the Nogoa River to the depot at
+the Gulf of Carpentaria. Where we saw the tracks of Walker's party the
+channel was about 120 yards wide, with a sandy bed and a shallow stream
+flowing along the surface; lower down and higher up the river we saw the
+fresh tracks of a steer or cow, and on Bowen Downs saw similar tracks. We
+had so little meat that we would have tried hard to have found the beast
+to kill it for provisions if I had not thought, from seeing the tracks of
+a dray in the same locality, that we were near a station.
+
+The point where we reached the Barcoo River, in latitude 24 degrees 37
+minutes, is nearly south from where we left the Flinders River.
+
+Several times in the course of our journey from the Gulf of Carpentaria
+Gleeson, Jemmy, and Fisherman were unwell. This was owing, I have no
+doubt, in a great measure if not altogether, to the rations I issued
+being insufficient. Our usual ration was a pint of flour, in bad
+condition, and barely half a pound of spoiled meat per day, without tea
+or sugar. The annexed list of rations will show that the quantity
+obtained on starting would not admit of my issuing a larger supply. The
+remainder of us, namely, Mr. Bourne, Jackey, and myself, did not lose our
+health on this meagre fare.
+
+After reaching the Warrego River Jemmy unfortunately lay so near the fire
+on a frosty night that his shirt caught fire and burned him severely; so
+much so that he exhibited great pluck in continuing his journey here.
+
+Last night I learned from the newspapers that Mr. Howitt had received
+instructions to wait for us at the depot at Cooper's Creek. If I had
+known that there was to be a depot there I would have gladly gone to it
+from the Thomson River. Now I intend proceeding down the river to
+Menindie, where I purpose if necessary to take the most advisable mode to
+let Mr. Howitt know of our return from the Gulf of Carpentaria.
+
+I might have sent a letter off yesterday to the neighbouring station if I
+had only known that the postman had been delayed from starting until this
+morning. There is a camel on this run which I will endeavour to get and
+take to Menindie.
+
+Mr. Bourne, who is an experienced bushman, has read this letter and
+thinks I have not given too favourable an account of the country along
+our route from the Gulf of Carpentaria.
+
+When I reach town I will make a return of the money I received of Messrs.
+Williams for the expedition stores, a copy of my journal, and a sketch
+showing our route.
+
+I have the honour to be Sir,
+
+Your obedient servant,
+
+W. LANDSBOROUGH,
+
+Commander of the Victorian and Queensland Exploring Expedition from
+Brisbane.
+
+To the Honourable Secretary Exploration Committee of Royal Society
+Victoria.
+
+List of provisions received at the depot, Gulf of Carpentaria, on the 8th
+February 1862:
+
+40 pounds of peas.
+96 pounds of salt beef.
+40 pounds of rice.
+268 pounds of damaged beef, jerked.
+27 pounds of damaged bacon.
+650 pounds of damaged flour.
+10 pounds of broken biscuits.
+18 pounds of tobacco.
+Left from previous expedition to south-west.
+90 pounds of flour.
+40 pounds of sugar.
+
+These provisions were all our party, consisting of six, had up to the
+21st May, the date of our arrival at the station of Messrs. Williams on
+the Warrego.*
+
+...
+
+(*Footnote. I may state here that, on the expedition to the south-west
+when our party consisted of five, we started with ninety days' rations of
+flour, beef, tea, and sugar, and five gallons of rum. These and the
+rations, a list of which is given above, were all that were furnished for
+the land expedition; and it was a source of much discouragement that my
+requisition for tea, sugar, and rum for the journey across the continent
+was not complied with, more especially as the allowance supplied at
+Brisbane was very liberal, as the annexed list will show:
+
+List of stores sent by the Queensland Government for Landsborough's
+Expedition. (Cost in pounds/shillings/pence.)
+
+August 15 1861.
+
+12 bags (14 shillings) flour, 200 pounds each at 18/10 per ton (22/4):
+22/18.
+1 chest and half chest congou, at 7/15, in bond: 11/12.
+9 bags Mauritius sugar, gr. tons: 14/0/16.
+Tare: 0/1/26.
+Nett: 13/2/18 at 50 shillings, in bond: 34/3/0.
+
+1 package tobacco, nett 250 pounds, at 0/2/6, in bond: 31/5/0.
+3 bags rice, 1 hundredweight each, at 24 pounds: 3/12/0.
+1 cask oatmeal (224 pounds): 2/14/0.
+2 hhds. rum, 112 gallons, at 5 shillings, in bond, shipped on board of
+the Victoria: 28/0/0.
+7 drums (0/17/6) colza oil, 35 gallons, at 8 shillings (14/0): 14/17/6.
+43 bales lucerne hay, nett 6 tons 10 hundredweight 2 qrs. 18 pounds at
+10/0: 65/6/7.
+45 bales oaten hay, nett 8 tons 11 hundredweight 2 qrs. 1 pound, at 12/0:
+102/18/1.
+Freight paid captain of the Gem for same: 14/0/0.
+15 bags (0/17/6) bran, gross 19/1/15.
+Tare: 0/1/17.
+Nett: 18/3/26 at 0/1/10 per bushel of 20 pounds: 9/14/11.
+60 tons coals, in bulk, at 1/5 per ton: 75/0/0.
+106 bags ditto, containing 10 12-20 tons, at 1/5 per ton: 13/5/0.
+106 bags, at 0/1/2: 6/3/8.
+Total: 436/7/9.
+
+After the wreck of a Firefly at Hardy's Island all her stores and those
+intended for the exploring parties were taken possession of by Captain
+Norman, and were only supplied by him on requisition.
+
+The following are the names of the members of Mr. Landsborough's party.
+
+W. Landsborough, commander.
+H.N. Campbell.
+George Bourne.
+W. Allison.
+W. Gleeson.
+Aboriginals: Charlie, Jemmy, Fisherman and Jackey.
+
+Of these H.N. Campbell as assistant-commander, W. Allison, Jemmy, and
+Fisherman accompanied Mr. Landsborough on his first or south-west
+expedition. On his second or journey across the continent his party
+consisted of: George Bourne as second in command; Gleeson as cook;
+Fisherman, Jemmy, and Jackey. Messrs. Campbell, Allison, and Charlie
+returned by the Victoria, Mr. Landsborough considering his equipment
+inadequate to the supply of so large a party.
+
+The camel found by Mr. Landsborough at the Darling was taken towards
+Melbourne but was lost through the carelessness of Jackey. Jackey, on two
+occasions on the Darling River, left for several days without leave,
+which led Mr. Landsborough to tell him that he would not take him any
+farther. This did not appear to vex him much for, without asking to be
+taken on or promising to behave better in future, he immediately went and
+hired himself to a settler in the neighbourhood. The rest of the party
+reached Melbourne in safety. Jemmy and Fisherman, who had never been in a
+city before, evinced no surprise at anything they saw. After a month's
+residence in Melbourne they were forwarded by steamer to Brisbane.
+Fisherman, before leaving Melbourne, lost his intelligence and was at
+times quite insane; but it is to be hoped that as his bodily health was
+good the sight of his native place will restore him to his right mind.)
+
+...
+
+The following letter, received by Captain Cadell from Mr. Neilson of
+Neilson and Williams, two young men who have spent years in exploring the
+Australian wilderness and who are now settled on the Warrego, gives some
+additional information as to the discoveries of Landsborough's party:
+
+Kennedy's 19th Camp, River Warrego, May 22 1862.
+
+I have nothing to communicate but the arrival here yesterday of Mr.
+Landsborough and party from the Gulf of Carpentaria, whence he left on
+the 10th of February last in search of the traces of Burke's party. The
+journey which he has now accomplished has opened up a practicable route
+to the Gulf. He followed the Flinders from the Gulf on an average course
+of south-south-east to 20 degrees south to its head, when, in thirty
+miles, he picked up the head of the Thomson and followed it down to
+Cooper's Creek, making his way into the settled districts by following up
+that creek to its head, and then following the Warrego River to this
+point, from whence he goes into the Barwon. He speaks of the country to
+the head of the Thomson, and from thence along the whole course of the
+Flinders to the Gulf, as magnificent, consisting of rich basaltic plains,
+very thickly grassed, one of the most conspicuous grasses being greatly
+in appearance to sorghum. Horses are so fond of it that the party could
+scarcely drive them along with whips. The party has met no casualty, and
+look very well, notwithstanding experiencing a shortness of rations on
+the journey. The horses are looking well. Landsborough was quite
+surprised at hearing that Burke's remains had been found. They found no
+track nor tidings of his party. I have given Mr. Landsborough an account
+of our trip in July and August last towards Cooper's Creek. He considers
+it a connecting link in the overland route from the Darling to the Gulf,
+and one that will be used in taking stock to that point. I consider that
+the route as now found will be the one adopted by the eastern colonies,
+South Australia availing itself of Stuart's route.
+
+...
+
+The following letter has been addressed to the Colonial Secretary of
+Queensland by Mr. Landsborough:
+
+Mount Murchison, Darling River, July 5 1862.
+
+Sir,
+
+Having learned from the Queensland news, in the Sydney Weekly Mail of the
+24th May, that the Honourable the Colonial Treasurer said that he had no
+doubt the parties in search of Burke's tracks were making tracks for
+themselves, I have now the honour to inform you that, so far as I am
+concerned, I have no immediate intention to apply for country discovered
+by me while searching for Burke's tracks; that my previous correspondence
+with you gave you a true description of the country I had seen in my
+expedition to the south-west from the Albert River depot; that I will
+send you, when I reach Melbourne or sooner, a copy of my journal, which I
+hope will give a satisfactory description of the country I have seen in
+my last expedition; and further that it is satisfactory to me in the
+meantime to state that the country I saw near the Gulf of Carpentaria I
+consider to be exceedingly well adapted for sheep runs, and that I am of
+opinion that the most valuable country is the Plains of Promise, and
+second to them the plains on the Gregory River.
+
+Of the country I have seen on the last expedition which had not been
+previously explored I consider the most valuable, on which I am sure
+sheep will thrive, are the plains on the west bank of the Leichhardt
+River, and those plains on the Flinders River. Of the Leichhardt River
+country I can but speak of a small portion, as I only followed it up for
+about eight miles from where the tide came to a fine basaltic ford, where
+the water was fresh. Of the Flinders River country the best I saw on the
+lower part of the river is situated between 18 degrees 26 minutes
+latitude and 19 degrees 20 minutes latitude; and of the upper part of the
+river the best is the last 100 miles I saw.
+
+I have the honour to be, sir,
+
+Your obedient servant,
+
+W. LANDSBOROUGH,
+
+Commander of the Victorian and Queensland Expedition.
+
+The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, Queensland.
+
+...
+
+ROYAL SOCIETY OF VICTORIA.
+
+An ordinary meeting of this society was held on the 18th August and was
+numerously attended. His Excellency Sir Henry Barkly (president) occupied
+the chair.
+
+PRESENTATION TO JOHN KING.
+
+The first business was the presentation to John King the explorer of the
+gold watch awarded him by the Royal Geographical Society.
+
+The Secretary (at the request of His Excellency the President) read the
+following extract from a private letter from Sir Roderick Murchison, the
+president of the Royal Geographical Society, dated May 20 1862:
+
+I told you in my last that I thought it probable we should grant one of
+our gold medals to the family of Burke; and I am happy to announce to you
+that at the last meeting of council the award was made as I anticipated,
+on my own proposition, strengthened as it was by your favourable opinion.
+
+We also give to the good and intrepid King a gold watch, with an
+inscription.
+
+The Duke of Newcastle has promised to attend and receive these donations
+on the 26th.
+
+P.S. (June 23): the watch sent to King cost much more than the gold
+medal; and I hope the good soldier will like it.
+
+...
+
+The Secretary next read the following despatch from his Grace the Duke of
+Newcastle to Governor Sir Henry Barkly:
+
+Downing Street, May 26 1862.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have to acquaint you that this morning I attended the annual meeting of
+the Royal Geographical Society, and that, at the request of the
+president, Lord Ashburton, I undertook to forward to you the accompanying
+gold watch, which the president and council had determined to present to
+John King, in testimony of his meritorious conduct during the late
+Victorian Exploring Expedition, in which Messrs. Burke and Wills
+unfortunately lost their lives.
+
+I have therefore to request that you will accordingly, on behalf of the
+president and council, place this watch in the hands of John King and
+that you will at the same time express to him the satisfaction it has
+been to me to be the channel of making known to him that his conduct has
+been appreciated as it deserves.
+
+I have the honour to be, etc.,
+
+Newcastle.
+
+...
+
+His Excellency (addressing John King) spoke as follows:
+
+I feel, Mr. King, that it would be almost superfluous on my part to add
+much to the encomiums passed upon you by such high authorities; and to
+one so modest, as I know you are, I dare say it would be even painful if
+I were to enter at any length upon a recital of the claims which I
+consider you possess upon the gratitude and admiration of your fellow
+colonists. (Hear, hear.) Gratifying as it must be to you--after the
+liberal honours and rewards which the legislature and people of Victoria
+have bestowed upon you--to receive this crowning mark of recognition of
+your services from your fellow countrymen at home, I can quite conceive
+that it would be more congenial to your own feelings if I had delivered
+it to you in my own private room. Still I felt it to be a matter of duty,
+on an occasion of this kind, to make the ceremony as public as possible,
+not only in justice to yourself but for the sake of the example which
+your conduct has afforded to all who may be placed in similarly trying
+circumstances. I feel sure that, even if you entertained any idea of
+surviving, nothing was further from your thoughts than any considerations
+of glory or honour when you knelt by the side of the dying Burke to
+receive his latest injunctions, or when you turned back to perform the
+last sad offices for your departed comrade, Wills. You did your duty, I
+am sure, simply because you felt it was your duty. A Christian, you knew
+it was a privilege to minister to suffering humanity; a soldier, you
+never dreamt of swerving from the unalterable fidelity which you knew you
+owed your leader. (Applause.) In such a trying position as that in which
+you were placed, with the bands of discipline relaxed, the instincts of
+self-preservation have often led men to act selfishly. Others in your
+position might have thought that, being stronger than the rest of the
+party--able perhaps to pursue game, catch fish, or to pound nardoo--it
+would have been consistent with duty to escape to the nearest settlement,
+perhaps with the vague idea of sending back assistance to your comrades.
+I feel satisfied that any thought of deserting never crossed your
+mind--that you abandoned all desire to serve yourself alone, and that
+they were determined to share the fate of your companions. The result has
+proved that you acted rightly and properly. Your example may serve to
+teach us that the path of duty, generally, under Providence, is the path
+of safety. And what is about to take place tonight will also teach us
+another lesson:
+
+That duty never did yet want its meed.
+
+...
+
+(Applause.) I may just refer to the fortunate circumstance that our
+meeting should be graced by the presence of a gentleman who, partly from
+motives of humanity, and partly with a view to share in the glory of the
+enterprise, volunteered to lead one of the subsidiary expeditions sent in
+search of the missing expedition of which you formed a member. Those
+subsidiary expeditions, it is well known, have led to a great increase of
+our geographical knowledge of the interior of the continent; and I
+believe, among the most brilliant exploits which grace the history of
+Australian exploration, there is not one more brilliant to be found than
+the passage made by the party under our friend Mr. Landsborough from the
+shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria to the Darling River. (Applause.) I
+hope Mr. Landsborough will be kind enough tonight to give us some
+information as to his route on the occasion. We all know, without waiting
+for that explanation, that his journey has conferred a most substantial
+benefit on all these colonies. It has, there can be no doubt, very much
+accelerated the formation of a great settlement in North Australia, which
+may be expected to become, some day, a separate and independent colony.
+In fact it has formed a fitting addition to the noble efforts which have
+been made by this colony in the cause of Australian exploration. Those
+efforts, as we all know, are now about to terminate. Instructions have
+been despatched to Mr. Howitt to return as speedily as possible; and when
+he brings back the remains of the lamented explorers, Burke and Wills, we
+shall approach the closing scene of the great drama--or tragedy, as I
+believe I may call it. I trust on that occasion the public funeral
+promised to those brave men will be carried out with the enthusiasm which
+was manifested a year ago, and that active exertions will be used by all
+concerned to raise an appropriate monument to their memory. (Hear, hear.)
+I have now great pleasure in handing to King, on the part of the Royal
+Geographical Society of London, this watch, which bears within, as he
+will find, an inscription setting forth that it was "Presented by the
+President and Council of the Royal Geographical Society of London to John
+King, for his meritorious conduct in the expedition under the lamented
+Burke and Wills." (Great applause.)
+
+John King, who seemed overpowered with emotion, replied in the following
+terms:
+
+May it please your Excellency, it affords me much grateful satisfaction
+to receive this watch, which the Royal Geographical Society of London has
+been pleased to present to me in recognition of my services during the
+late Victorian Exploring Expedition, and particularly to the lamented Mr.
+Burke in his last moments. In these particulars, your Excellency, I
+consider that I simply did my duty--a duty that I would perform over
+again if I were similarly placed. (Applause.) Still it is a source of
+grateful satisfaction to me to know that our achievement has been
+properly appreciated by the British Government and the great scientific
+bodies, and also that my humble services have been appreciated by the
+Royal Geographical Society, and by His Grace the Duke of Newcastle. I
+beg, through your Excellency, most respectfully to thank His Grace and
+the Royal Geographical Society for their recognition of my services. Such
+recognition will always convince me that no man under this or any
+government will do his duty without meeting his reward. (Great applause.)
+
+...
+
+His Excellency then introduced Mr. Landsborough to the meeting, and
+intimated that that gentleman would give a narrative of his expedition.
+His Excellency also introduced two aboriginals who had accompanied Mr.
+Landsborough from Carpentaria.
+
+Mr. Landsborough said he had much pleasure in meeting the Royal Society
+and he was much gratified with the reception that had been accorded him.
+His expedition had been the second to cross the continent of Australia
+from Carpentaria, and he had been fortunate in finding a good road.
+Through the liberality of the Royal Society he had a first rate outfit at
+Brisbane. Unfortunately the transport Firefly, which conveyed himself and
+party from Brisbane, was wrecked on Hardy's Island. However, a few days
+afterwards, they were relieved by Captain Norman of the Victoria. Through
+the exertions of Captain Norman, his officers, and crew the Firefly was
+towed off the reef and the horses were reshipped and taken on to
+Carpentaria. It had been supposed hitherto that the Albert River was not
+a good place for landing horses; but the Firefly, a vessel of 200 tons,
+went twenty miles up that river and the horses were landed without
+difficulty, in fact they walked ashore. He was delighted to find so fine
+a country. He had had twenty years experience of Australia, and he had
+never seen better country for stock than he found on the shores of the
+Gulf of Carpentaria. His mission was to search for Burke and his
+companions, but he could not shut his eyes to the fact that there was a
+fine country before them, and that country lying idle--a country, which
+through the exertions of Burke and his companions, had been opened to the
+world. (Hear.) The pastoral interest was a great interest still in
+Australia; and he held it to be a great pity that the stock of the
+country should be boiled down for tallow when Australia is the finest
+country in the world for growing wool. He hoped that the discoveries made
+through the instrumentality of the Royal Society would tend to prevent
+this. He would now point out the route which he took in search of Burke
+and his party. In his first expedition he proceeded in the direction of
+Central Mount Stuart, with the view of trying to discover whether Burke
+had gone on Stuart's route; he succeeded in travelling about 210 miles,
+the first 100 of which he followed up a running stream, but after leaving
+its source he lost much time from the scarcity of water; for this reason,
+and the precious loss of time caused by the wreck of the Firefly, he
+deemed it prudent to return to the depot; this course was adopted with
+much regret, as the wet season had commenced, a continuance of which for
+two or three weeks would probably have enabled him to have pursued the
+route originally intended in search of the traces of Burke. His first
+impression regarding the stream referred to was that it was created by
+rain, but as it was evident that no rain had fallen for months he
+concluded that this idea was incorrect. He afterwards discovered that it
+owed its source to springs of a kind which he had never before met with,
+the stream from which, near its source in the valley of the Gregory
+River, was sufficiently powerful to turn a large mill wheel. On his route
+back to the depot he found that this stream, at a point distant from
+Carpentaria about 80 miles, divided into two branches, one of which
+flowed into the Nicholson River, and the other into the Albert. As an
+evidence of the superior quality of the country through which he passed
+on his expedition to the south-west he might mention that the horses
+travelled as well as if they had been stable fed. He had travelled in
+Queensland and New South Wales and had never found horses stand work as
+well as those horses did at Carpentaria. On returning to the depot he and
+his party rested for three weeks and again started to find the tracks of
+Burke and his companions. They had heard that tracks had been seen by Mr.
+Walker on the Flinders River, they tried to follow Walker's tracks to the
+Flinders, but although he had preceded them only by about two months, his
+tracks could not be followed, owing to the rain which had fallen. They
+proceeded to the Flinders, but they could find no traces of Burke. They
+followed up the river for about 280 miles through a magnificent country.
+When they reached this point they left the Flinders, and in less than
+twenty miles further got to the watershed of the Thomson, one of the main
+heads of the Cooper River. When they had proceeded about 100 miles down
+the valley of the Thomson they found a tree which had been marked by a
+companion of Landsborough's in a former expedition several years before,
+which he was glad to be able to show, as a proof of his knowledge of the
+country, to the members of his party who knew nothing of him till about a
+week or ten days before he started on the expedition. Having followed
+down the valley of the Thomson, through fine country, from the tree
+referred to to a point within 270 miles of Burke's depot at Cooper's
+River; they were most desirous to have gone to that place but their
+supplies were very limited, and the blacks had repeatedly told them
+through Jemmy, one of the party, who understood their language, that they
+had not seen any exploring parties with camels. They therefore deemed it
+the better plan to strike across, about 50 miles, to the Barcoo, the main
+head of the Cooper River. This they accordingly did, and then proceeded
+to the Warrego, which they followed down till they struck the Darling. On
+reaching settled country they were very sorry to hear of the melancholy
+fate of Burke, Wills, and Gray. They were hospitably received by the
+settlers, but the season was dry and their horses fared much worse in the
+settled districts than in crossing from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the
+Darling. In conclusion Mr. Landsborough expressed his acknowledgments for
+the warm reception which had been accorded to him and his willingness to
+answer any questions that might be put to him.
+
+In reply to questions:
+
+Mr. Landsborough said he thought the Flinders River was about 500 miles
+long. The most elevated land on the Flinders appeared to be about 1000 to
+1500 feet high. The climate of Carpentaria he believed to be very dry
+excepting in the months of January, February, March and April. The bed of
+the Flinders when he left it was 120 yards wide, with a shallow stream
+flowing along its surface. His party came through the country at a very
+favourable season of the year. Thunderstorms and rainy weather might be
+expected until the end of April, and sometimes as late as May. On the
+heads of the Gregory River the country was of a basaltic character; and
+on the Flinders there was abundance of quartz and ironbark country. He
+saw about 50 miles of the latter description of country and believed from
+his previous knowledge that it extended to the coast. The range dividing
+the Flinders from the Cooper River country he estimated to be from 1000
+to 1500 feet high, while that which he crossed on his expedition to the
+south-west, though about the same height, was of quite a different
+character, being composed of a basalt different from any he had seen
+before. The slopes of the tableland were grassed with spinifex, which is
+almost worthless. All basaltic country he had seen previously in other
+parts of Australia was exceedingly well grassed.
+
+He had no doubt that the rivers on the north side of Barkly's Tableland
+were supplied by springs. Barkly's Tableland divides the northern from
+the southern waters. He crossed it on his first expedition. He had never
+been to the west of the Thomson. Immediately after leaving the watershed
+of the Flinders he got onto that of the Thomson. On returning to the
+Albert from his expedition to the south-west he came to a river which he
+named O'Shanassy, which has long and deep reaches of water. In the
+waterholes on the southern side of Barkly's Tableland, which he followed
+down for seventy miles, he found plenty of fish, and his impression was
+that these fish came up from rivers farther to the south-west. It was the
+dry season when he was there, but he could see traces of water where it
+had spread for several miles across the country in the wet season. He had
+no doubt that, if he had been able to go farther down, he should have got
+to a large river.
+
+Dr. Mueller observed that this seemed to augur well for any expeditions
+that might be undertaken from the south of the Gulf of Carpentaria to the
+south-west. He begged to ask whether, in following down the tributaries
+of the Thomson, Mr. Landsborough met with any traces of Dr. Leichhardt?
+It would appear from the information supplied by Mr. Walker that
+Leichhardt took the tributaries of the Thomson in order to be able to
+skirt the desert of Captain Sturt. Mr. Landsborough said he went from
+near Port Denison to the heads of the Thomson River some years ago, and
+the probability was, he thought, that Mr. Walker saw his tracks or those
+of Cornish and Buchanan, who had also gone from Rockhampton to the heads
+of the Thomson. The party of Mr. Peter McDonald (a Victorian) also went
+from Rockhampton to the southern side of the range several years ago. In
+his (Mr. Landsborough's) first expedition he endeavoured to find
+Leichhardt's tracks on the heads of the Thomson, but unsuccessfully.
+
+Dr. Iffla asked whether Mr. Landsborough in the course of his brilliant
+journey across the country met with many bodies of natives, and whether
+they evinced a friendly or hostile disposition.
+
+Mr. Landsborough did not admit that it was a brilliant journey.
+(Laughter.) He saw very few blacks. The largest number he saw at a time
+was about thirty. He saw no tracks of blacks and he could not imagine
+that they were numerous. He always avoided having much intercourse with
+the blacks. He seldom had any trouble with them until this expedition. On
+the Barcoo River a number of blacks who had previously appeared most
+friendly approached the camp in the middle of the night and, but for the
+watchfulness of Jemmy, might have knocked them on the head. They were
+driven away, but the next morning they appeared disposed to attack the
+party. Under those circumstances he was obliged to fire upon them. One
+volley and a few shots however were sufficient to get rid of them. He
+came upon the Flinders above the navigable point. The range which he
+crossed to the south-west of Carpentaria was a tableland, that between
+the Flinders and the Thomson consisted of a series of hills and mountains
+with passes between them, as Mr. Walker had described in his journal.
+
+His Excellency inquired what were Mr. Landsborough's impressions and
+ideas of the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria with reference to the
+settlement there of Europeans at any future time?
+
+Mr. Landsborough replied that, although living in the open air and not
+having the best of food, the country agreed admirably with him. While his
+party and the crew of the Victoria were at Carpentaria there was very
+little sickness among them, nor was there fever and ague. The shores were
+very level. There was nothing that could be called a hill for 60 or 100
+miles. Although a very dry country, there was rain for about three months
+in the year, and there were in some seasons large floods. He did not
+reach the Flinders River until two or three months after Walker's party,
+and he could not then find Burke's tracks. He considered he could not be
+expected to find them, since Mr. Walker, a gentleman whose great
+perseverance and bush experience were well-known, who was then two months
+before with a larger party than his and twice the equipment, could not
+follow them up. He could not even find Walker's tracks. He believed it
+was impossible for Burke and Wills to have gone within sight of the sea,
+because saltwater creeks spread all over the country for ten miles from
+the sea. This was his opinion from what he saw at the mouth of the
+Albert, and he had no doubt that the mouth of the Flinders was of the
+same character.
+
+His Excellency said he was sure that they all felt very much obliged to
+Mr. Landsborough for the cheerful alacrity with which he had replied to
+all questions, and the amount of information about his journey which he
+had laid before the meeting. The remaining business on the paper would be
+postponed. He was afraid that a great many of those present were
+attracted to the meeting rather by the exploration information than the
+scientific papers announced to be brought forward. However this might be
+he would call upon them to give three hearty cheers for Mr. King and Mr.
+Landsborough.
+
+The Society then adjourned.
+
+...
+
+
+JOURNAL: LANDSBOROUGH'S EXPEDITION FROM CARPENTARIA TO VICTORIA.
+
+In laying before our readers the whole of Mr. Landsborough's journal,
+descriptive of the country he passed over in crossing the continent, some
+explanatory notes respecting the vegetation, etc., may be found
+acceptable and they are therefore given at the end. We are indebted to
+Dr. Mueller for some of them.
+
+The party consisted of:
+
+Mr. W. Landsborough, leader.
+Mr. Bourne, second in command.
+Gleeson.
+Aboriginals: Jemmy, Fisherman, Jackey.
+
+The party left Carpentaria on the 8th of February and arrived at Messrs.
+Williams' station on the Warrego River on the 21st of May--inclusive of
+both dates, 103 days. The total weight of provisions with which the party
+started was 1,279 pounds.
+
+CONTINUATION OF THE JOURNAL OF W. LANDSBOROUGH, COMMANDER OF THE PARTY
+ORGANISED AT BRISBANE, TO SEARCH FROM THE ALBERT RIVER, GULF OF
+CARPENTARIA, FOR BURKE'S PARTY.
+
+February 4 1862.
+
+Since the 19th ultimo, the date of my arrival at the depot from the
+expedition to the south-west, I have been in constant expectation of a
+boat from H.M.C.S. Victoria. Late this evening I was glad to welcome the
+arrival of Lieutenant Gascoyne. The news he gave us of the death of Mr.
+Frost (who he told us had died by the accidental discharge of a gun)
+occasioned great regret.
+
+February 5.
+
+Having received an invitation from Lieutenant Gascoyne to accompany him
+to the Victoria I availed myself of it, and had a pleasant sail down the
+river and a short distance out to sea to where the vessel was stationed.
+We arrived late in the evening and had the pleasure of meeting Captain
+Norman and the officers.
+
+February 6.
+
+Today I had the good fortune to get Lieutenant Woods to assist me with my
+work. He made a beautiful tracing from the sketch I had made to show my
+route to the south-west. The sketch was made solely by dead reckoning. I
+wanted to take notes from Mr. Walker's journal and chart of his route
+from Rockhampton, but as he had told Captain Norman that no one was to be
+allowed to do so, I was not permitted to make them. Having agreed with
+Captain Norman to return to the depot tomorrow I was, having letters to
+write and preparations to make for the next expedition, in a continual
+bustle.
+
+February 7.
+
+I returned with Lieutenant Gascoyne to the Albert River depot.
+
+February 8.
+
+This was a busy day as we knew we were to abandon the depot in the
+evening. By the assistance of Lieutenant Gascoyne and some of his men,
+with two boats, we pulled the horses across the river. In the evening, as
+soon as Messrs. Campbell and Wilson had hurriedly finished a copy for
+Captain Norman of the notes I had made in my memorandum-book when on the
+expedition to the south-west, the Firefly hulk was abandoned. Those of my
+party I could not take overland accompanied Lieutenant Gascoyne, Captain
+Norman having previously agreed to take them to their respective
+destinations, namely: my late assistant commander, H.N. Campbell, to
+Hobson's Bay, Victoria; Mr. Allison, and the aboriginal trooper, Charlie,
+to Brisbane. Mr. Bourne and I accompanied them in Lieutenant Gascoyne's
+boat down the river to our camp, where we bade farewell.
+
+February 9.
+
+Today we were busily employed preparing for our expedition.
+
+February 10.
+
+As there were mangrove mudflats in the neighbourhood of our camp the
+mosquitoes were particularly troublesome; we hurriedly therefore made
+preparations for leaving it. When we had packed up as many things as the
+horses could conveniently carry the blacks paid us a visit, and we gave
+them the remainder. 5.10 p.m. we started and came five and a quarter
+miles upon well-grassed plains, and encamped near a fine waterhole. The
+water was slightly brackish, but not so much so as to render it
+undrinkable. The plains we crossed were slightly wooded. We came on the
+following courses: 5.20 p.m. half a mile south-east; 5.35 p.m.
+three-quarters of a mile east; 6 p.m. one mile east-south-east; 8 p.m.
+three miles south. Distance five and a quarter miles.
+
+February 11.
+
+In consequence of having to repair packs and packsaddles we could not
+manage to leave until 1.10 p.m. The three weeks' rest the horses had on
+the rich pasture near the depot made a wonderful improvement in their
+condition. They were so restive yesterday that several of them in
+galloping and plunging did considerable damage to the packs and
+packsaddles. As the tracks of Walker's party were so indistinct that I
+could only see them when pointed out to me by the aborigines of our
+party, I foresaw that it would be tedious if not impossible to follow
+them to where Mr. Walker said he had left the tracks of Mr. Burke's
+party. When we had come a short distance over fine well-grassed plains we
+reached a saltwater creek, which we followed up a short distance, then
+crossed it and encamped in haste, as we saw a heavy thunder-shower was
+about to fall. Before leaving last camp I made an observation of the sun
+and found its meridian altitude 86 degrees 3 minutes. The latitude is by
+this observation 17 degrees 53 minutes. We came here on the following
+courses: 1.40 south-east and by east, one and a half miles; 2.22 south
+one and a half miles to saltwater creek; 2.25 north-east half a mile up
+the creek; 2.50 south-west and by west, half a mile up the creek to ford.
+Distance come today four and a half miles.
+
+February 12.
+
+Camp 2, which we left this morning at 7.20, is situated about seven miles
+south-east from the Albert River depot. In our journey today, although we
+often got off the tracks of Walker's party, we did not altogether lose
+them. Near where we encamped tonight Jemmy saw a dead horse. From last
+camp we came over well-grassed, lightly wooded plains for five miles,
+then over flat country for four and three-quarter miles. The land was
+covered with good grasses and wooded with box and excoecaria. What I take
+to be excoecaria resembles the tree Mr. Walker describes as being
+probably the gutta-percha. The box trees are similar to those that grow
+near the Murrumbidgee River. In the middle of the day I halted to make an
+observation of the sun. I made its meridian altitude 85 degrees 32
+minutes. The latitude is by that observation 17 degrees 59 minutes.
+Afterwards we came out of the wooded country in one and a half miles,
+then came over plains for four and a quarter miles, then crossed a
+shallow watercourse and encamped. These plains had a higher elevation
+than any we had seen since leaving the depot. The soil was rich and
+luxuriantly covered with the best grasses, and slightly wooded with
+white-wood. The white-wood I take to be the tree Mr. Gregory calls the
+erythrina. We came here on the following courses: 9.20 five and a quarter
+miles; 11.33 east-south-east four and three-quarter miles; 1.30
+east-south-east one and a half miles and crossed a shallow watercourse
+from the west; 2.40 east-south-east for four and a quarter miles and
+crossed another shallow watercourse; 2.5 east-south-east for
+three-quarters of a mile over low lands liable to inundation. Distance
+today sixteen and a half miles.
+
+February 13.
+
+Number 3, our last camp, was situated on the right bank of a shallow
+watercourse. As one of the horses had barely recovered the effects of
+travelling on stony country when on the expedition to the south-west, we
+had this morning to put a shoe on one of his feet with screw nails; the
+screws, in the absence of proper nails, answer tolerably well. We started
+at 9.6 and, having passed over a rich, lightly-wooded plain about eight
+miles, we reached the Leichhardt River at a part where the tide reaches.
+This river seems to be fully larger than the Albert. The tracks of
+Walker's party were so indistinct on the rich plains from so much rain
+having fallen that I gave up hope of being able to follow them. We
+coursed the river down three-quarters of a mile and found a shallow rocky
+ford, but it was not available as the rocks were too slippery and the
+opposite bank too steep. Near the ford we saw some articles belonging to
+the blacks, and amongst them a piece of an old blanket that I fancied was
+a part of one I had given to them at the Albert River. From the ford we
+returned up the river and encamped near some small waterholes. The
+direction we came today from last camp south-east by east; distance eight
+miles. In the distance I may be a little out of my calculation, my watch
+having stopped. This was particularly vexing as I had bought it expressly
+for keeping the time while on this expedition. After dark we heard the
+horses galloping and, as Jemmy, Jackey, and Fisherman thought blacks were
+driving them away, I sent them to fetch them back; but they did not
+disturb them as they were feeding quietly and no blacks were seen.
+
+February 14.
+
+We left Number 4 Camp this morning at 7.50. In following the river up
+about seven and three-quarter miles to a basaltic ford, where the water
+was fresh, we passed over rich well-grassed country, consisting chiefly
+of plains, separated from each other by low wooded country. On the low
+land we observed salt herbs, and pigweed, the proper name of which, I
+believe, is portulac. We crossed the ford and camped on the opposite
+side. The scenery here is picturesque; there is a fall of about thirty
+feet with beautiful trees in its neighbourhood. The channel of the river
+showed extensive old flood-marks and had plenty of water in it, but I had
+to make a minute examination of it before I discovered the water was
+running. In a fine deep hole below the fall Mr. Bourne and I intended
+bathing, but had to go further, from hearing something like a large
+animal plunge into the water. To the eastward I made an observation of
+the sun from a short plain horizon; I made the altitude 84 degrees 45
+minutes, latitude 18 degrees 10 minutes 30 seconds. We came here on the
+following courses: 8.35 south-east for two miles; 8.45 south half a mile
+to boggy ground; 10.20 south half east three and a quarter miles; 10.35
+south half a mile and crossed a shallow watercourse from the west; 10.50
+east one mile and crossed another watercourse; 12.50 east half a mile and
+crossed the Leichhardt River.
+
+February 15.
+
+We left Camp 5 at 7.58. At 8.20, having crossed one mile and a half over
+a sandy flat, wooded with gum, fig, cotton, coral, white cedar, and other
+trees, we reached the flat rocky bed of a large watercourse. 8.50 one
+mile and a quarter up the creek and crossed it; then one mile and
+three-quarters over a fine plain with grass, pigweed, and salt herbs.
+10.5 one mile and three-quarters took us over a barren low ridge, with
+rusty-gum, box, bloodwood, severn, and other trees, to a grassy
+watercourse with fine little holes of water; from its being boggy we were
+delayed in crossing until 10.25. One mile and a half over grassy flats
+and across another watercourse coming from the eastward. 12.45, having
+gone over poor ridges for five miles, we reached a fine, rich, flat
+valley, luxuriantly covered with barley and other grasses; delayed until
+1.58 while some of our party tried, without success, to shoot an emu.
+2.30, having come about four and a quarter miles, we reached a
+watercourse and encamped; the water flows from the north-east and shows
+extensive flood-marks. The valley I named Neumayer. Direction today
+east-south-east; distance sixteen miles.
+
+February 16. Sunday.
+
+Rested ourselves and horses.
+
+February 17.
+
+Left camp at 6.35. Four and a half miles took us across low land, wooded
+chiefly with (what I take it to be) excoecaria; then a mile over
+unwooded, gently-undulating ground, which extended up the valley to
+little bald hills. The land is well grassed. A site near those hills
+would answer well for a lambing-ground for a sheep establishment. Then a
+mile over high grassy lands, wooded with gum, broad-leaved box,
+white-wood, and other trees; then two miles further to near the base of a
+hill that was remarked from its only being wooded on its summit; then
+three and a half miles over undulating well-grassed ground to a small
+watercourse from the west; then three miles over flat poor country,
+thickly wooded with bloodwood and other trees; then three and a half
+miles over poor low ridges, covered with triodia and other grasses, and
+wooded with bloodwood, tea, severn, and other trees, to a small
+watercourse, where we encamped. Direction today east by south half south;
+distance sixteen miles.
+
+February 18.
+
+We left Camp 7 (marked by mistake 8) at 8.16 this morning. At 11.45 we
+had come nine miles and a half over two kinds of country--the first and
+largest part consisting of poor low ridges, covered with inferior grasses
+and wooded with bloodwood, tea, and other trees; the second part
+consisting of flat country, rich soil, well grassed, and wooded with
+bauhinia and western-wood acacia. The acacia I have mentioned is called
+gidya in some places of Australia. Then, after crossing, in half a mile,
+a strip of unwooded country extending to the right and left of our
+course, we halted for thirty-five minutes to try and get the sun's
+meridian altitude, but did not succeed as the sun was obscured. Then,
+after coming over poor low ridges covered with triodia and wooded chiefly
+with tea trees for five and three-quarter miles, we reached at 2.45 a
+ravine and encamped. Direction travelled this day east by south half
+south.
+
+February 19. Camp 8, situated in a ravine from an adjoining tableland.
+
+In the rocky basin of the ravine I think water will always be found. We
+left camp at 6.40 this morning and came in an east by south half south
+direction. The country for a short distance was confined, but on
+descending the valley it opened out into plains separated from each other
+by isolated hills of a conical form. The tops of the hills were covered
+by rocks which, from their appearance, were of a sandstone formation; the
+lower parts of the hills were well grassed, the plains of rich soil, and
+covered with a luxuriant green herbage. At 9.30, having come over the
+plains on our old course for five miles from the isolated hills, we
+reached the Flinders River. The river, we were glad to find, had been
+recently flooded; in crossing we ascertained it had four channels, one of
+which was running. As this was the river on the banks of which Mr. Walker
+said he had found the track of Burke's party I thought it would be a good
+plan to follow it up, and resolved to do so. At 10.10 from the opposite
+bank of the river we came south two and three-quarter miles, which took
+us over country wooded with box and terminalis to plains similar to those
+I have described on the left bank of the river, with this difference that
+on this side there were more flats and pigweed, salt herbs, and saltbush.
+At 12 having halted I got the following observation: meridian altitude of
+the sun 82 degrees, latitude 18 degrees 32 minutes 30 seconds. At 1.20
+south-south-east three and a quarter miles over rich well-grassed plains;
+at 2.5 south-east and by south two and a quarter miles; at 13.13
+south-west and by south three miles through wooded, rich, flat country to
+water, and encamped. Distance today nineteen and a quarter miles.
+
+February 20. Camp 9, situated on the right bank of an eastern channel of
+the river.
+
+At this camp one of the mares foaled. Left camp at 7.46; at 8.10, having
+steered south half east one mile, we reached the river; then changed our
+course to south-south-east and at 8.38, having travelled one and a
+quarter miles, we got out of the box and saltbush flats to unwooded
+plains; delayed then until 9.33, whilst some of our party tried
+unsuccessfully to shoot emu. At 10.30 came south-east one and a half
+miles along a plain. At 11.30 came south-south-east two and a half miles
+to a point of timber, then halted till 12.45 to make an observation of
+the sun; at 1.20 came south-south-east one and a half miles over thinly
+wooded plains. The plains in this neighbourhood are thinly grassed, which
+I think is caused by a recent dry season; at 1.45 made south one and a
+quarter miles over country that is more thickly grassed; at 2.20 came one
+and a quarter miles south half west through flats wooded with box and
+encamped. Distance today eleven and a quarter miles. The foal was so
+active that it kept up with the horses on this day's journey.
+
+February 21. Camp 10, situated on the right bank of Flinders River.
+
+Started at 7.30 a.m.; at 7.56, having steered east-south-east a mile over
+rich ground with box trees and saltbush, we reached well grassed land,
+thinly wooded with white-wood, pomegranate, bauhinia, and other small
+trees; 9.15 south-east one and a half miles over ground so green with
+herbage that one of my companions said it resembled the banks of the
+Murrumbidgee in spring; at 11.20 east-south-east five miles and a quarter
+across an unwooded plain, and halted till 12.45 to make the following
+observation: meridian altitude of the sun 81 degrees 33 minutes; latitude
+18 degrees 55 minutes 30 seconds; at 1.30 we steered south-south-east two
+miles over rich plains, covered in places with luxuriant young grass
+having the appearance more of young barley than any other indigenous
+verdure that I have seen elsewhere. At 2.30 came south two and
+three-quarter miles and encamped. Distance today twelve and a half miles.
+
+February 22.
+
+We left Camp 11, situated on the right bank of the Flinders River at 7.47
+a.m.; at 8.50, having come south-east two and three-quarter miles through
+a very rich thinly wooded country with herbage like that on old folding
+ground in spring, we reached unwooded plains; at 9.20 came
+south-south-east one and a quarter miles across a plain chiefly covered
+with barley-grass; at 11.20 came south-east by south across plains for
+five and a quarter miles to the edge of wooded country, and halted till
+12.35; at that place I made the meridian altitude of the sun 81 degrees 1
+minute, latitude 19 degrees 6 minutes; at 1.2 came south-south-east one
+and a quarter miles along a plain; at 2.17 thence south-east three miles
+further along the plain, on which there was abundance of saltbush and
+pigweed; at 3.35 came south half west over thinly wooded plains; at 3.50
+came south-west half a mile and encamped. Distance today seventeen and a
+quarter miles.
+
+February 23.
+
+This being Sunday we rested ourselves and horses. In this neighbourhood
+Jackey and Fisherman caught five possums.
+
+February 24.
+
+Left Camp 12 situated on the right bank of Flinders River at 8.52 a.m.
+During last night and this morning the weather was showery. In the
+morning the rain was accompanied by a strong east wind. Now that I am on
+the subject of the weather I may mention that for some time past it was
+so cool that although we were in the sun the hottest part of the day I
+did not find the heat oppressive; at 10.5, having come south-east and by
+south three miles, that course took us along a plain of the richest soil,
+but thinly grassed, in consequence, probably, of a recent dry season; at
+10.40, having changed our course to east, we came one and a half miles
+and crossed a watercourse with large quantities of mussel shells on its
+banks, but with no water in its channel; at 12.15, having changed our
+course to south, we came over country, some of which was well grassed and
+very green from the old grass having been burnt, for four miles. In this
+distance we crossed several watercourses. Having left the party to look
+at the river, in my absence a high hill was seen to the left of our
+course. The banks of the river I found thickly wooded with western-wood
+acacia; at 1.15 came south along the plain for two and three-quarter
+miles, and delayed until 1.50 while the most of our party tried
+unsuccessfully to shoot emu; at this place I observed the hill which had
+been seen previously. It bore south-east by south from us. The hill I
+named Fort Bowen; at 2.25 came south-east and by south over rich ground
+for two miles. The vegetation in this neighbourhood seems nearly dead,
+excepting the saltbush. To adjust the packs of one of the horses we
+delayed here till 2.45; at 3.50 came 2 and three-quarter miles south and
+encamped. Distance today sixteen miles.
+
+February 25.
+
+Number 13 Camp is situated on the right bank of the Flinders River at a
+point about four miles distant from Fort Bowen and north-west and by west
+from it. Looking from the camp, the hill had a long-topped aspect with
+rather an abrupt western termination. During the night the weather was
+showery and this morning rain fell, accompanied by a strong north-east
+wind. Left camp at 8.47 a.m. and reached the base of Fort Bowen in four
+and a half miles at 10.25. In coming that distance we crossed plains
+which had, near the river, more herbs than grass; and near the hill more
+grass than herbs. At the base we found springs surrounded by reeds and
+clumps of tea-trees. Accompanied by Jemmy I ascended Fort Bowen, the rest
+of the party proceeding up the river. From the summit I observed two
+little hills in the distance bearing 60 degrees east of south. From the
+density of the atmosphere no other hills were visible. Plains surround
+Fort Bowen on all sides. Those on the west side of the Flinders River are
+more thickly wooded than those on the east side. Fort Bowen, I should
+say, is about 200 feet high. From its surface pudding-stone rocks crop
+out. Almost immediately after descending we overtook the rest of the
+party, halting near waterholes in which there were ducks. Jackey and
+Fisherman had tried to kill some but without success; at 12.18 Mr. Bourne
+and Jackey went to shoot at a large flock of cockatoos, the rest of us
+proceeding on our journey; at 2.55 came south-east and by south over rich
+plains with more herbs on them than grass at places, and more grass than
+herbs at other places, seven miles, and encamped. Before we halted Mr.
+Bourne and Jackey overtook us, loaded with cockatoos, of which they had
+shot as many as they wanted as the flock did not fly away. Distance today
+eleven and a half miles.
+
+February 26.
+
+Jemmy and Jackey went out early for the horses. Shortly after noon they
+returned having only found a portion of them. They brought back two
+snakes and ate them for dinner. Jackey was bitten by one of the reptiles
+but so slightly that he did not think anything of it. Snakes are rare in
+this part of the country. In my last expedition to the south-west I only
+remember having seen one. In the evening Fisherman brought in the
+remainder of the horses. The weather was showery, accompanied by
+northerly wind for the greater part of the day.
+
+February 27. Number 14 Camp, situated on the right bank of the Flinders
+River at a point about seven miles south-east and by south from Fort
+Bowen.
+
+The weather during the night was showery, accompanied by northerly wind.
+Left camp at 8.40. At 10.5, having crossed a plain in sight of the trees
+on the banks of the river in an easterly course for three and
+three-quarter miles, sighted hills, named by me Mount Brown and Mount
+Little. At 11.40 came south-east and by east towards Mount Little for
+four and a half miles, and reached a watercourse full of water from the
+east. At 12.15, having come one and a half miles further in the same
+direction, we halted till 12.30 for Jackey, who had gone to waterholes
+surrounded by springs and clumps of tea-trees for the purpose of shooting
+ducks. Jemmy and I left the party to ascend Mount Little, which is nearer
+to the river than Mount Brown. We reached Mount Little in about a mile
+and rode to its rocky summit. Its elevation is about fifty feet. The
+rocks looked like granite, but on a closer inspection I found they were
+of a stratified formation. From the mount nothing was observable except
+Fort Bowen, Mount Brown, a little rise, and extensive thinly wooded
+plains. Fort Bowen bore 58 degrees west of north, the small rise south
+and by east. I built here a small cairn and scratched with a mussel shell
+which I picked up at a blacks' camp (having no knife) my initials and a
+broad arrow. Started again at 1.30 after the rest of the party, who had
+gone on ahead. At 2.30 came south and by east half east, partly on the
+tracks and partly with the main party, over thinly wooded plains for four
+miles. At 2.30 came south one and three-quarter miles and encamped. I
+never saw finer-looking herbage than that along our path today. If it
+always rained when the grass required moisture this would be one of the
+best places, if not altogether the best, in Australia.
+
+February 28. Camp 15, situated on the right bank of the Flinders River at
+a point about six miles south and by east from Mount Little and Mount
+Brown.
+
+Near this point the water in the river is deep with tea-trees growing
+near, a good sign that the water is permanent. Last night we had a sudden
+and heavy shower of rain. Fisherman and Jackey were not prepared for it,
+consequently they got all their clothes and bedding wet; this however was
+rather a subject of merriment than otherwise. We left camp at 8.8. At
+8.55, having come east-south-east for two miles up the river, over rich
+level ground, thinly wooded with box and (what I take to be) excoecaria,
+and green with the following herbage: roley-poley, pigweed, saltbush, and
+grass to plains. At 11.15 came five and three-quarter miles in the same
+direction across plains intersected from the east by shallow
+watercourses, outlets of the river during floods. At 12, having remained
+behind the party with Jemmy, I got the following observation on a plain
+horizon of about a mile in length, namely, meridian altitude of the sun
+78 degrees; latitude 19 degrees 51 minutes 7 seconds. Started again at
+7.43 and came east-south-east four miles on the tracks of our party along
+an unwooded plain with plenty of old grass on it, now green from the
+recent wet weather; and along a low sandy ridge, green with grass and
+brushwood. This land evidently retains the moisture better than that of
+the country down the river. At 2.40 came south-east and by east one and
+three-quarter miles over level, well-grassed, and thinly-wooded land,
+with the exception of a sandhill wooded with bauhinia. At 3.45 came south
+one and a half miles over poor sandy land, badly grassed and thickly
+wooded. At 4.15 came south-west and by south one and a half miles over
+level country covered with roley-poley, pigweed, saltbush, and young
+grass, and wooded with box and western-wood acacia to water, and
+encamped. Distance eighteen and a quarter miles.
+
+March 1. Camp 16, situated on the right bank of the Flinders River.
+
+Left same this morning at 8.40. At 10.30 travelled five miles
+east-south-east on an average course along the right bank of the river
+over rich level land covered with roley-poley, pigweed, grass, and
+saltbush, and wooded with box, terminalia, and other trees. At 11.20 came
+south-east and by east over land such as I have just described for two
+and a quarter miles. Halted with Jemmy and on a short plain horizon made
+the following observation, namely, meridian altitude of the sun 77
+degrees 27 minutes; latitude 20 degrees 3 minutes 30 seconds. At 12.23
+started on the tracks of our party. At 12.58 came one and three-quarter
+miles over sandy level land on which I observed, amongst other grasses,
+tufts of kangaroo-grass. At 1.30, when we had come south-east one and a
+half miles over an unwooded plain and very rich soil covered with
+roley-poley, pigweed, saltbush, and luxuriant young grass, we overtook
+our party. At 2.20 came south-east and east over an unwooded well-grassed
+plain to a watercourse from the east, with long holes of water. Here a
+black was observed in the distance. As this was the first whom we had
+seen since leaving the depot, and as I never had observed tracks on
+either this expedition or the one to the south-west which a thundershower
+would not efface, I think there cannot be many blacks in the country near
+the Gulf of Carpentaria. At 3 came east-south-east over rich low plains
+with large patches of saltbush for two miles. At 3.35 came
+south-south-east over slightly undulating land with abundance of grass,
+and slightly wooded with trees and bushes, for two miles to a watercourse
+from the east. On the country I have just mentioned grow bushes like the
+garden-box, loaded with fruit pleasant to the taste. We broke branches
+and ate the berries as we rode along. At 4.23 came up the watercourse a
+quarter of a mile and crossed. This was a matter of difficulty as it was
+boggy. At 5.20 came over rich level country with boggy watercourses from
+the east and encamped. Distance today twenty and a quarter miles.
+
+March 2. Camp 17, situated on the right bank of the Flinders River.
+
+Tea-trees here fringe the channel which looks permanently watered.
+Although this was Sunday we came up the river. I thought it as well to do
+so, Mr. Bourne and Jackey, while they were away from our party shooting,
+having observed a strong body of blacks. We started at 9 a.m. At 11 came
+south-east and by east over rich level land, grassed with herbage and
+wooded with box and bauhinia. At 11.15 came south half a mile and
+encamped. It rained heavily so the work of packing up, saddling, packing
+the horses, driving them over sloppy, boggy ground, unpacking them, and
+making a fire with wet wood was anything but pleasant employment.
+Distance today five miles.
+
+March 3.
+
+It rained so heavily that we remained here. The ground was so soft that
+the horses, much as they are inclined for rambling, did not go further
+away than a quarter of a mile.
+
+March 4.
+
+We started this morning at 8.20. Came east three-quarters of a mile over
+rich level ground with a few trees upon it. The ground was so soft from
+the rain that the horses were with difficulty driven along. From
+following each other in single file and sinking at every step to their
+fetlocks the track they made was so deep that it will not be easily
+effaced. At 10.50 came south-east for five miles and a half across rich
+plains with the greenest herbage; the plains separated from each other by
+wooded land with shallow streams flowing to the northward. At 11.35 came
+south-south-east two and a quarter miles up along a shallow stream with
+slightly wooded plains on its banks. Here Jemmy and I stayed behind the
+party and got the following observation, namely, meridian altitude of the
+sun 76 degrees 3 minutes, latitude 20 degrees 19 minutes. At 12.45 came
+across the plain on the tracks of the party two and a quarter miles. At
+2.35 came at a quicker pace, as the ground was harder, for two and a half
+miles south-east and by east, and crossed a shallow watercourse with
+box-trees along its margin coming from the south. At 3.30 travelled over
+rich plains separated from each other by wooded land with watercourses
+from the south for one and a half miles south-east and by south. At 4
+came half a mile south-east and by south over thickly-wooded land and
+overtook our party where they had formed their encampment. Jemmy, Jackey
+and Fisherman were very successful in collecting food for their supper.
+On the plains they caught a great number of rats, and near here they
+caught five possums. Distance today eighteen and a half miles.
+
+March 5. Camp 19, situated on the right bank of Flinders River.
+
+The horses having rambled a considerable distance out on the plain Jemmy
+and Jackey were a long time bringing them to camp, and we did not manage
+to start this morning until 9.3. At 10 came over two kinds of
+well-grassed country in an east and north direction for three miles, the
+first part wooded with box and bauhinia, the second a plain between belts
+of timber. At 11 came east-south-east across a plain to some extent
+overrun with roley-poley to a deep stream flowing to the north. Here I
+swam across to the opposite bank to a plain which appeared beautifully
+level and made on it the meridian altitude of the sun 75 degrees 36
+minutes, latitude 20 degrees 23 minutes. Started again at 12.50 and came
+up along the stream in a south-east direction one and a half miles over
+well grassed land wooded with box to the outlet of a stream from the
+river and encamped. Distance today seven and a quarter miles.
+
+March 6. Camp 20, situated on the left bank of a northern channel of the
+Flinders River.
+
+The water having fallen greatly since yesterday we carried the saddles
+and packs over and then led the horses. As the northern bank was boggy we
+had to apply the whip severely to some of the horses to get them to
+ascend it. At 9.57 a.m., having packed the horses, we started. At 10.58
+came east and by south up along the left bank of a watercourse with a
+thin margin of box-trees for three miles. At 11.12 Jemmy and I left the
+party and came south for three-quarters of a mile across a plain to the
+right bank of the river where, halting, I made the meridian altitude of
+the sun 75 degrees 6 minutes, latitude 20 degrees 31 minutes. At 12.40
+came half a mile north-east. At 1.12 come along a plain in a south-east
+and by east direction one and a half miles to a deeper and broader outlet
+from the river than the one we crossed in the morning. Overtook our party
+here and assisted to unsaddle and unpack. The horses were then driven
+into the stream and swum across. Afterwards we pulled the saddles and
+packs across with a rope and encamped. We adopted the following plan for
+taking them over the river. We attached the articles to the middle of a
+rope and passed one end of it over the fork of a tree on the southern
+bank; one end of the rope being pulled with sufficient force to keep the
+goods clear of the water, and the other end pulled with much greater
+force, the goods were safely landed on the southern bank. This would have
+been accomplished easily if we had had a pulley, but as we had none it
+took hard pulling to make the rope travel. The country we passed over has
+the same rich character as the land I described yesterday. Distance today
+four and a quarter miles.
+
+March 7. Camp 21, situated on right bank of Flinders River.
+
+Knowing that plains with just a sufficiency of trees for firewood and
+shade has proved better than any other for pastoral purposes, this
+country delighted me; but I must say it would please me more if there
+were a few high hills in the distance. I was however charmed with the
+landscape around the camp this morning. In the foreground I saw fine box,
+excoecaria, and other trees festooned with beautiful cumbering creepers,
+and beyond them the horses feeding on a fine grassy plain extending to
+the north and eastward to apparently distant blue mountains. As the day
+advanced this picture unfortunately lost a portion of its beauty by the
+disappearance of anything like mountains in the distant horizon. We
+started at 8.14 a.m.; and at 11.40 came east for ten miles along a plain
+behind the wooded country near the river, but further back it is either
+covered with roley-poley and pigweed or with young grasses which I am
+afraid are annuals. Yet notwithstanding these drawbacks it is a very fine
+country, and if care is taken by the future occupiers not to overstock it
+sheep and cattle will do remarkably well upon it. When it is occupied it
+should be improved by having seeds sown during the beginning of the wet
+season to produce plants with deep roots which will take the place of the
+annuals. If this was done and tanks and wells made in the back country
+the land would probably carry at least twice the quantity of stock it
+could now; but to get improvements of that character made a freehold
+tenure would probably be required. At 11.40 Jemmy and I waited behind the
+main party on this extensive plain and made an observation of the sun,
+namely, meridian altitude 74 degrees 34 minutes; latitude 20 degrees 37
+minutes 30 seconds. Started on the track of our companions at 12.10; at
+2.14 came south-east and by east for six miles over well-grassed plains
+and overtook the main party. At a shallow watercourse surrounded by
+rushes and polygonum I got off my horse to get a drink and carelessly let
+him out of my hands. In a second he scampered off to the other horses.
+Jackey however soon brought him back to me. At 2.50 came south-east for
+about three-quarters of a mile and encamped. Distance this day sixteen
+and three-quarter miles.
+
+March 8. Camp 22, situated on the right bank of the Flinders River.
+
+The river presents here a fine sheet of water; the channel has the
+appearance of draining a large tract of country and is as large-looking
+as the Nogoa River at its junction with the Comet River. Left camp this
+morning at 8.1; at 8.55 came east and by south for two and three-quarter
+miles along a plain behind the wooded country skirting the river to an
+eastern channel of the river and delayed five minutes to get water; at
+11.40 came north-east a mile and a half; then east five and a quarter
+miles over gently undulating rich land, green with herbage and wooded
+with box; crossed a small creek near its junction with the river; Jemmy
+and I here left the party and cantered for two miles in a north-east
+direction over high undulating rich ground with fine grass to a point
+commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country. To the eastward
+I observed about ten miles distant a line of wooded country which
+probably fringes a stream flowing parallel to the Flinders River. Having
+halted here I got the following observation, namely: meridian altitude of
+the sun 74 degrees 8 minutes; latitude 20 degrees 48 minutes. Jemmy and I
+started to overtake the party at 12.10; at 12.35 came south-east and by
+east over well-grassed land for one and a quarter mile and observed the
+recent tracks of a steer or cow; at 1.23 came south-east two and a
+quarter miles to the river over two kinds of country--the first rich
+undulating ground with good grass, the second clay flats covered with
+grass and salt herbs and wooded with box. In that short distance we
+crossed two watercourses from the east with good holes of water. Not
+having found the tracks of our party we steered west-north-west and at
+2.3, when we had ridden about two miles, we found them waiting for us. As
+there was water and good grass here we encamped. Distance today sixteen
+miles and three-quarters.
+
+March 9.
+
+As this was Sunday we rested ourselves and the horses; I make it a rule
+to fare better on Sunday than on other days so we had for breakfast
+damper, meat, and pigweed; for lunch, pea soup, and for dinner, cold rice
+and jam. The country in this neighbourhood I named Hervey Downs.
+
+March 10.
+
+Today Mr. Bourne, Fisherman, and Jackey went in search of the beast that
+I had seen traces of on Saturday.
+
+March 11.
+
+Mr. Bourne, Fisherman, and Jackey returned. From Mr. Bourne I got the
+following report of their expedition:
+
+After following the tracts of the beast for about two miles down the
+river they found it had crossed and travelled out on the plains in a
+south-easterly direction; followed tracts for twenty miles to where they
+turned nearly east. Up to this point they found water in several places
+but, in running the tracks for fifteen or twenty miles further, found
+none, and very reluctantly turned back (feeling satisfied that the beast
+had got too much start of them) at 4 p.m. to water and encamped. They had
+no rations excepting an iguana and a few mussels. These downs consist of
+loose brown loam, thickly covered with ironstone pebbles, and would be
+very good country if the roley-poley were not so prevalent.
+
+March 12. Camp 23, situated on the left bank of a shallow creek.
+
+A carbine with a broken lock, belonging to Jemmy, the police-trooper, was
+left behind here. We started this morning at 8.25; at 8.50 came
+south-east and by east one and a quarter mile and crossed the river at a
+place where the water has a fall of several feet over flags of sandstone;
+at 11.40 came east over rich well-wooded downs for eight and a quarter
+miles. Jemmy and I having left our party and come about half a mile
+south, I made the following observation, namely: meridian altitude 72
+degrees 33 seconds; latitude 20 degrees 41 minutes. Started after party
+at 12.20. At 1.27 came east half north for two and a half miles over rich
+undulating land to a watercourse. These downs are so sparse of trees that
+a small belt of brushwood on the top of an eminence was a remarkable
+feature. It is situated about a mile this side of the spot from which I
+made my observation; at 3.20, when we had come up the creek on an average
+south-east and by east direction for five and a half miles, we encamped.
+The country we have seen today has decidedly undulating features and a
+rich soil. Some of the flats were covered with roley-poley but the rest
+of the country was grassed. Distance today eighteen and three-quarter
+miles.
+
+March 13. Camp 24, situated on the left bank of a broad shallow
+watercourse named by me O'Connell Creek.
+
+Started this morning at 7.35. When we had ridden up the creek about four
+miles we found the tracks of the beast that Mr. Bourne tracked
+south-easterly from the 23rd camp. After coming backwards and forwards
+for some time we crossed O'Connell Creek, then came about three and a
+half miles to the left bank of the Flinders River and abandoned the
+tracks of the beast as they were going down the river. We followed up the
+river for about four and a half miles. The first part of that distance it
+was confined by stony ridges, wooded with acacias and other trees; in the
+second part were large box flats with unwooded rising ground behind. From
+our path along the rising ground we observed in the distance a number of
+blacks near the river; and also observed, ahead of us to the eastward, a
+long blue range which I found afterwards confined the river on its right
+side. I named it Bramston Range. Afterwards we came over well-grassed
+country of a similar character to that I have described last for about
+five and three-quarter miles and encamped. All the country we have seen
+today is well grassed with the exception of a few plains overrun with
+roley-poley. I may remark also that birds, chiefly consisting of pigeons,
+cockatoos, quail, and hawks, were seen in great abundance. Today we
+travelled in the following courses: 7.35 south-south-east for four miles
+up O'Connell's Creek; 1.35 north and by east for three and a half miles
+to the river, east-south-east four and a quarter miles up the river; 3.30
+east half north for five and three-quarter miles; 3.50 north-east one
+mile. Distance today eighteen and a half miles.
+
+March 14. Camp 25 situated on the left bank of a western channel of the
+Flinders River.
+
+We started this morning at 7.37. When we had come seven miles over rich
+well-grassed downs we observed a great number of blacks on a level flat
+which extended to the southward. Mr. Bourne and I approached them and
+they all ran away except some gins and children who hid themselves in a
+waterhole. We remained near them for a short time and were joined by
+Jemmy and Jackey. The gins and children soon abandoned their hiding-place
+and assembled on the bank, where they had their coolamons filled with
+rats. The old gins repeatedly offered the wives of the men who had run
+away to us. Amongst the females whom I observed was a girl about ten
+years old with a large bone stuck through the cartilage of her nose. We
+declined the offer, although I daresay Jackey would have liked to have
+taken one of the ratcatchers with him: but Jemmy said he would not, as he
+does not approve of wedded life. He has seen it, I presume, under
+disadvantageous circumstances. The young gins had fine eyes, white teeth,
+and good expression. The children looked particularly lively and
+intelligent. Jemmy understood a few words of their language but not
+sufficient to get information from them. Their word for water, cammo, I
+caught while we were getting them to fill our pint pots with water. After
+bidding them farewell Mr. Bourne and Jackey proceeded after the
+packhorses and Jemmy and I went up the flat to a place about three and a
+half miles south of Bramston Range and, having halted, I made the
+meridian altitude of the sun 71 degrees 45 minutes; latitude 20 degrees
+29 minutes 16 seconds. Started after the main party at 12.20. We soon
+found them as they had been obliged to stop to repair a saddle. Having
+started again we came one and a quarter miles over rich downs very much
+overrun with roley-poley. As we had been getting too far away from the
+river we steered towards it, and having reached water in two and a half
+miles we encamped. The country we passed over last consists of
+well-grassed downs. In the water we got plenty of mussels which made an
+agreeable addition to our rations. Distance today seventeen and a half
+miles by the following courses: 11.50 east-south-east seven miles; 12
+south one and a half miles; 1.16 east-north-east one and a half miles;
+2.40 east-south-east four and a quarter miles; 3.30 east-north-east two
+and a half miles; 3.45 north-east and by east three-quarters of a mile.
+
+March 15. Camp 26 situated near a creek named by me Sloane Creek, at a
+point about three miles south-east from Bramston Range.
+
+Started this morning at 8.15. Having come one mile and a half we reached
+a small hill bearing 2 degrees 84 minutes from the south-west end of
+Bramston Range and 50 minutes from table ranges up the river. On this
+hill Jemmy and I stopped for some time and then proceeded after the main
+party. Following their track led us over rich, high, unwooded downs for
+five and three-quarter miles to a creek with a shallow broad channel.
+This stream evidently flows towards the river. I named it Walker Creek.
+After crossing Walker Creek we came over high downs for about twelve
+miles, and having found water we encamped. Towards the river the country
+is wooded with a kind of myall, but not the drooping acacia. Amongst it
+the horses have gone to feed in preference to the open country. The
+ground on this side of Walker's Creek is composed of a reddish soil with
+occasionally detached pieces of basalt. It is covered with the best
+grasses, the highest portions thinly wooded with small trees, amongst
+which I observed white-wood, myall, and Port Curtis sandalwood. The Port
+Curtis sandalwood has been exported, but as far as I have been able to
+learn was not a profitable article. However it is first-rate for
+firewood, giving a better light than other woods, and the perfume it
+emits is disliked by mosquitoes. From our path today we observed that the
+right side of the river was confined by wooded ranges extending without
+prominent features from Bramston Range to table ranges near here. We
+travelled on the following courses: 8.50 east and by north one and a half
+miles to a little hill; 10.15 north-east and by east for three miles;
+11.10 east-north-east two and three-quarter miles to Walker Creek; 3.10
+north-east twelve miles to encampment. Distance today seventeen and
+three-quarter miles.
+
+March 16.
+
+Today Fisherman and I left the party in camp to ascend the lowest down of
+the three table ranges on the right bank of the Flinders River. We
+reached the left bank of the river in a north-north-east direction in
+about two miles and a half. The river has a sandy level bed which is
+about eighty yards wide. After crossing the river Fisherman marked a
+gumtree growing at the bottom of the bank E broad arrow over L. From the
+river we reached the base of the range in rather less than a mile. I
+expected to find it of a sandstone formation with triodia on its surface,
+but on ascending the range I found that, although it had a sandstone
+formation, it was covered with a dark perforated basalt and at other
+places with rich soil and good grass. From the summit I observed that the
+river was joined at a short distance above this range by a tributary to
+the south-east, and that the following hills bore in the directions
+named: A high distant table range which I have named after Frederick
+Walker, Esquire, my brother explorer, 130 degrees; a table range
+three-quarters of a mile distant 90 degrees; a table range about three
+miles distant 45 degrees; three conical hills on a range about seven
+miles distant respectively 44, 43 and 39 degrees; a tent-topped hill
+about seven miles distant 22 1/2 degrees; a hill with an irregular top
+about nineteen miles distant 20 degrees; Bramston Range 245 degrees;
+encampment 195 degrees. After descending the range we proceeded to the
+junction of the creek and marked trees on both sides of the river just
+above its junction. Between the hill and the river we found marjoram, a
+plant that we have been searching for since we got our last supply at the
+Leichhardt River, to use as a substitute for tea; and also found--what
+interested us much more--the old tracks of an expedition party. The
+tracks were very indistinct but, as Fisherman succeeded in following them
+for a short distance to the north-west, I suppose that they were the
+tracks of Walker's party when on their way from the Nogoa to the Albert
+River.
+
+March 17. Camp 27, situated on the left bank of a southern outlet from
+the Flinders River at a point about five miles south-south-west from the
+table-topped ranges on the opposite side of the river.
+
+The horses were so much scattered that almost the whole of the forenoon
+was spent in bringing them in. The main party left camp rather before
+noon. Jemmy and I stayed behind to get an observation of the sun. Started
+on the tracks of our party at 12.20. We came along unwooded, well-grassed
+land at the back of country wooded with myall for three and a half miles,
+then over country more overrun with roley-poley but otherwise of a
+similar character for two miles to the termination of the myall. Here I
+observed that we were about four and a half miles west from the end of a
+range, which I suppose confines the river on its right bank, and
+north-west from Frederick Walker's Table Mountain. After coming four and
+a half miles we reached a place where there was plenty of good water and
+grass with a high bank and encamped, as Gleeson was very unwell. The last
+distance--four and a half miles--was over unwooded downs covered with
+barley and other grasses. Came on the following courses: 1.30 south-east
+three and a half miles; east-south-east two miles. 3.40 east-south-east
+four and a half miles. Distance come today ten miles.
+
+March 18. Camp 28, situated near the left side of a watercourse of the
+Flinders River at a point bearing 130 degrees from Frederick Walker's
+Table Mountain.
+
+The horses were scattered almost as much as they were yesterday morning
+and the most of the forenoon was spent in mustering them. Started at
+10.35. When we had gone towards Frederick Walker's Table Mountain for
+three miles Jemmy and I left our path on the high ground and went down on
+a flat extending to the northward for about two miles, where, taking an
+observation, I made the meridian altitude of the sun 70 degrees 13
+minutes, latitude 20 degrees 40 minutes 30 seconds. Started after the
+main party at 12.15. Having ridden seven miles we reached Frederick
+Walker's Table Mountain and ascended it. From its high summit I observed
+that stretching across part of the horizon there was nothing to be seen
+but plains. Along another part, on the south-eastern side, there was a
+succession of ranges from which we bore in the following way: From the
+end of the ranges in the distance 151 degrees; a distant range 147
+degrees; a red rocky hill about seven miles distant 140 degrees; a table
+range about one and a half miles distant 103 degrees; a high distant
+conical hill, the one that I probably saw from the table range near 27
+Camp, 5 degrees; the table ranges 310 degrees. We were thirsty and as we
+did not know how far our party would have to go to get water for the
+encampment I spent as little time as possible in making observations.
+Having started after the main party we overtook them just as it was
+getting dark. They had gone round the mountain and, as they had not found
+water, they were proceeding to the north-east in search of it. Continuing
+the same course we reached at 8 p.m. water and encamped. The land we
+passed over today is good; the soil is a rich reddish loam. The country
+consists of downs luxuriantly covered with good grasses except at places
+which are overrun with roley-poley. These downs are thinly wooded in
+places with myall, white-wood, and Port Curtis sandalwood. Frederick
+Walker's Table Mountain is of a sandstone formation and is covered at
+places with triodia. On the southern side of it there is a dry
+watercourse which rises from the northward. At many places in coming up
+this river we have observed a most interesting vine which produced pods
+of beautiful silky cotton. As the pods were pleasant to eat we were on
+the continual lookout for it. Distance today about eighteen miles.
+
+March 19. Camp 29, situated on flat ground on the left side of a small
+watercourse at a point bearing in the following way from the following
+ranges: one end of Frederick Walker's Table Mountain about five miles
+distant, the other end about four miles distant, 245 degrees; one end of
+a table range about one and a half miles distant from Frederick Walker's
+Table Mountain 199 degrees; the other end 192 degrees; the end of a long
+table range 160 degrees.
+
+Jemmy was so unwell this morning that we had to delay some time before he
+could proceed. Started at 9.52 a.m. Having come three miles north-east we
+waited for some time as Gleeson was too unwell to travel. Afterwards we
+proceeded about two miles and encamped. The land we saw today was on the
+whole well grassed; the flattest portions of it are wooded with myall,
+Port Curtis sandalwood, and western-wood acacia. The country looking from
+the unwooded plains is beautiful and with luxuriant herbage; the
+surrounding isolated ranges lends an interest to the scenery. The river
+has here a sandy channel about 120 paces wide with a shallow stream
+meandering along its almost level surface.
+
+March 20.
+
+Camp 30, situated on the left bank of the Flinders River at the
+north-west base of an isolated range bearing the following way from the
+following ranges: one end of Frederick Walker's Table Mountain about
+eight miles distant 2 degrees 36 minutes; the other end 2 degrees 23
+minutes; a range about six miles distant 209 degrees; a little isolated
+hill 193 degrees; north-west end of a table range about five miles
+distant 189 degrees; north-west end of a table range about two miles
+distant 174 degrees; south-east end 149 degrees. This morning I was glad
+to find that Gleeson and Jemmy had recovered sufficiently to start on the
+journey. We started at 10.12. After crossing the river we followed it up
+on its opposite bank in an east direction for one and a half miles and
+crossed it at the end of the range on the left bank. We then followed up
+a creek I named Jardine's Creek in a north-east and east direction for
+five miles and encamped. From camp Fisherman and I went west-north-west
+for two miles and a half to the top of a range bearing as described from
+the following ranges: a distant conical range (probably the one observed
+from near 27 Camp) 3 degrees 48 minutes; the end of Frederick Walker's
+Table Mountain 245 degrees; the other end 238 degrees; the place where
+Fisherman thought Jardine's Creek joined the river 255 degrees. The
+country we saw from our path along the right bank of the river was not,
+of course, extensive, but what we saw was flat, covered with long grass,
+and wooded with bloodwood and gum. These trees were the largest I have
+seen in this part of the country, and almost the only ones I have seen
+since leaving the depot at all well-adapted for building purposes. The
+country in the valley of Jardine's Creek is most beautiful. It is thickly
+grassed and in some parts without trees; in others thinly wooded or
+wooded with clumps of trees. The hills on both sides of the valley are
+picturesque. Distance today six and a half miles.
+
+March 21.
+
+Fisherman and I left camp this morning and went south-east for fourteen
+miles. The first four miles took us over the range to the head of a
+creek, the next five miles down the creek, and the next five miles to the
+left of the creek. We then went south-west to the creek and selected a
+place for the next encampment. Then, returning to depot camp, we followed
+up the creek, and it took us in a north half west direction for five
+miles to our outward tracks. Then, returning by our track to camp, we
+reached it by travelling for an hour after dark. In going and returning
+we spent nearly twelve hours on horseback. At camp I was sorry to learn
+that Gleeson was still very unwell. The country on the other side of the
+range is nearly level; back from the creek it is chiefly overgrown with
+triodia and wooded with ironbark. The ironbark-trees are the first I have
+seen on this expedition. Near the creek and at some places for a mile
+back from it the soil is rich with luxuriant good grass, except at places
+where it is thickly wooded with western-wood acacia and Port Curtis
+sandalwood where the herbage is not so rank, but the saltbush amongst it
+is a good sign of its having the most fattening qualities. The ranges on
+the southern side of the valley are not so good as the ranges on the
+northern side, the former are more sandy and are not so well covered with
+rich basaltic soil.
+
+March 22. Camp 31, situated on the right bank of Jardine Creek at a point
+about five miles above its junction with Flinders River.
+
+Started this morning at 10.20; at 3.20 p.m. reached the place I had
+chosen yesterday for our encampment and unsaddled. Gleeson had so much
+recovered that he did not complain of fatigue during the day's journey.
+Distance today fourteen miles.
+
+March 23.
+
+As this was Sunday we rested ourselves and horses. Gleeson and Jemmy
+still unwell; the former very weak and complaining of want of appetite
+and sleep.
+
+March 24.
+
+Today we followed the creek down for about fifteen miles and
+three-quarters and encamped at a fine waterhole. All along the creek
+there are fine deep waterholes. The channel is a kind of sandstone
+formation, particularly good for retaining water. About eight miles above
+here the creek is joined by another watercourse, about the same size,
+from the north-west. I have named it Coxen Creek. The country is not so
+level as it is higher up the creek. The soil is very good with grass,
+saltbush, and herbs. Sheep or cattle will do well on it but it will not
+carry much stock to its acreage as it is confined at many places by
+ridges with triodia and only a small proportion of other grasses. Triodia
+is certainly better than nothing, as stock will eat it when it is young,
+and at other times will eat it rather than starve. The best part of the
+country is thickly wooded with acacia and other small trees. This would
+not be objectionable where blacks were quiet and where it is not
+necessary at times to run sheep in large flocks; but in the first
+occupation of the country it will be so, as labour will probably be
+scarce. We travelled today at our usual pace from 8.27 a.m. to 1.55 p.m.
+Gleeson was so much recovered that he did not complain of fatigue. We
+came here on the following courses: 9.27 south-east for two and
+three-quarter miles; 11.10 south-south-east five miles to the junction of
+Coxen Creek; 1.55 south-south-east eight miles.
+
+March 25.
+
+Started at 8.15 this morning. Came down the right bank of the creek for
+about fifteen miles and encamped at 2.53. The creek has fine deep holes
+of water. The channel generally is confined by sandstone at places by
+shelving rocks a few feet high and inaccessible for horses. Here the
+channel is broad and sandy; about seven miles below the last camp it is
+joined by a smaller watercourse from the north-west named by me Raff
+Creek. The country we saw from our path was mostly good. It consists of
+well-grassed, thinly-wooded flats, separated from each other by belts of
+Port Curtis sandalwood, bauhinia, and other small trees, and at other
+places by low ridges with triodia. The country in the immediate
+neighbourhood consists of low ridges of poor soil with numerous rocky
+gullies. These ridges are chiefly wooded with ironbak and grassed with
+triodia. We traversed down the creek in the following way: 9.25
+south-south-east three and a quarter miles; 11.4 south two and
+three-quarter miles to Raff Creek; 1.30 south five and three-quarter
+miles; 2.10 south-east and by south one and a quarter miles to a small
+creek from the north-west; 3.54 south two miles to here.
+
+March 26.
+
+We left camp this morning at 8.45. When we had travelled at our usual
+pace till 1.45 we encamped at a small creek from the north-east. We
+stopped here as we found dray-tracks near the creek that I wanted to
+trace. After unsaddling Fisherman and I traced them a short distance to
+the north-east. The tracks were made probably by the parties who have
+occupied Bowen Downs. Bowen Downs is a fine tract of country that Mr. N.
+Buchanan and I discovered about two years ago. The country we passed over
+today is easily described. It is undulating poor land of a sandstone
+formation, grassed with triodia and wooded with ironbark and bloodwood.
+Having left the creek on which we encamped last night our course today
+took us back onto high ground from which, descending, we reached this by
+the following courses: 11.45 south-south-west eight and three-quarter
+miles; 1.45 south five and three-quarter miles. Distance come today
+fourteen and a half miles. In a waterhole near camp Mr. Bourne caught a
+great quantity of small fish, an agreeable addition to our fare, and from
+the same waterhole Fisherman got a quantity of mussels for our breakfast
+tomorrow.
+
+March 27. Camp 35, situated on the right bank of a small well-watered
+creek at a point about half a mile above its junction with a larger creek
+from the north-west.
+
+Jackey and I left camp this morning at 9. When we had gone down the creek
+in a southerly direction for two and three-quarter miles we left it and
+went west, expecting to find the tracks of our party as I had asked Mr.
+Bourne to steer south-south-west; but, not finding the tracks, we
+returned to camp and reached it at 1.15. At camp we learned that the
+horses were only mustered a few minutes before our arrival. In my ride
+with Jackey down the creek I saw the recent tracks of a cow or steer
+(probably made by the beast that had been on the Flinders River). I would
+have tried to have found the beast with a view of killing it for the
+benefit of our party, but from seeing the dray-tracks near the camp I
+thought this was unnecessary as I was convinced we were near a station.
+Before leaving the subject of the beast I may mention that it may have
+been taken from the Darling to one of the stations on the head of the
+Burdekin and, having strayed from there to the Flinders River, was now on
+its way back. Started from camp at 1.45 p.m. When we had come a mile we
+crossed a creek flowing to the northward. On both sides of the creek
+there are stony ranges grassed with triodia and wooded with ironbark.
+After leaving the creek we crossed the ridges and came on land with a
+good deal of rich soil and wooded with belts of myall, Port Curtis
+sandalwood, and western-wood acacia. About these scrubs the grass is very
+good and there is a luxuriant undergrowth of saltbush and salt herbs.
+When we had come four miles from camp we sighted to the south-west a
+small isolated hill and went towards it. When we had crossed about three
+and a half miles over country like what I have just described we reached
+the isolated hill and Mr. Bourne and I ascended it. It is surrounded by
+rich, well-grassed, high downs, wooded at places with small belts of
+myall. The shape of the hill is like an artificial mound with the ruins
+of a tower on its summit. It is so like a hill I saw when I was last on
+Bowen Downs that I almost fancied it the same. The hills in this
+neighbourhood however do not correspond with those in my chart. About
+four and a half miles to the north-north-west we observed two
+table-topped hills, and in the distance to the south-south-east a hill
+which may be the Simon Pure Tower-hill. From the hill we came east half
+north two and a half miles and encamped.
+
+March 28.
+
+We started this morning at 8.55. When we had come about sixteen miles we
+reached Tower-hill. On its summit I found a small tree that I remembered
+Mr. N. Buchanan had marked L when on my first expedition to this part of
+the country. Almost half the way to Tower-hill was wooded with myall and
+western-wood acacia. In the middle of that wooded country we crossed a
+range and observed unwooded downs to the right of our path. The remainder
+of the way was rich undulating ground slightly wooded with trees and
+grassed with the best grasses. To the left of our course there was low
+ground wooded at places with box, and at other places with western-wood
+acacia. From the range in the first part of the way Tower-hill bore
+south-east and by south, and a little range south-south-east (the latter
+is about one and a half miles west-south-west from Tower-hill). After
+descending Tower-hill we came half a mile and encamped. In a waterhole
+near camp Mr. Bourne and I while bathing found mussels in abundance; but
+as our caterers, of whom Mr. Bourne was the chief, had shot two turkeys
+we did not gather any mussels. We came on the following courses: 10.30
+south four miles to a range; 12 south-south-east two and three-quarter
+miles to open downs; 2.45 south-east eight and a quarter miles to
+Tower-hill; east half a mile to encampment. Distance today sixteen and a
+half miles.
+
+March 29.
+
+From last camp we reached Landsborough's Creek in twenty-three and a half
+miles. I expected today to have reached a station that Mr. Buchanan when
+I left Brisbane told me he intended forming on this creek. I told my
+party to expect that we would here get fresh provisions. When we had
+travelled upwards of ten miles from last camp, and in that distance only
+saw the appearance of a single horse track, I came to the conclusion that
+Mr. Buchanan had taken no stock up the creek, and changed our course so
+as to strike it lower down. Further on Mr. Bourne, Gleeson, and I felt
+confident we were on stocked country; but this impression was soon
+changed by Fisherman telling us that he believed the grass had been eaten
+off by grasshoppers. The country we crossed today is a rich soil and is
+wooded along the watercourses with box, and at other places with a few
+bushes. Near the creek the land is flat and badly grassed, but back from
+the creek the land is undulating and well grassed. From our path we saw
+on both sides of us table ranges which gave a charm to the landscape. We
+came here on the following courses: 11.20 south-west and by south eight
+miles; 12.10 west one mile; 12.48 south-south-west one and three-quarter
+miles; 1.20 south one and a half miles; 2.35 south-east three and
+three-quarter miles; 5.25 south seven and a half miles.
+
+March 30.
+
+This being Sunday we rested ourselves and horses.
+
+March 31. Camp 38 situated on the left side of Landsborough's Creek at a
+place about two miles north of a table range on the opposite bank.
+
+We started this morning at 10.25. When we had followed down the left bank
+of the creek we crossed Cornish Creek a short distance above its junction
+with Landsborough's Creek. It had been recently flooded, and although the
+ford was a good one the stream was still about three feet deep. Below the
+junction of this creek the watercourse is called Landsborough's River.
+(Lower down we ascertained it was called the Thomson River.) On the left
+bank of Cornish Creek there are wooded ranges extending for several miles
+down the river. After leaving these ridges our path down the left bank of
+the river went over rich undulating ground with good grass and a few
+belts of box-trees. On the opposite side of the river there is a
+considerable extent of wooded country. On our journey one of the packs
+having partly broken loose so frightened the horse carrying it that he
+galloped off, and was not recovered until he had scattered his load,
+consisting of medicines and peas, broadcast on the plain. The medicine
+was recovered but the bulk of the peas were lost. About ten miles before
+I reached camp I made the meridian altitude of the sun 63.18, on a good
+land horizon; latitude 22 degrees 27 minutes 39 seconds. We came here on
+the following courses: 10.20 south-east and by east two and three-quarter
+miles; 11.40 south-south-east four miles; 12.45 south-south-east two
+miles to ---- Creek; 3.20 south seven and a quarter miles. Distance today
+sixteen miles.
+
+April 1.
+
+We started this morning at eight. When we had come down along the left
+bank of the river about eight miles Jemmy and I left our party and went
+back to the unwooded downs. These downs extend as far as the eye can
+reach to the eastward. Before we had gone far we found the recent tracks
+of an exploring party, and instead of rejoining our party we followed the
+tracks to see where they led, which appeared to be in the direction of
+some untimbered hills on the left bank of the Aramak Creek. After leaving
+the tracks we made for the river, and reached it at a point a short
+distance above an old camp of mine where there is a tree marked L over
+LXIX. At the river we found we had overshot our party, so we had to
+follow the river up to find their encampment. Our path today went fifteen
+miles over unwooded, undulating, rich ground bearing abundance of grass;
+then eleven and a half miles over a country with higher undulations and
+good grass, with myall, western-wood acacia and Port Curtis sandalwood.
+We went by the following courses: 11.20 south eight and three-quarter
+miles; 2.20 south and by east six and a half miles; 3.24 south-south-west
+two and a half miles; 4.45 south-west four miles; 5.7 west one mile to
+the river; 5.25 north-north-west three-quarters of a mile to marked tree;
+6.30 north-west and by north three miles to encampment. Distance
+travelled by Jemmy and myself today twenty-six and a half miles.
+
+April 2.
+
+We started this morning at 8.15 and travelled down the river till six in
+the evening, journeying later than usual to get out of the neighbourhood
+of some blacks that we passed about seven miles back from here. At a
+place about fourteen and a half miles back I halted with Jackey and made
+an observation of the sun; afterwards, when we had nearly overtaken the
+party, I observed the blacks were near them. We galloped towards them to
+make them run away; but instead of doing so they remained and received us
+in a friendly manner and offered us their spears and boomerangs. I let
+Jackey take a spear and two boomerangs; the spear we wanted for making
+ramrods; in return for their presents I gave them a tomahawk. These
+blacks are fine, tall, powerful fellows. When we overtook the party Mr.
+Bourne informed me that the blacks had followed it for about three miles,
+and that one of them, a powerfully built man about six feet high, had
+been so very bold that he (Mr. Bourne) had repeatedly fired over his head
+without causing him any alarm; and that on one occasion, on looking
+round, he saw him apparently in the act of throwing his boomerang at him.
+These blacks told Jemmy, who understood their language, that they had
+seen nothing of any explorers with camels. When we were unsaddling I was
+sorry to find that we had not got out of the neighbourhood of the blacks
+as I observed some of them were watching us from behind some trees close
+at hand. Jemmy told them that I was very angry at them for following us.
+In reply they said I was mistaken, that they had not followed, they had
+never seen us before. Shortly afterwards Jemmy had a long conversation
+with them during which they informed him they had seen a party of
+explorers to the eastward, but that they had never seen any with camels
+or drays. When they left they assured us they would not return until
+morning. A place that we passed about nine miles up the river bears east
+and by north from a conical hill which is on the right bank of the river,
+and west and by south from a table range near our path on this side of
+the river. Besides this table range there are isolated ranges distant
+from one to three miles from each other and extending along the left bank
+of the river from our last camp. On the opposite bank (the right bank)
+there were no hills in sight except the conical hill already mentioned
+and a range near our present camp. Rich undulating ground, covered with
+good grass and slightly wooded with myall, western-wood acacia, and Port
+Curtis sandalwood, extends from the ranges in many places to the left
+bank of the river. Near the junction of Aramak Creek I made the meridian
+altitude of the sun 62 degrees 2 minutes, the latitude 22 degrees 58
+minutes 29 seconds. We came here on the following courses from last camp:
+9.15 a.m. south-east and by south for three miles to old camp; 11.20 a.m.
+south-south-east for five and a half miles to Aramak Creek; 1.50 p.m.
+south-west for two and a half miles; 2.50 p.m. south-south-east for three
+miles; 3.20 p.m. south-west for one and a half miles to creek from
+south-east; 5.15 p.m. south-west for five miles to another creek from
+south-east; 6.15 p.m. south and by east for two and a half miles.
+Distance twenty-three miles.
+
+April 3. Left Camp 41, situated on the left bank of the river at a place
+between two isolated ranges.
+
+One of the ranges is on the left bank; I have named it Mackenzie Range.
+The other, on the opposite bank, I have named Herbert Range. From camp
+the south end of Mackenzie Range bears 45 degrees, and the south end of
+Herbert Range 235 degrees. The four blacks who left us yesterday evening
+paid us a visit as soon as it was light this morning; they were very
+communicative and informed us that the river flowed to the southward,
+that it was joined about two days' journey from this by a large river
+from the north-east; that a long way down the river the country was sandy
+and destitute of grass, and that beyond the ranges in sight there were no
+hills. They said further, on being asked if they knew of any country to
+the westward without grass, that they had not seen or heard of any
+country of that description in such direction. We started this morning at
+8.45 and at 3.43 p.m., having travelled sixteen miles along the left bank
+of the river, we camped. The country we saw during the forenoon was of an
+undulating character and the soil rich, with myall and western-wood
+acacia. The grass was good, but from the absence of rain not so fresh
+looking as higher up the river. Our path in the afternoon lay near the
+river over low ground, wooded with box, having an undergrowth of saltbush
+and polygonum. To the eastward there was fine undulating open country.
+Somewhere above here I think it is probable that the river is joined by a
+larger stream from the westward as it is now quite unfordable and about
+sixty feet in width. We came in the following courses from last camp:
+9.45 south-south-east for three miles; 11 south for three and a half
+miles; 1.20 south-south-west for three miles; 3.15 south-west for five
+and three-quarter miles; 3.43 south-south-west for three-quarters of a
+mile.
+
+April 4.
+
+We left Camp 42 at 8.35 a.m. and travelled in the back country from the
+river. I steered in the forenoon about two points off what I considered
+was the probable course of the river, and intended returning to it in the
+afternoon; unfortunately however I left the main party in the middle of
+the day and omitted to tell Mr. Bourne to change the course if necessary
+to reach the river. When I overtook the party I altered the course and at
+3.20 p.m. reached a creek that probably drains a great deal of back
+country. As there was water in its channel we encamped. The creek I named
+Stark Creek. Before we reached here we crossed two other creeks; the
+first I named Salton Creek and other Isabella Creek. The country we
+passed over from our last camp consists chiefly of high and wooded downs,
+and though the soil was rich the grass and saltbush, from the want of
+rain, was rather dry. The country near the watercourses is wooded with
+myall, western-wood acacia, and Port Curtis sandalwood. We came here in
+about the following courses: 10.27 south-south-west for four and
+three-quarter miles to Salton Creek; 11.5 a.m. south-south-west for one
+and three-quarter miles to Salton Creek; 11.30 a.m. south-south-east for
+one and a half miles to Isabella Creek; 12 a.m. south-south-east for one
+and a half miles; 12.35 a.m. east one mile; 12.50 a.m. south-east for one
+mile; 1.55 p.m. west-south-west for three miles; 3.30 a.m.
+south-south-west for three and a half miles to Stark Creek. Distance
+today eighteen miles.
+
+April 5.
+
+We left camp this morning at 8.20 a.m. The Camp 43 is situated on the
+right bank of Stark Creek. We travelled in the first instance slightly to
+the westward of south with the view of reaching the river. In a few miles
+we crossed a large watercourse at present dry but with extensive
+flood-marks and heaps of mussel-shells on its banks. This creek I named
+Porteous Creek. A few miles further in the same direction we crossed a
+small watercourse which apparently joins Porteous Creek. The banks are
+wooded with myall. Behind these belts of myall the country rises in
+gentle undulations, the soil is rich, almost without trees, and from the
+appearance of the grass it was evident there had been no rain for a long
+time. In the afternoon we went north-westerly and by that course reached
+the river; then after following it down for a short distance we encamped.
+The appearance of the grass we saw in the afternoon was fresher than that
+we had seen earlier in the day; and near the river, where the low ground
+had been flooded, the herbage was quite green. Shortly after we encamped
+a middle-aged blackfellow, two youths, and two little boys paid us a
+visit; they were very friendly but we did not get any information from
+them. From last camp we came here on the following courses: 9.20
+south-west for two and a half miles; 10 south-west by west for one and
+three-quarter miles to Porteous Creek; 10.50 west-south-west for two and
+a quarter miles to a small creek; 11.30 west for one and three-quarter
+miles; 11.40 north for half a mile; 12.43 south-west for one and
+three-quarter miles; 2.23 west for five miles; 2.43 north-west for one
+mile; 3.23 west-north-west for two miles; 4.23 south-west for two and a
+half miles. Distance twenty-one miles.
+
+April 6.
+
+As this was Sunday and we did not think the blacks numerous or dangerous
+in the neighbourhood we rested ourselves and horses. The elderly
+blackfellow and one of the others we had seen yesterday paid us a visit,
+and in the course of the day he brought the others of his party and a man
+about his own age whom we had not seen before. He made me understand that
+his elderly friend wanted to see a gun so I gratified his curiosity. The
+boys did not run away as they had done when they saw me fire a shot on a
+previous occasion. The blacks examined with great curiosity our equipment
+and accepted greedily everything we gave them but did not steal anything.
+Mr. Bourne gave our newest acquaintance a shirt which pleased him very
+much. They relished some food he gave them and said "Thank you sir" upon
+Jackey making them understand it was proper to say so. The presents which
+pleased them most were a broad file, a needle and thread, a broken glass
+bottle, and clothes. The file they could make a better tomahawk of than
+their stone ones; the broken glass bottle they would use for knives or
+wood scrapers. We did not give them many clothes as cold weather had
+warned us we had none to spare. Jemmy, on further acquaintance with the
+blacks, found they could speak a language he understood.
+
+April 7. Bowen Downs.
+
+We left 44 Camp at 7.20. When we had gone about one and three-quarter
+miles south Jackey and I waited behind to take an observation of the sun.
+I made its meridian altitude A.H. 118 degrees 12 minutes (I did not take
+notice of the index error) the latitude is by that observation. This
+morning the blacks told Jemmy of a well-watered road leading to the
+southward. On that river they said the blacks had clothes and it was from
+them they got their iron tomahawks. When we had come about one and
+three-quarter miles Jackey and I remained behind the others. Before the
+party left I told Mr. Bourne to let Jemmy lead in the direction that the
+blacks had pointed out to him. After making an observation of the sun we
+followed the tracks of our party. When we had ridden a short distance
+over undulating country we reached plains. Further on we crossed a creek
+which, although now dry, had evident signs of being well watered in good
+seasons. The holes were deep and mussel shells were abundant on its
+banks. I named it Bourne Creek. The party, after going up the creek for
+some distance, went in a straight course to the south-east; when Jackey
+and I overtook them we learned that Jemmy was leading the way to some
+smoke they had seen in the distance. After steering in that course we
+reached at dark a water channel but, as there was no water in it, I told
+Fisherman and Jemmy to guide us back to our last camp. After travelling a
+considerable distance, and when I thought we ought to be near our camp, I
+ascertained our guides had not the slightest idea of our situation. As I
+had been misled by them, and had paid no attention to the route we had
+come, I was rather at a loss which way to go. I judged however that the
+horses would take us to the river, so let them go their own way. At 4 in
+the morning, when we had travelled for some time in a north-east
+direction, we stopped and tied up the horses till 7.10. Yesterday we went
+in the following courses: 11.35 south for one and three-quarter mile;
+1.49 south for two and a quarter miles to Bourne's Creek; 2.25 south and
+by east for one and three-quarter mile; 2.50 south by west for one and a
+quarter mile; 3.40 south-east for two and a half miles; 4.10 south and by
+east for one and a half miles; 6.30 south-east for six and a quarter
+miles to dry watercourse. Total distance seventeen and a quarter miles.
+
+April 8.
+
+We started for camp this morning and reached it in about eight and a half
+miles. The country we saw in this journey in search of water, in the
+direction of the river to the southwards, only wants a few showers to
+make it look as fine pastoral country as can be found anywhere. Upon
+examining my sextant I found the index error was 39 degrees 1 minute.
+Before I reached the Gulf of Carpentaria it was damaged during the wreck
+of a Firefly, and Lieutenant Woods kindly repaired it. I now meant to
+adjust it and in doing so I was so unsuccessful as to make it useless. We
+came this morning on the following course to camp: 8.40 west for four
+miles; 9 north-west by west one mile to our outward track; 10.10 south
+three and a half miles to camp.
+
+April 9.
+
+Jemmy and I left camp this morning, 9.5, in search of water on the route
+we wanted to go. We went along the plains on the left bank of the river
+in a south and west direction for eight miles. We expected to find in
+that distance a well-watered river which Jemmy understood the blacks to
+say formed the river a short distance below the camp. As we had not found
+it there we went west and reached the river in about four and a half
+miles. We then followed it down for about two miles in a southward
+direction where we found the blacks we had seen up the river. Upon
+telling them we had not found water back from the river, and that we now
+wanted them to show us the road to the next river and would give them a
+tomahawk and a shirt for doing so, they promised if we would bring our
+party down the river they would do so. We saw here two old gins and a
+little girl whom we had not seen before. One of the gins was a
+disfigured-looking object; she had lost her nose and lips. The little
+girl was about four years old; she had good features and was fat and
+plump. To please the blacks we let one of the little boys ride a horse
+for a short distance. After asking them to remain in this neighbourhood
+we returned to camp.
+
+April 10.
+
+As I imagined, Gregory's party had traced the Thomson River to its head.
+I did not suppose this river was it. I determined, as we had used the
+most of our stores, to leave the river if possible and start for the
+settled districts. It was very vexatious to come to this resolution as
+the river was flowing almost in the direction of Burke's starting point
+on Cooper's Creek. We left Camp 44 at 9.50 a.m. and reached the place we
+had arranged to meet the blacks in about fourteen miles. It took us,
+travelling steadily exclusive of stoppages, five hours to reach it. The
+blacks were waiting for us and conducted us about half a mile further
+down the river to a good place for our encampment. I gave a pound of
+flour to one of the blackfellows. He is going tomorrow on foot to see if
+there is water in the waterholes on the road to Barcoo River. Jemmy made
+flour into a cake and the blackfellow and his companions ate it with
+avidity. I gave the blacks a comb, and Jackey pleased them very much by
+combing their hair.
+
+April 11.
+
+Two of the blacks started this morning along the line they intend taking
+us if they can find water for the first stage. I spent a considerable
+time in repairing my sextant. I got it so near right that the index error
+was only four minutes, but after fastening it with a thread I found the
+error was increased. This evening the blacks returned and reported that
+the waterholes they had gone to see were empty. They told us of two
+practicable roads to the Barcoo River. One by Stark Creek from a place up
+the river, the other from a place down the river; the latter we
+determined to try.
+
+April 12.
+
+We left Camp 45 at 8.30. Two of the blacks accompanied us down the river
+to show us the road to the Barcoo River. At first they walked, but
+afterwards I gave them a horse to ride alternately. The oldest of the two
+liked riding so much better than walking that he made his young companion
+walk the most of the way. When we had come about thirteen miles we
+encamped. About a mile above here we passed some blacks whom our guides
+stopped with. Afterwards the eldest of the blackfellows came in the
+evening for some flour for himself and his companions. The country we
+have seen since leaving 44 Camp has undulating features but no hills. The
+soil rich, but vegetation dry from want of rain. We came he today on the
+following courses: 11 west-south-west six and a quarter miles; 1.20
+south-west two and three-quarter miles; 2.50 south-south-west four miles
+to camp.
+
+April 13. Camp 46.
+
+46 Camp is situated near the eastern channel of the river. The marked
+trees are on the left bank. We are glad to find that one of our guides,
+who was named Wittin, had determined to accompany us. He brought an
+intelligent-looking white-headed old man to the camp, and a fine tall
+well-proportioned young gin with a little boy, the two latter remaining
+some distance from the camp. Wittin showed his friend our guns,
+water-bottles, and other things as if he were quite familiar with them.
+Before starting we went to see the gin and the little boy. She was very
+timid and ran away when we approached near to her. We left camp at 9.30
+and followed down the left bank of the river about nine and a half miles
+and encamped. The country we saw today has undulating features with rich
+soil, dry grass, and box-tree. Near the river just above here there are
+sandstone ridges with western-wood acacia and Port Curtis sandalwood.
+Wittin told Jemmy that he had seen to the eastward of here about ten
+moons ago a party of travellers consisting of four white men and four
+black men. He got a shirt from them, but they did not give him any bread.
+Wittin wanted to return because of the unpleasant effects of the riding,
+which was new to him. We came here on the following courses: 11.30
+south-west for five and a quarter miles; 1.15 south-south-west for one
+and a half miles; 1.45 south-west for one mile; 2.24 south-south-west for
+one and three-quarter miles. Distance nine and a half miles.
+
+April 14.
+
+We started down the river this morning at 9.50. Our last camp (47) is
+situated on the left bank of the river. When we had proceeded a short
+distance we observed a range right ahead of us. Wittin called it Trimpie
+Yawbah. Afterwards we observed other hills to the westward of Trimpie
+Camp, the highest of which I called Mount Pring. On the first unwooded
+plain we came upon after leaving camp we saw in the distance objects
+which appeared to be cattle, but upon getting nearer to them we found
+them to be emus. When we had travelled about fourteen miles down the left
+bank of the river we encamped. The ground we crossed was more level than
+the land higher up the river, and the grasses at places were good; but
+otherwise there was no change in the character of the country. At a spot
+about five miles south half east from the last camp I made the meridian
+altitude (A.H.) 112 degrees 50 minutes; latitude 24 degrees 5 minutes 7
+seconds. Anxious to have the guidance of Wittin to Cooper's Creek I made
+free with the name of Sir George Bowen, Governor of Queensland, by
+telling him that, if he showed us the road, the governor would send from
+Brisbane to the first station formed on Bowen Downs a medal, a tomahawk,
+and a blanket. This evening Fisherman and Jackey showed Wittin corroboree
+dance. For the dance they painted themselves with white streaks, and with
+the light of the fire they looked like skeletons. From last camp we
+steered in the following courses: 11.40 south half east for five miles;
+1.30 south half east for three miles; 2.30 south by west for three miles;
+3.40 south-south-west for three miles; distance fourteen miles.
+
+April 15.
+
+We left Camp 48 this morning 9.30. It is situated on the right side of a
+long hole of water on the eastern channel of the river at a place bearing
+north half west from Mount Pring. We steered for the eastern side of the
+Trimpie Range. When we had journeyed about four miles we reached a creek
+showing extensive flood-marks and with heaps of mussel shells on its
+banks but very little water in its channel. I named it Dunsmore Creek.
+Led by Wittin we followed up the creek for about seven miles and
+encamped. Several emus seen today, but they were so wild that none of us
+succeeded in shooting them. The ground is of a level character on both
+sides of Dunsmore Creek; the soil rich with good grass but rather dry for
+want of rain. Box-trees grow near the creek. Back from the south bank of
+the creek the country is wooded with myall and western- wood acacia. From
+the other bank of the creek there are very few trees of any description.
+At the place where we struck Dunsmore Creek I made the meridian altitude
+of the sun 111 degrees 49 minutes, the latitude A.H. 24 degrees 16
+minutes 16 seconds. We steered from our last camp on the river to here on
+the following courses: 11.7 south-east half south for four miles to
+Dunsmore Creek; 1.40 east-south-east for three and three-quarter miles;
+3.15 south-east by east for two and three-quarter miles; 3.40 south and
+by west for one mile. Distance come today eleven miles.
+
+April 16.
+
+Camp 49 is situated at Dunsmore Creek at a place bearing north-east from
+a hill about three miles distant and north-north-west from a distant
+range named by me Mount Johnstone. We tried very hard to persuade Wittin
+to show us all the way to Barcoo River. He promised to do so, but after
+Jackey and Jemmy went for the horses he left the camp as if he were only
+going down to the creek but he did not make his appearance again. Jemmy
+said his reason for not going to Barcoo River was that the blacks there
+would kill him if they found him in their country. When we had followed
+the creek up about thirteen miles to near its source in Johnstone Range
+we had to return four miles to get water for our encampment as there was
+none in the upper part of the creek. We saw several emus today but as
+usual we did not manage to shoot any. The ground we saw from our path is
+rich, chiefly wooded with myall; the herbage good but rather dry from the
+want of rain. In the middle of the day, when we had gone back for a
+considerable distance on the north-east side of the creek, we got to the
+edge of rich unwooded downs. We steered on the following courses: 11.10
+south-east for three and three-quarter miles; at 1 south-east for one and
+three-quarter miles; 1.22 south-south-east for one mile; 1.50 south by
+west for one and a half miles back to the creek; 4 south-east for five
+and a quarter miles up to the creek; 5.49 north-west for three and
+three-quarter miles down the creek to camp. Distance seventeen miles.
+
+April 17.
+
+Jemmy and I left our camp on Dunsmore Creek this morning at 8.5 to go to
+the Barcoo River. When we had ridden three or four miles we got on the
+watershed of a creek on the Barcoo side of the range. About seven miles
+further on we reached the main branch of the creek. It had extensive
+flood-marks and heaps of mussel-shells on its banks, but the waterholes
+in its channels were empty. I named it the Archer Creek. After following
+Archer Creek for thirteen miles we reached its junction with the Barcoo
+River. I was glad to find that the channel of the river was full of
+water; and as there were fresh tracks of blacks near the river I supposed
+them to be in the neighbourhood, so to avoid them I returned up Archer
+Creek for about four miles to some fine young grass and encamped. The
+country we saw today has in many places a rich soil with grass and
+saltbush. It is wooded chiefly with myall and western-wood acacia. Near
+the channel of the river there are gumtrees, and on the banks of the
+river and Archer Creek there are box-trees. Today we steered to the river
+on the following courses: 12.10 east for eleven miles to the left bank of
+Archer Creek; 1.20 east for three miles down the creek; 2.28
+south-south-east for three miles; 2.52 east for one mile; 3.10
+east-south-east for three-quarters of a mile; 4.20 south-east and by
+south for two and a half miles; 5 south for one and a half miles; 6
+south-east and by south for three-quarters of a mile. Distance
+twenty-three and a half miles.
+
+April 19 1862. Barcoo River, Camp 51.
+
+We left Camp 50 at 8.35. It is situated on the left bank of Dunsmore
+Creek at a place bearing north by west half west from Johnstone's Range.
+The main party started direct for Cooper's River and Fisherman and I went
+to Johnstone's Range which we reached in about four miles. We ascended
+its cliff-topped summit and observed from it a long range of hills from
+which we bore 99 1/2 degrees from one end, and 141 degrees from another
+part. The part of the range we were on prevented me from seeing the other
+end of Johnstone's Range. I made the meridian altitude of the sun 108
+degrees 15 minutes. The latitude of that observation is 24 degrees 34
+minutes west. To reach the river where Mr. Bourne had moved the
+encampment, at a place a short distance above the junction of Archer
+Creek, we had to hasten the last seven miles to get to it before dark. By
+coming on a different course from our yesterday's one the road was not so
+good, and the country was so thickly wooded at places with western-wood
+acacia that riding fast was too dangerous to be agreeable. Mr. Bourne
+observed several blacks today. They were very timid and ran away. We came
+here in about the following courses from the last camp: 10.40 south and
+by east half east four miles to Johnstone's Range; 12.30 east, 4.30 east,
+eleven miles to the tracks; 6.0 east-south-east quarter south seven miles
+to this encampment. Twenty-two miles.
+
+April 20. Sunday. Barcoo River, Camp 51.
+
+Today we rested ourselves and the horses. I made the meridian altitude of
+the sun A.H. 107degrees 56 minutes. The latitude is by that observation
+24 degrees 37 minutes 43 seconds.
+
+April 21. Monday. Barcoo River, Camp 52.
+
+We left Camp 51 at 10.3. It is situated on the left bank of the river
+bearing east half south from a small hill about two miles distant. We
+followed the river up on its western bank for about fifteen and a half
+miles and encamped at 5.10 p.m. We came first in a north-north-east
+direction and afterwards for a few miles in a more easterly one. Our path
+along the first part was between ridges thickly wooded with western-wood
+acacia and low flat country intersected by boggy branches of the river.
+In the latter part our path was not confined. On the flats where the old
+grass had been burned good grass had grown up. There was also good grass
+on the ground which had been flooded near the channels of the river. We
+came here in about the following courses: 11.30 north-east four miles;
+12.15 north-east four miles; 2.10 north-north-east four miles; 4.10 north
+and by east five miles; 4.35 east-north-east one mile; 5.10 east one and
+a half miles. Total fifteen and a quarter miles. About four miles
+north-east from last camp I made the meridian altitude A.H. of the sun
+106 degrees 50 minutes; the latitude by that observation is 24 degrees 34
+minutes.
+
+April 22. Tuesday. Barcoo River, Camp 53.
+
+Left Camp 52 at 9.22 and followed up the river on its western side one
+and a half miles. Doing so brought us in a north-easterly direction to
+here. In the first part we came more northerly than easterly and in the
+latter part more easterly than northerly. The country we saw was like
+that seen yesterday, except being scrubby at a few places. In the middle
+of the day Jemmy and I waited behind the main party and I made an
+observation of the sun to get our latitude. As we were riding to overtake
+the main party we passed nets for catching emu and nets for catching
+fish. We then passed an elderly gin and a little boy watching earnestly
+our main party, and immediately afterwards we came upon about a dozen
+blacks. Mr. Bourne informed me that they had followed him for several
+miles and had persisted in approaching nearer than was desirable. Jemmy
+had a long conversation with them respecting the explorers they had seen,
+and also respecting the route towards the settled districts, which he
+learned some of them had visited. They said they did not remember any
+explorers who had larger animals than horses and, strange to say, none
+who had drays. We presented them with glass bottles, an empty powder
+flask, and some hair from the horses' tales. Jemmy told them we wanted to
+encamp and that we did not wish to be too near them. They continued to
+follow us and on Jemmy asking them why they did so they replied they
+wanted a light. We gave them one and they left; but after we had camped
+we found they had encamped very near us. We came here on the following
+courses: 11.30 north-north-east seven miles; 12.30 nil; 1.15
+north-north-east two miles; 3.15 north-east by east four and
+three-quarter miles; 3.35 east-north-east three-quarters of a mile; 4.45
+north-east three miles; 5.25 east one mile. Eighteen and a half miles.
+
+April 23. Wednesday. Barcoo River, Camp 54.
+
+During the second watch last night our lives depended on the vigilance of
+our watchmen. The blacks came up and probably would have overpowered us
+if they had found all asleep; but Jemmy the native trooper, who always
+keeps his watch well, awoke us, and all of our party except one
+discharged their guns in the direction from where we heard the blacks. I
+reserved my charge to shoot at them when I caught sight of them, which I
+did not succeed in doing until after daylight. We set off two sky-rockets
+but they did not go up well because they were bruised or because the
+sticks we attached to them were unsuitable. When the first rocket
+exploded it made the blacks laugh; at the explosion of the second we did
+not hear them do so, as they had probably retired to some distance. After
+the conduct of the blacks last night, and as they approached Gregory's
+party in a similar way in the same neighbourhood, I fully intended to
+shoot at them if we had a chance; but this morning, although three
+approached to within one hundred yards of us while we were eating our
+breakfast, I did not fire at them until Jemmy had warned them of our
+hostile feeling towards them, and until they, instead of attending to the
+warning they had received to be off, got most of their companions, who
+were heavily loaded with clubs and throwing-sticks, to approach within
+about the same distance of our position. I then gave the word and we
+fired at them. The discharge wounded one and made the rest retire. Some
+of us followed them up as far as the horses and again fired, and shot the
+one who had been wounded previously. Afterwards Jackey slightly wounded
+another when Jemmy and he went for the horses. Perhaps these blacks, as
+they said they had visited the settled country, may have had a part in
+the massacre of the Wills family. We followed the river up today for
+about eighteen miles. About sixteen miles of the distance was along the
+western bank. On that side the country is inferior and the place is
+thickly wooded with western-wood acacia. Near sunset we crossed several
+channels of the river. There was a change in the character of the country
+when we left the northern bank; the ridges were sandy, caused, I judged,
+by the junction of the Alice River, which I was afraid of following up in
+mistake for the Barcoo River. We were not certainly, according to the
+chart, so far to the northward as it; but Mr. Gregory discovered when he
+went through the country that the north bend was laid down on the chart
+too much to the northward. From where we crossed the watercourse we
+steered south-east and, after crossing several dry watercourses, in about
+two and a half miles reached one with water in it and encamped. In
+following up the river today we saw several blacks; some of them wished
+to speak to us but we passed them without stopping to do so. We came here
+on the following courses from 53 Camp: 11.27 north-east half north three
+miles; 12.20 ---- miles; 1.40 east-north-east three and a half miles;
+2.25 east by north three and a half miles; 4.25 north-east six miles; 5
+east one and a half miles to our crossing-place; 5.50 south-east two and
+a quarter miles. Total eighteen and a half miles.
+
+April 24. Camp 55.
+
+We left camp this morning 9.25 and travelled up the river for about
+seventeen miles. We encamped 4.55 on the bank of a small creek. The
+country we have seen from the path we have traversed, since leaving what
+I thought was the Alice River, is very good with the exception of a few
+patches of land too thickly wooded with western-wood acacia. The land
+generally is thinly wooded with myall and well grassed with the best
+grasses. We came from Camp 54 in about the following courses: 11.30 east
+for five and three-quarter miles; 12.45, 1.20 south-east and by south for
+one and a quarter miles; 4.20 east and by south for eight and a half
+miles; 4.55 south for one and a half miles to camp. Distance seventeen
+miles.
+
+April 25. Camp 56.
+
+We left Camp 55 this morning at 8.23. When we had journeyed for about
+twenty miles we reached a creek, which I thought perhaps was a channel of
+the Barcoo River, and encamped on the northern side of the left bank of
+the creek. We came during the forenoon in nearly a south-east direction,
+and during the afternoon about a point to the eastward of south. By the
+latter course we crossed from the left to the right bank of the creek on
+which we had our two last camps and left it. The creek was too small to
+be the Barcoo River, and the ground on both sides of it too high to admit
+of it being an ana-branch. To the southward of our path we observed a
+long range of hills, one of which was remarkable for its tabled summit.
+The country we saw was more undulated than that we saw yesterday, but
+otherwise of a similar description. We came here in about the following
+courses: 10.23 south-east for five and a half miles; 11.43
+south-south-east for three and a half miles; 2.35 south and by east for
+four and three-quarter miles; 4.55 south for five and a half miles; 5.15
+west and by south for three-quarter miles. Distance twenty miles.
+
+April 26. Camp 57.
+
+We left Camp 56 this morning 9.30. We steered south, and by that course
+left the small creek on which we had encamped, and reached another creek
+with here and there water in its channel. We followed the creek up nearly
+to its source in the fine range of hills I mentioned in yesterday's
+journal. Having left the creek we came nearly east for three and a half
+miles to the left bank of a watercourse with plenty of water in it and
+encamped. The country we saw today was very rich with undulating features
+and the best grasses; the timber upon it consisting of myall,
+western-wood acacia, brigalow, white-wood and box. The brigalows are few
+and far between. The box grows along the watercourses. We came here from
+last camp in about the following courses: 2.40 south for ten and
+three-quarter miles; 3.10 east for one and a quarter miles; 4
+east-south-east two and a quarter miles. Distance fourteen and a quarter
+miles.
+
+April 27. Camp 57.
+
+This being Sunday we rested ourselves and our horses. Yesterday I
+discovered that I had not repaired my sextant in a satisfactory manner.
+The index showed it to be easily put out of adjustment. I made the
+meridian altitude of the sun today A.H. 102 degrees 26 minutes; latitude
+24 degrees 43 minutes.
+
+April 28, Monday. Camp 58.
+
+The greater part of the forenoon was spent in collecting the horses. We
+left Camp 57 at 12.35 p.m. When we had proceeded up the western bank of
+the creek (the side on which we had encamped) for about three-quarters of
+a mile we crossed it and left it as it became evident that its sources
+were in the hills to the right of the course we wanted to pursue. After
+proceeding about six and a quarter miles from the creek in an easterly
+course over low undulating ridges we saw two emus, which remained in our
+vicinity for some time but not sufficiently near to induce any of us to
+try and shoot them. Half a mile from this brought us in a south-east
+direction to a well-watered creek which we followed up for some distance,
+but as it took us in a south-west direction we returned and followed it
+down. This took us in a north-east direction. When we had come down the
+creek about three miles, reckoning from the place we first struck it, we
+encamped. The ground near here is flat and intersected by watercourses,
+so much so that it is like a kind of country that is often found in flat
+country near a river. The land we saw today is rich and well-grassed,
+seemingly as good sheep country as any I have seen. We came here in the
+following courses from last camp: 12.53 south for three-quarters of a
+mile; 3 east six and a half miles; 3.10 south-east half a mile; 4.50
+north-east one and a half miles down the creek; 5.15 north-east and by
+east one mile; 5.20 north-north-east half a mile. Total ten and a half
+miles. Near last camp I made today the meridian altitude of the sun 101
+degrees 46 minutes; the latitude 24 degrees 44 minutes.
+
+April 29. Camp 59.
+
+We left Camp 58 at 10 this morning. When we had come a few miles the grey
+mare on which I rode suddenly became unwell and, lying down, in a few
+minutes died. She was in good condition and one of the best of the
+expedition horses, which, I may mention, have proved themselves well
+fitted for the service. When we had come easterly about nine and a
+quarter miles we reached the best watered and the largest-looking
+watercourse we have seen for some time. When the mare died I made the
+meridian altitude of the sun A.H. 101 degrees 18 minutes; the latitude is
+by that observation 24 degrees 44 minutes. This nearly agrees with the
+latitude I got by the observations I made on Sunday and Monday at the
+57th camp, so I suppose the observations must be very nearly correct,
+although I thought the first two observations when I made them were not
+good ones. After reaching this watercourse we followed it up for five and
+a half miles. In coming to it we passed through several narrow belts of
+land, thickly wooded with western-wood acacia. The country we saw between
+these belts was like the fine country I described in yesterday's journal,
+the additional charm of having trees of another variety of myall. The
+drooping acacia grows on it. I love these trees; their foliage is so
+beautiful, and the wood when cut has a fine aromatic smell. The grain of
+the wood is nearly as hard as ebony; besides it is characteristic of the
+best pastoral country as it only grows on good country. Its leaves are
+useful and good for stock, which are fond of eating them. We came here in
+the following courses: 2.45 east for nine and a quarter miles to the
+watercourse; 3.50 south for three miles up along the west bank; 4.35
+south-south-east two miles; 5.10 south-east half a mile; fourteen and
+three-quarter miles.
+
+May 1. Camp 60.
+
+We left Camp 59 yesterday morning at 9. When we had come about nine and a
+half miles in an easterly direction we crossed a creek with a northerly
+course. We intended striking the creek afterwards and unfortunately did
+not water the horses, but we got too far from it and neither found it nor
+water although we travelled till 9 p.m. We halted then, thinking the
+horses would probably find water which we thought was not far distant
+from us, having heard immediately before we encamped the quacking of
+ducks. We came today twenty-five miles in nearly an east-south-east
+direction. Our path lay over rich undulating country from which a number
+of hills were visible. The land was well grassed and thinly wooded at
+most places. At others it was scrubby, thereby detracting from its value
+for some time to come. Luckily the country we passed over after dark was
+thinly wooded. The last few miles we followed a creek up in search of
+water to this encampment, and this morning we fortunately found we were
+within a few hundred yards of a hole of water. The horses requiring rest
+after their long journey yesterday we remained here today. I sent Jemmy
+with one of the freshest of the horses to see how the country was watered
+to the east-south-east. On his return he reported having found water and
+old dray-marks about six and three-quarter miles easterly from our last
+camp. I made the meridian altitude of the sun A.H. 100 degrees 29
+minutes; the latitude is by that observation 25 degrees 3 minutes. From
+last camp we came here in about the following courses: 11.12 a.m. east
+for five miles; 11.30 a.m. east-south-east for three-quarters of a mile;
+12.15 p.m. ----; 1.15 p.m. east-south-east half south for two and three
+quarter miles to where we crossed a well-watered creek; 2.10 p.m. east
+for one and a half miles; 5.30 p.m. south-south-east for six miles; 9
+p.m. south-east for eight miles: twenty-five miles.
+
+May 2. Camp 61.
+
+Jackey and Jemmy spent as usual the greater part of the forenoon in
+mustering the horses. We left camp 60 at 10.20 this morning and came
+twelve and a half miles in a south-east direction. The four miles we
+followed the creek up from our last camp took us more easterly than
+southerly. After leaving the creek we crossed a low scrubby sandstone
+range and got to the head of a watercourse in which we found water on
+following it down to a short distance. The country we saw today was very
+scrubby with the exception of some thinly wooded patches near the creek
+we left. The scrub consisted of mulga with a few other trees. Amongst
+these I observed broad-leaved ironbark and broad-leaved box, bloodwood,
+currajong, and bottle-trees. The broad-leaved box-trees we had not seen
+previously on this expedition. The ironbark-trees are seldom or never
+found far to the southward of the main range. The soil consisted chiefly
+at several places of stiff clay which retains an impression a long time
+when softened by rain. We observed the dray-tracks Jemmy had seen
+yesterday about three and a quarter miles on this side of our last camp.
+Near to where Jemmy had found the water and the dray-track I made the
+meridian altitude of the sun A.H. 98degrees 43 minutes; the latitude is
+by that observation 25 degrees 7 minutes. We came here from last camp in
+about the following courses: 11.30 east-south-east for three and a
+quarter miles up the creek of 60 camp; 12.20, 12.55 east-south-east half
+a mile; 3.30 south-east seven and a half miles to the head of the
+watercourse; 3.50 south three-quarters of a mile down watercourse; 3.38
+east quarter of a mile; total twelve and a half miles.
+
+May 3.
+
+We left Camp 61 this morning at 8.27. This camp is situated on the
+western bank at the head of a watercourse which perhaps flows into the
+Warrego River. When we had followed this river down for about
+twenty-three miles in a southerly direction we encamped. In following the
+river down after crossing a short distance below camp along its eastern
+bank, and when we had ridden about twelve and a quarter miles, we crossed
+a creek from the eastward. Nearly all the way today we observed deep
+horse-tracks, and about four and a quarter miles above here we observed a
+tree marked FM (conjoined) with cross underneath. The channel of the
+river was of a sandstone formation at some places and had fine holes of
+water. Our path today came over six miles of unavailable barren scrubby
+ridges. The remainder of the way was chiefly over well-grassed land
+confined on the eastern side for the greater part by sandstone ridges
+thickly wooded with mulga. We came here in about the following courses
+from the last camp: 10.40 south-south-east for five and three-quarter
+miles; 12.20 south half east for five and a half miles; 1.15 south for
+one mile; 2.40 south-south-west for four and a half miles; 3.25 south for
+two and a quarter miles; 4.25 south-south-east for three miles; 4.50
+south one and a quarter miles; total twenty-three miles.
+
+May 4.
+
+As this was Sunday we rested ourselves and the horses. I made the
+latitude 25 degrees 36 minutes 51 seconds.
+
+May 5.
+
+We left Camp 62 this morning at 9.15. This camp is situated on the bank
+of the river. In the forenoon we proceeded due south. In the afternoon we
+had to travel considerably to the westward of south to keep near the
+river. When we had ridden about twenty and a half miles we camped on the
+western side of a shallow waterhole in an eastern channel of the river.
+Near the river the flats were good. On them the grass was excellent, with
+a good deal of cotton-bush and saltbush amongst it. The back country was
+sandy, having kangaroo-grass upon it and wooded with broad-leaved box,
+broad-leaved ironbark, bloodwood, and mulga. The river was well watered
+till we came within a few miles of the camp, where it divided into a
+number of shallow channels. About seven and a half miles south of last
+camp I made the meridian altitude of the sun A.H. 95 degrees 39 minutes,
+the latitude 25 degrees 41 minutes. We came here from last camp in the
+following courses: 11.35 south for seven and a half miles; 2.3
+south-south-west for four and a half miles; 2.33 south-west for one and a
+half miles; 3.8 south-west half south for one and a half miles; 3.47
+south for one and a quarter miles; 5.16 south and by west for three and a
+half miles; 5.30 west-south-west three-quarters of a mile. Distance
+twenty and a half miles.
+
+May 6.
+
+We started from Camp 63 this morning at 8.33. We left the river, and
+after we had journeyed about twenty-five miles slightly southward of east
+we found water and encamped. After leaving the river flats the country
+was poor. The soil was of a reddish colour and although sandy was very
+hard. It was wooded with broad-leaved box and mulga scrub. In the first
+part of the way in many places it was well covered with kangaroo grass,
+but in the last part of the journey it was too scrubby to be well
+grassed. When we had gone about eight and a half miles we crossed a low
+sandstone range; until we reached it we neither saw water nor the
+slightest sign of a watercourse. In this day's journey we saw more
+kangaroo and wallaby than on any previous occasion, but we were so eager
+to get water that we did not try to shoot them. We came here in about the
+following courses: 11.10 east-south-east eight and a quarter miles to the
+range; 2.10 east-south-east eight and a half miles; 4.33 east six and a
+half miles; 4.58 south-east three-quarters of a mile; 5.20 east one mile;
+total twenty-five miles.
+
+May 7.
+
+We left Camp 64 this morning at 9.30. The camp is situated on the eastern
+bank of a small creek which has a south-west course. When we had come in
+an east-south-east direction for about nine miles we saw a range of hills
+ahead of us, and about two miles further on we crossed a creek with
+extensive flood-marks and a south-west course. About three and a quarter
+miles further we crossed a small creek and encamped. Our path for the
+first part of the way was over poor land thickly wooded with scrubby
+trees; the latter part over land generally good with good grasses. The
+land near the creek was particularly good and thinly wooded with box.
+Having found four emu eggs today Mr. Bourne and I made an excellent
+dinner of one of them boiled. We thought it had as delicate a flavour as
+a hen's egg; the rest of our party made emu-egg pancakes, and although
+they had no salt or sugar they relished them exceedingly. We came here
+today in the following direction: at 1 east-south-east for nine and a
+quarter miles; 1.40 south-east for one and three-quarter miles on creek;
+2.50 south-east for three miles to small creek; 3 south for quarter mile
+to camp; distance fourteen and a quarter miles.
+
+May 8.
+
+We left camp this morning at 8.50 and came over scrubby country for six
+miles. In the first part of the distance, which was particularly scrubby,
+we crossed a high sandstone range. Six miles further on we crossed a
+large creek and encamped. The land we crossed was very good, the soil was
+loose sand with a luxuriant growth of good green grass. The trees were of
+the following kinds: Broad-leaved box, broad-leaved ironbark, Moreton Bay
+ash, bloodwood, and cypress pine. We came here on the following courses
+from 65 Camp: 11 east-south-east for two and a half miles; 11.50
+east-north-east for three-quarters of a mile; 11.55 east for one mile; 3
+east-south-east for seven and three-quarter miles. Distance today twelve
+miles.
+
+May 9.
+
+We left Camp 66 this morning at 9.5. When we had come down the eastern
+bank of the river for twenty-one miles we encamped. Following down the
+river took us nearly two points to the westward of south. Along our path
+near the bank of the river the land was sandy. It was wooded with
+broad-leaved box, broad-leaved ironbark, Moreton Bay ash, bloodwood and
+cypress pine. At a place about six and three-quarter miles this side of
+the last camp I made the meridian altitude of the sun A.H. 92 degrees 33
+minutes 30 seconds; the latitude 26 degrees 13 minutes 10 seconds. At a
+place about eight and three-quarter miles above here we observed trees
+marked 1861, J.A.C.H.U.C.H.B.A.K.C. From last camp we came here in about
+the following courses: 10.55 south-west and by south for two and
+three-quarter miles; 11.30 south and by east for four miles; 2.30
+south-west and by south for five and a half miles (to marked trees) 3.20
+south-west and west for two and a quarter miles; 4.23 south and by east
+for three and a quarter miles; 5.25 south-west and by south for two and
+three-quarter miles. Twenty-one miles.
+
+May 12.
+
+Camp 67 is situated on the left bank of the river. Last night we had
+severe frost which produced ice in our tin vessels. We left it at 8.55 in
+the morning and steered south-south-east. When we had gone eleven and a
+half miles we crossed a sandy creek and followed it down in a
+west-south-west direction for a short distance. Finding no water in the
+creek we left it and continued on our old course. Near sunset, when we
+had gone about nine miles without finding another watercourse, we went in
+a more easterly direction. We continued going on after dark until nearly
+2 o'clock on Sunday morning. After waiting for Jackey and Jemmy, who had
+stayed behind yesterday, we started at 11.12 without them. We travelled
+all day without finding water; but after dark we found a small
+watercourse which we followed down for about four hours, still without
+finding water. Here we encamped. In the course of the day Jackey and
+Jemmy overtook us. Their excuse for being behind was their having turned
+back to look for a pistol Jackey had lost. Jemmy I was sorry to find was
+severely burnt from his clothes having caught fire while he was asleep on
+the previous night. I determined to return to water from here as the
+horses had been two days without any. After travelling almost incessantly
+for upwards of seventy-two hours we reached here this morning at 9.
+Although there was plenty of water in the creek here there was more lower
+down, at the place we crossed on our outward route when we were eleven
+and a half miles south-south-east from Camp 67. The horses looked
+wretched when they had been twenty-four hours without water, and as they
+had been seventy-two hours without water when they reached here they
+certainly looked most pitiable objects. Whilst searching for water the
+weather was most favourable, although sometimes freezingly cold when
+travelling at night; so much so that to keep ourselves from getting
+benumbed Mr. Bourne and I often walked. Being able only to take a small
+quantity of water with us Jemmy, who was suffering very much from his
+back, injured by the burning, felt often very thirsty but, poor fellow,
+we could only spare him a small quantity. The country we saw on this
+journey was so bad that I did not wonder at its not being stocked, and
+only a few tracks of cattle are to be found on it. The land very level
+with poor sandy soil. Where it is not thickly wooded with thick mulga
+scrub, which chiefly prevails, it is grassed with triodia and wooded with
+rather broad-leaved ironbark, broad-leaved box, and apple-trees. The
+apple-trees we had not previously seen on this expedition. The obstacles
+against steering were numerous. In my outward route I went more to the
+southward than I intended. Coming back I came luckily more to the
+northern, and got water sooner than I otherwise would have done. We came
+from Camp 67 and returned here in about the following courses: May 10:
+12.55 south-south-east for eleven and a half miles to creek; at 1
+west-south-west for quarter of a mile down the creek. May 11: 1.50 a.m.
+south-south-east for twenty-five and a quarter miles. Started again at 12
+a.m., 7.30 east for nineteen miles to creek; 10.5 south-south-east for
+five miles down the creek. Length of outward route sixty-one miles.
+Returning: started at 8.40 yesterday morning; 5 p.m. north-west and by
+west to outward route; 12.8 a.m. north-west for sixteen miles.
+
+May 13.
+
+Started at seven this morning north-north-west half north for five miles
+to this camp. Length of return route forty-three miles. I made the
+meridian altitude of the sun here A.H. 89 degrees 30 minutes; the
+latitude 26 degrees 38 minutes.
+
+May 14.
+
+We intended proceeding down the creek today, but when we had got the
+horses ready to start we found that Jemmy was suffering so much pain from
+the sore on his side and back that he could not proceed. When we were
+endeavouring to persuade him to try and go on he asked us to go ourselves
+and leave him behind. Yesterday evening I dressed his sores with pomatum
+and put a bandage round his body. As he supposed the bandage caused him
+additional pain we took it off and dusted his sores with flour.
+
+May 15.
+
+Yesterday morning we left Camp 68 at 11.40; it is situated on the west
+bank of the creek. When we had followed the creek down for about twenty
+miles on its west bank where we encamped. Following the creek took us in
+a serpentine course and in generally a north-westerly direction. When we
+had travelled twelve and a quarter miles or thereby we crossed our track
+from Camp 67. In the first half of today's journey, to avoid losing the
+creek, we had to keep very near to it because of the sandstone ridges
+along its banks preventing us seeing the course of the creek had we kept
+back from it for the purpose of cutting off the angles. The latter half
+was without water, but as we did not know that we kept near the creek in
+the hope of getting water for our encampment. The country we saw,
+especially on the upper part of the creek, was poor and of little value.
+Near the creek we observed clumps of mimosa, the kind that is commonly
+called green-wattle. We followed the creek down in about the following
+courses: 12.50 north-west for five and three-quarter miles; 2.18
+north-north-west for three and a quarter miles; 2.35 north for one and a
+quarter miles; 3.20 west and by north for two miles; 3.27 west for a
+quarter of a mile to track; 3.33 west-south-west for a quarter of a mile;
+4 south-west for one and a quarter miles; 4.25 north-west for one mile;
+4.55 south-west for one and a quarter miles; 5.18 west-south-west for one
+mile; 5.35 west-north-west for three-quarters of a mile; 6.18
+north-north-west for one mile; 6.42 west-north-west for one mile to
+encampment. Distance today twenty miles.
+
+May 16.
+
+As Jemmy was not able to assist Jackey in getting the horses Fisherman,
+who has all along marked the trees, had to go in his stead. When the
+horses were saddled and packed the main party proceeded down the creek,
+and Fisherman and I stayed behind to mark the trees at our encampment on
+the west bank of the creek. Afterwards we proceeded down the creek, and
+in trying to cut off the angles we passed the junction of the creek with
+the Warrego River and got up the river three miles before we discovered
+our mistake. After watering our thirsty horses we followed down on the
+eastern bank of the river for sixteen and a half miles to where Mr.
+Bourne had made the encampment. I was glad to find that, in following
+down the river, Mr. Bourne had shot a large turkey. The river has fine
+reaches of water, but the banks are too thickly wooded with mulga scrub
+to be of much value for pastoral purposes. We observed blacks on the
+opposite banks of the river to us. One of them was up a hollow tree
+cutting out a honeycomb or a possum. Fisherman had a conversation with
+him, but as he said the blackfellow did not know where there were any
+stations I do not think he understood him. There were barking curs with
+them, which made us suppose we were probably not far from stations.
+Fisherman and I came here today in the following courses: 9.40
+west-south-west for three-quarters of a mile; 10.30 north-north-west for
+three and a quarter miles; 10.40 west-north-west for half a mile; 11.45
+south-south-east for three miles to the junction of the creek with the
+river; 12.22 south-south-west for one and three-quarter miles; 1.28
+south-west for three miles; 2.15 east-south-east for two miles; 3.40
+south-west by south for four miles; 4.40 south for three miles. Distance
+twenty-one and a quarter miles.
+
+May 17.
+
+We left camp yesterday morning at 9. We followed the river down all day
+till it became dark, in the hope of reaching a station. We were
+disappointed in our expectations and did not see many tracks of cattle.
+Along our path on the east side of the river, about three-quarters of a
+mile below camp, we observed a tree marked A. After passing between a
+hill and the river, about six and a quarter miles below camp, we crossed
+extensive flats and a low sandhill. The country was thinly wooded in some
+places and scrubby at others. The land, although not very rich, had the
+best grasses, and cotton, and saltbush upon it; the sandhill was wooded
+with cypress pine and other trees. When we had come about eleven and a
+quarter miles Mr. Bourne discovered that he had left his pistol at the
+last camp. Jackey returned with him to get it. Before they left I advised
+them to take rations as there was little probability of their overtaking
+us; but they went off without them as quickly as they could, with the
+intention of joining us again some time before morning; but they did not
+succeed in doing so, nor have they made their appearance yet. We came
+here in about the following courses: 9.20 south-south-west for
+three-quarters of a mile to A-tree; 10.8 east-south-east for two and a
+quarter miles; 11.20 south and by west for three and a quarter miles to
+opposite a hill; 12.50 south and by east for three and a quarter miles;
+3.50 south and by west for seven and a quarter miles; 3.55 south-west and
+by south for one mile; 4.35 west for one and a half miles; 4.55
+south-east for a quarter of a mile; 6.10 south-south-west for three and a
+half miles. Distance today twenty-three miles.
+
+Sunday May 18. Camp 71. River Warrego.
+
+I would have gone on today if Mr. Bourne and Jackey had been with us as
+we have only a few days' rations. Not knowing how far I may have to go
+down the river before we reach a station where we can obtain a fresh
+supply, and knowing from my last trial of going to the eastward how much
+the horses suffered from the want of water, I determined not to put them
+to such suffering again if avoidable. In the middle of the day Fisherman,
+Jemmy, and I heard a loud report of what we thought was a gun probably
+discharged by Mr. Bourne or Jackey, and expected them to arrive
+immediately. I am very anxious about them, especially as it would be
+inconvenient to send Fisherman off to see what has become of them, Jemmy
+being so ill he cannot look after the horses. Meridian of the sun A.H. 86
+degrees 23 seconds, latitude 27 degrees 5 minutes.
+
+Monday May 19. Camp 72. River.
+
+Fortunately the horses were not all mustered until the afternoon, as
+shortly before they were so Mr. Bourne and Jackey arrived. If we had
+found the horses as early as usual we would have been looking up the
+river for Mr. Bourne and Jackey, where we should not have found them.
+They had lost our tracks and followed down the river. We were exceedingly
+glad to see them and to find that they had brought a large portion of an
+emu with them which they killed yesterday. Mr. Bourne observed in the
+course he had pursued a tree marked EO on one side and on the other side
+EWC over C. I washed on the edge of the river near a deep waterhole in
+some clay and pebbles in search of gold but did not find any. This
+afternoon we left Camp 71 at 3.20. Came down on the eastern side of the
+river and encamped as it grew dark, within about six and a half miles of
+our last camp. I made the meridian altitude of the sun A.H. 85 degrees 51
+minutes, the latitude is by that observation 27 degrees 8 minutes. The
+observation I yesterday made showed the camp three miles northward of the
+latitude from today's observation. We came here in about the following
+courses: 4.10 south-east for two miles; 4.30 east-south-east for one
+mile; 4.50 south-south-east one mile to Mr. Bourne's camp; 5.27
+south-south-west for one and a quarter miles; 6 west-south-west for one
+and a quarter miles. Distance six and a half miles.
+
+Tuesday May 20 1862. Camp 73.
+
+We left Camp 72 this morning, 9.20, and made down the river after sunset.
+In that time we travelled about twenty-one miles. We hoped to have
+reached a station today and would have gone further if we had not been
+delayed. We got on to a cattle run, and when our packhorses saw the
+cattle moving they took fright and galloped off. Fisherman and Jackey
+went after five of them, the remainder were collected and came on here
+with them. The others Jackey and Fisherman collected and brought in a few
+hours after dark. This is a fine run, and the country we saw from our
+path consisted in a great measure of fine grassed plains. We were very
+glad to get to this cattle run as we had used all our flour excepting
+what would do us for two days; and if it had not been for the emu Jackey
+shot our food would have been done. We had half doomed one of our horses
+to the butcher's knife, although none of us liked the idea of eating a
+poor old saddle-horse, consequently we were all exceedingly glad to reach
+the cattle run. We came today in about the following courses: 10 south
+for two miles; 10.40 south-east and by south for two miles; 12
+south-south-east half south for three and a half miles; at 1 south and by
+west for two and three-quarter miles; 2.30 south-west and by west for
+four and a quarter miles; 3.15 south-west for half a mile; 3.40
+south-east and by east for one and a quarter miles; 4.5 south and by west
+for one mile; 5 south-west for two and a half miles; 5.30 west for one
+and a quarter miles. Distance twenty-one miles.
+
+Wednesday May 21. Warrego River.
+
+This morning we followed down the river for about two and three-quarter
+miles in a south and by east direction, and reached the station occupied
+by Mr. Williams where we received a most hospitable reception and learnt
+the unfortunate fate of Burke and Wills. Here I took sights and made the
+meridian altitude of the sun A.H. 83 degrees 85 minutes. The latitude is
+by that observation 27 degrees 38 minutes.
+
+Thursday May 22. Camp 19. Warrego River.
+
+Today we made preparations for proceeding to the Darling River. I sold to
+Mr. Williams the following articles: Carbine 4 pounds; Enfield rifle 3
+pounds; revolver (Colt) small size 4 pounds 10 shillings; cartridges for
+revolver 12 shillings; steelyards 5 shillings; pick and shovel 5
+shillings; 2 1/2 pounds of powder 10 shillings; cartouche box 5
+shillings; shoeing tools 15 shillings; four sets horseshoes 8 shillings;
+spokeshave etc. 4 shillings; 1 1/4 boxes gun caps 9 shillings; three
+powder flasks (one damaged) 3 shillings; cleaning rod for gun etc. 4
+shillings; three boxes gun caps (broken) and pistol cleaning rod 6
+shillings; six yards canvas (damaged) 6 shillings; nine saddle-girths
+(partially damaged) 14 shillings; 6 pounds nails and screws at 1 shilling
+and 6 pence; medicine 10 shillings; fryingpan 2 shillings; two
+packsaddles (broken) 2 pounds; crupper 4 shillings and 6 pence. Total 19
+pounds 13 shillings and 6 pence. And bought the following supplies: 100
+pounds of flour 2 pounds 10 shillings; 24 pounds of sugar 18 shillings; 3
+pounds of tea 12 shillings; one bar of soap 4 shillings. Total 4 pounds 4
+shillings. The money Mr. Williams gave for the stores was a higher amount
+than would have been obtained at a township by public auction. Neither
+did he purchase them so much because he wanted them as to oblige me. He
+also supplied us with as much beef and butter as we required to take with
+us, and would not accept payment for any supplies that were raised by
+themselves.
+
+Tuesday May 23. About ten miles below Mr. Kennedy's Camp 19, camp on the
+Warrego River.
+
+As the road was indistinct Messrs. Williams kindly accompanied us to the
+stage, about two and a half miles this side of the station, where they
+showed us the tree marked by Mr. Kennedy K XIX. The horsemanship and
+bushmanship displayed by these young Australians were very remarkable. A
+large portion of my life has been spent in the bush, yet dray-tracks that
+I could only follow at a few places they evidently considered at all
+places a plain road.
+
+May 24. About half a mile below the tree marked by Mr. Kennedy K XXI.
+
+This morning we left our last camp at 9.15. When we had travelled down on
+the east bank of the river about twenty-eight miles, at 3.50 in the
+afternoon, we reached here. On the bank there is a station occupied by
+Mr. Con, and on the opposite bank a station occupied by Mr. Gallagher.
+The country we passed over today is as fine, rich and well-grassed as any
+person could wish for pastoral purposes. A few weeks ago the hut-keeper,
+an inoffensive old man who thought the blacks were harmless, was killed
+and shockingly mangled by them, and the hut robbed, in the absence of the
+stockman. With the contents of a bottle of rum we had long preserved, in
+case it might be wanted for medicinal purposes, we drank the health and
+many returns of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Victoria.
+
+Sunday May 25. Warrego River, about half a mile below the tree marked by
+Mr. Kennedy K XXI.
+
+We rested ourselves and the horses. This morning I gave the manager of
+stock here twenty rounds of cartridges, a few bullets, and a few caps for
+a breach-loading rifle that I had sold him. The rifle is one I had
+borrowed from Mr. Bourne for my last expedition, but as it was injured in
+the service I promised to replace it. Its original cost was 15 pounds 10
+shillings, but I sold it for a lower price, namely, 10 pounds. We
+followed the road which came down the eastern bank of the river over
+well-grassed rich level country and sandy ridges for about twelve miles.
+
+May 26. Cunnamulla, Warrego River.
+
+We followed the road down the river for about thirty-five miles from the
+cattle stations, near Mr. Kennedy's 21st camp.
+
+Tuesday May 27. Wooroorooka, Warrego River.
+
+We continued following the road down the river till we reached
+Wooroorooka. This run is occupied by a herd of horses belonging to T.
+Danger, Esquire. Yesterday and today we travelled each day about seven
+and a half hours. The distance is called seventy miles. The country we
+saw between Cunnamulla and Wooroorooka was wet thinly-wooded plains
+intersected by ana-branches of the river and by sandhills. At Wooroorooka
+I met a gentleman called Mr. Birch who at one time very ably assisted Mr.
+Stutchburgh in making a geological survey of a great part of Australia.
+To him Mr. Bourne and I are greatly indebted for giving us much
+intelligence of events that have taken place since we left Brisbane last
+August. I learn from him that he had travelled the distance from the
+boundary line of New South Wales to Wooroorooka, and found it was five
+and three-quarter miles.
+
+Wednesday May 28. Bananka, Warrego River, New South Wales.
+
+From Wooroorooka we followed the road down the river for about twelve
+miles and reached a station occupied by the sheep of the Bogan River
+Company. Our path was over slightly wooded plains, the soil rich and
+covered with the best grasses. The grass, from the dry season, was so
+parched that it looked in its present state almost worthless, but the
+fine condition of the sheep showed it to be still first-rate pasturage.
+
+May 29. Eringa, Warrego River, New South Wales, Con's Old Station.
+
+Our path today took us down the left bank of the river, a distance said
+to be twenty-eight miles, which we travelled in six and a half hours. The
+country we saw is similar to all the country on the river. From the point
+of the river where it is unconfined by ridges it flows in several
+channels.
+
+Sunday June 2. Bunnawanah, Darling River.
+
+Last Friday and Saturday were spent in travelling to here from the
+Warrego River. The distance from Eringa to here is called seventy miles.
+About eight miles before we reached here we passed the station of Messrs.
+Collis on Culgoa River. The country we saw between here and the Warrego
+River is level, covered with saltbush and grass. It resembles some
+country I have seen near Hay on the Murrumbidgee River. From the
+newspapers yesterday we learned that Mr. Walker's party had arrived in
+April at Port Denison, and learned that Mr. Howitt had received
+instructions to remain on Cooper's Creek for our arrival. Of course if I
+had known there was a depot there I should have gone to it from the
+Thomson River; and now I think it will be advisable to proceed to
+Menindie and there take the most advisable mode of letting Howitt know of
+our safe return from the Gulf of Carpentaria.
+
+Wednesday June 5. Bunnawanah, Darling River.
+
+Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and today we remained here to recruit the
+horses. Mr. Rutherford, one of the proprietors of the neighbouring
+station, kindly supplied us with what stores we required at a lower rate
+than is charged anywhere; and at the station of Mr. T. Danger we got as
+much beef as we required for the road en route to Menindie.
+
+...
+
+NOTES.
+
+Excoecaria: A good-sized bush or small tree occupying the low depressions
+above the saline alluvial ground on the Gulf of Carpentaria. It is
+milk-flowing but poisonous.
+
+Erythrina: or coral tree.
+
+Pigweed: Portulaca, or the native purslane, a creeping annual of a
+reddish-green colour and an excellent vegetable.
+
+Triodia: Sometimes called spinifex, or porcupine grass, is a true desert
+plant, and at the end of each leaf it is so armed with short prickles
+that horses dread going through it, and stock never touch it except when
+it is very young or they are starving.
+
+Gidya: A native name; the botanical name cannot be given without a
+specimen.
+
+Western-wood Acacia: Same as Gidya.
+
+Roley-poley: An annual salsolaceous plant. It grows in the form of a
+large ball, several feet high, on rich soil. It withers in the dry
+season, is easily broken off and rolled along by the winds, hence its
+name.
+
+Cotton Vine: A plant, probably the same cynanolium of which the unripe
+milky pod is eaten by the natives about Lake Torrens.
+
+Polygonum cunninghami: A very wiry shrubby bush, which always indicates
+that the ground where it grows is liable to be occasionally flooded. It
+is the same as the one from the Murray and Darling.
+
+Mulga Scrub (an Acacia): This is frequently mentioned by Stuart; its
+botanical name is not known.
+
+...
+
+As it is desirable that all the routes from the Darling towards the
+Barcoo River should be known the following letter from Mr. Neilson is
+appended. The route he describes is almost on a direct line from Mount
+Rankine to Carpentaria.
+
+Kennedy's XIX Camp, River Warrego, May 22 1862.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Agreeably to your request I beg to furnish you with a few memoranda of a
+journey made by Messrs. H. and F. Williams and myself from Mount Rankine
+on the Darling towards Cooper's Creek. We left the Darling on the 22nd of
+June 1861, and after crossing the Talywalka Creek at six miles camped on
+Mulyoh Spring, course north-west by west distance twenty-five miles. Our
+next day's journey was to Wentholey on the Paroo Creek upon the same
+bearing and a distance of forty miles. We then followed the Paroo Creek
+upward on a general course of north by east half east to the 29th
+parallel, when we struck out to the north-west, and on rising the range
+saw a large sheet of water. Camped upon it. It proved to be a lake of
+about twenty-five miles in circumference and very shallow. Our distance
+travelled, twenty-three miles from the boundary. Next day followed the
+same course and camped at thirty miles on a large clay-pan. Followed on
+the next day, and at ten miles came on a Boree Creek with water. Followed
+on bearing to the northward of north-west about half a point, and camped
+on a lateral creek containing pools of water and polygonum flats, and on
+examining the bed of the creek found some crayfish-eyes, and judged to be
+in the vicinity of a large water. Distance travelled twenty-six miles.
+Next day followed the creek on a north-north-west bearing, and at eleven
+miles came to a large creek running rapid and having flooded flats
+extending two miles from its bed, and bearing marks of very high floods.
+We crossed the creek and extended our journey about fifteen miles to the
+west; the country being cut up by creeks not then flooded but bearing
+evidences of high floods. Our rations being short we turned back. From
+this point I consider our position to be within about thirty-five miles
+of Cooper's Creek. We followed the creek we left, running down for about
+fifty miles on a south-west by south course. A larger volume of water
+comes down this creek than what comes down the Warrego, and it contains
+some fine reaches of water where the creeks meet and form one channel. I
+believe it to be identical with the Nive of Mitchell, never traced out,
+and in its position with the Paroo forms a line of communication
+practicable in all seasons from Mount Rankine on the Darling to Cooper's
+Creek, and by Cooper's Creek upwards to the Thomson, completes, with your
+discoveries, a perfect and practicable line of communication to
+Carpentaria.
+
+I have doubt to venture an opinion that it is quite practicable to make a
+cross-country track from this to the junction of the Thompson and Cooper
+from the knowledge I have formed; but I think the requirements of the
+case are better met by striking the Cooper where it takes the turn
+westward (i.e.. where Sturt followed it to the east) that point being
+more adapted to the wants of the more southern settlers.
+
+I have forwarded a tracing of my route to Mr. Gregory by my letter of
+February 26th last, and just give you the foregoing crude data to go
+upon, and of which you may make what use you think proper.
+
+I beg to remain,
+
+Yours faithfully,
+
+John Neilson.
+
+Landsborough Esquire.
+
+...
+
+The head of the Barcoo River was discovered by Sir Thomas Mitchell who
+named it the Victoria River. He described it as probably having its
+outlet at Carpentaria. Kennedy was sent to trace it, but unfortunately he
+had a dry season to contend with; so much so that some distance below the
+junction of the Thomson he found its channel perfectly dry and had to
+return. He followed it however sufficiently far to enable him to make
+tolerably sure that it was the head of Cooper's Creek. Gregory
+afterwards, by following it down, on his route to South Australia
+ascertained this to be the case. Another river, previously discovered by
+Captain Wickham, in Northern Australia, had been called by him the
+Victoria: because of this, and from Kennedy having learned the native
+name of Mitchell's Victoria to be the Barcoo, it is now generally known
+by that designation.
+
+...
+
+Tintinalagy, Darling River, July 22 1862.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st
+ultimo handed to me on the 14th instant at Mount Murchison by Mr. Verdon.
+You will no doubt have received my last letter informing you that, as I
+was led to suppose that the grass was better at Mount Murchison than at
+Menindie, I remained there for instructions from you.
+
+As I had come to the conclusion that, as Mr. Howitt was in South
+Australia, it would be unnecessary for me to take any steps to inform him
+of my return from the Gulf of Carpentaria in accordance with the
+instructions I received from you, we are here on our way to Melbourne.
+Having lost some of our horses we have been delayed here for a few days,
+and may be delayed longer as the camel is away. The camel I should have
+mentioned earlier we brought with us from Bunnawanah.
+
+This has been a bad season for coming down the river, so much so that one
+of the oldest settlers says he never saw the grass so scarce as it now
+is. We have however, I hope, got over the worst part of the river as the
+country is getting green from the rain that has fallen recently.
+
+On our way to Euston I hope to dispose of the horses and material of the
+expedition. From Euston I intend sending Gleeson and a man I have hired
+with the camel to Melbourne. To pay their expenses I will advance Gleeson
+a sufficient sum. To Gleeson's assistant I have promised the usual wages
+from the date of our arrival at Euston. To drive the camel I will
+probably give them two riding-horses and a packhorse. With them I will
+send an Expedition horse and the foal that was dropped near the Gulf of
+Carpentaria, which I dare say the Royal Society will sell me to take to
+Queensland as a relic of my expedition. I hope you will excuse my
+engaging an assistant for Gleeson, as Mr. Bourne and the three
+aborigines, who have been a long time engaged in this expedition, are
+anxious to get to Melbourne to return to Queensland. When we reach Euston
+we intend taking the coach.
+
+From the paper I learn there is an impression abroad that I did not come
+by a likely route for finding Burke's party, and that it appeared by my
+letter that I had been commissioned to open up a route for stock to the
+Gulf.
+
+With regard to the latter I received the command of my party from the
+Colonial Secretary of Queensland, and he certainly gave me no
+instructions respecting the route I was to take, but for which he
+referred me to your instructions. In these it was contemplated that I
+should return by sea. Had it been contemplated that I was to have come
+back overland my instructions would have been, I dare say, to have come
+back by Mount Stuart. From having travelled in the end of last year about
+halfway to Mount Stuart from the Albert River depot, I consider that if I
+had waited a few weeks when I reached the 138th meridian I would have had
+the advantage of the wet season, and might have proceeded by that route,
+or at all events gone south from that meridian provided I had sufficient
+equipment for that purpose.
+
+My opinion was, as may be seen in my correspondence with Captain Norman,
+that Burke and Wills had gone from their depot by Bowen Downs towards
+Carpentaria. I therefore came overland that way, and as I did not learn
+anything of their party from the blacks when I reached there I proceeded
+to the settled country.
+
+For my part I must say that I think, with the information we had then, we
+took the most probable route for finding Burke's party. In all our
+expeditions we followed the watercourses and went over more ground than I
+thought it should have been possible to do with our small and shipwrecked
+equipment.
+
+I never imagined that Burke and Wills would have been able to walk
+straight from Cooper's Creek across what I thought was in a great measure
+a desert to Carpentaria. It should also be remembered that when I wrote
+my letter to you on my arrival at the Darling River we had learned all
+about the fate of Burke's party, and the time was past for saying much
+about our want of success with respect to them.
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir,
+
+Your obedient servant,
+
+W. Landsborough.
+
+Commander of Victorian and Queensland Party Organised at Brisbane.
+
+...
+
+In reply to the above he was instructed to sell his equipment and proceed
+to Melbourne.
+
+...
+
+About a month after Landsborough's arrival in Melbourne intelligence was
+received that McKinlay and his party, who had gone from South Australia
+in search of Burke and Wills in August of last year, had safely reached
+Port Denison in August of this year. No tidings of McKinlay had been
+heard from the time of his finding poor Gray's grave on Cooper's Creek,
+where he learned the fate of Burke and Wills. His future instructions
+were to proceed to Stuart's route and search for a goldfield on a part of
+it which had been described by Stuart as giving indications of being
+auriferous; but in consequence of the flooded state of the country he was
+unable to go in that direction. He therefore proceeded to Carpentaria,
+exploring the country chiefly in the middle part of his journey on a
+track betwixt Burke's and Landsborough's, and afterwards tracing down the
+Leichhardt River. At Carpentaria, where he expected to get supplies of
+flour, tea, and sugar, the depot being abandoned, his hopes were
+disappointed, and he was obliged to proceed to Port Denison, a distance
+of about 700 miles, without either of these articles. On his arrival at
+Melbourne with some members of his party the reception given to
+Landsborough and them by the public was so cordial that we consider the
+following report (taken from the Argus) of the meeting held to do them
+honour will be read with interest.
+
+DEMONSTRATION IN HONOUR OF MESSRS. LANDSBOROUGH AND MCKINLAY.
+
+A public meeting of the citizens of Melbourne was held last night at the
+Exhibition Building, in honour of the leaders of the Queensland and South
+Australian Contingent Exploration Expeditions and their parties, and to
+testify the admiration of the inhabitants of this colony at the
+successful and heroic manner in which those explorers had accomplished
+their mission. The doors were advertised to be open at seven o'clock, but
+it was not until about twenty minutes past that hour that they were
+unlocked. In the meantime a vast crowd which had commenced to assemble as
+early as half-past six o'clock had gathered in front of the building and
+manifested considerable impatience to be admitted. Within a very few
+minutes after the doors were thrown open the spacious edifice was densely
+crowded in every part. There were probably nearly 3000 persons present.
+On the motion of Dr. Macadam the Honourable Matthew Hervey, M.L.C., was
+called upon to preside. He was surrounded on the platform by several
+members of the Exploration Committee and other gentlemen. Mr.
+Landsborough and Mr. McKinlay and some members of their respective
+exploring parties were present; as was also Mr. King, the companion of
+the unfortunate Burke and Wills; and also Mr. C. Verdon, who was recently
+the successful bearer of despatches from the Exploration Committee to Mr.
+Howitt.
+
+The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, congratulated the assembly upon
+having met together to pay a mark of respect to their distinguished
+fellow-countrymen, Messrs. Landsborough and McKinlay. (Applause.) They
+were doubtless aware of the circumstances under which those gentlemen had
+become conspicuous amongst the Australian community. Immediately upon the
+discovery of any danger attending the Victorian explorers Messrs. Burke
+and Wills--upon discovering that there was a possibility of their being
+unable to surmount the difficulties which surrounded them in the desert,
+it was thought desirable to start contingent expeditions from the
+neighbouring colonies, as well as from Victoria, in search of them. The
+people of Melbourne had assembled that evening to congratulate those
+distinguished gentlemen, Messrs. Landsborough and McKinlay, upon their
+safe return from their expeditions. They most cheerfully volunteered
+their services to the respective Governments under which they lived to
+proceed in search of Burke and Wills, and everyone was aware to some
+extent of the result of their labours. They had been most successful
+explorers. They proceeded in cheerfulness to encounter the dangers of the
+desert, such as in the eye of every individual unaccustomed to bush
+travelling seemed insurmountable. (Hear, hear.) They had all heard
+something of Mr. Landsborough's expedition from the statement which he
+had made before the Royal Society, and they knew something also of the
+expedition undertaken by Mr. McKinlay. The immense difficulties which
+each had experienced placed both gentlemen side by side as great and
+successful explorers. (Cheers.) Having briefly directed attention to the
+circumstances under which the meeting had assembled, he would detain them
+very little longer. He was sure that they had done their duty as
+inhabitants of Victoria in meeting to welcome back again to this colony
+the gentlemen who had been sent out in search of those who first crossed
+the continent of Australia and brought into conspicuous notice the great
+enterprise, which was first initiated by the colony of Victoria, of
+exploring the whole of this vast continent. (Applause.)
+
+The Reverend Dr. Cairns, who was called upon to move the first
+resolution, remarked that this was a magnificent meeting, and that he had
+seldom been more delighted in the course of a long life. (Applause.) When
+Mr. McKinlay was received by the Royal Society he (Dr. Cairns) made the
+very natural remark that he supposed he would receive a welcome from the
+public of Melbourne (hear, hear) that, however cordial might be the
+welcome extended to him and to Mr. Landsborough by private committees or
+private societies, the community at large had a right to express their
+feelings, and in the most public manner to give a welcome to those
+successful explorers. (Applause.) He thought then, as he thought now,
+that in making that remark he not only expressed his own feelings but the
+feelings of the community in general. A very ill-natured notice of his
+opinion and conduct in the matter appeared in The Argus of that morning,
+but for what purpose it had been written he was unable to say. He
+rejoiced in the present meeting, however, as the best of all possible
+answers to such a piece of invidiousness. (Hear.) One of the
+characteristic signs of the present age was the very great progress of
+discovery in opening up regions of the earth which had hitherto been
+hermetically sealed even to the eye of intelligence. It was a very
+suggestive fact to his mind that the successful exploration of Central
+Africa and the great Australian Continent had been reserved for the
+present day, that until now these immense dominions had been unknown
+lands to the civilised world; and that not until the latter half of the
+nineteenth century had the honour been conferred on the enterprising sons
+of that wonderful little island far away in the north sea--peopled by
+Christian Britons--of penetrating the mystery, and finding out that,
+instead of stony deserts and inhospitable wilds, those countries
+contained luxuriant fields, abundant waters, and balmy woods--inviting
+homes for millions and millions of human beings, or rather let him say
+for flourishing nations. (Applause.) The present marked a great era in
+the history of this hemisphere. A benignant Providence had lifted the
+cloud of their ignorance, and they heard a kindly voice calling upon them
+to arise, to go forth, to possess, to subdue, to people this goodly land.
+(Hear, hear.) The friends whose success they had met to celebrate that
+evening would henceforth have their names enrolled with those of
+Mitchell, Leichhardt, Sturt, Gregory, and Burke and Wills, who had
+sacrificed their lives to their zeal. (Hear, hear.) To the two latter
+explorers belonged the praise--which time would never obscure or
+diminish--of having been the first to solve the practicability of
+traversing this great continent from south to north. The names which he
+mentioned constituted a brilliant catalogue; and he ventured to think
+that no inferior splendour would henceforth illustrate the names--now
+familiar as household words--of Stuart, Landsborough, and McKinlay.
+(Cheers and loud cries of "King.") The name of King ought also most
+assuredly to be included. (Cheers.) They were a noble band, and he wished
+they had all been present that night. He rejoiced to have the opportunity
+of seeing those explorers who were present, of looking on their faces,
+speaking to them, shaking hands with them, and calling them friends.
+(Applause.) He was proud of these men, and all whom he was addressing
+must be proud of them also. They were worthy of esteem, they were
+entitled to applause; and mean, base, ineffably shabby, stupidly mean and
+base was the soul--if such a soul there were--that questioned their merit
+or grudged them a meet reward. (Applause.) He was delighted to have the
+opportunity of looking upon the two great heroes, Landsborough and
+McKinlay. They had undertaken and accomplished great things. Without
+deliberation they undertook the arduous task assigned them and faced its
+hazards. They had to contemplate hard privations, and it might be
+disease, accident, or even a lingering and lonely death. These were the
+terms--the necessary terms--on which they engaged in their uncertain and
+perilous speculation. They went forth not knowing whither they went; but
+their Heavenly Father watched over them and protected them from dangers,
+seen and unseen. He was especially struck with the providence of God in
+the case of McKinlay. The flood of waters which troubled him might have
+been a deluge to sweep him away, but, by the gracious overruling
+providence of God his life was preserved, and he was now in their midst.
+Both Landsborough and McKinlay had returned none the worse for wear, but
+fresh and blooming, he would say, for the tan which they got from the sun
+seemed to him to be the richest of blooms. (Laughter.) They were the very
+models of fine, stalwart men. He thanked God for it, who was the author
+of all their talents and all their gifts. Their wonderful success, under
+God, was attributable to their foresight, prudence, and for want of a
+better word he would say their bush experience. From the energy,
+sagacity, and unwearied patience which they had exercised the public had
+learnt some new things. From Mr. McKinlay they had learnt that it was
+possible to drive a flock of silly sheep all the way to Carpentaria and
+eat them up one by one at leisure. (Laughter.) They had further learnt
+that old horse was very palatable beef to a hungry man, and that boiled
+camel was a savoury morsel in a weary wilderness. (Renewed laughter.)
+From Mr. Landsborough they had learnt the important lesson that it was
+most wise to rest and refresh both man and beast upon that seventh day
+which had been ordained us a universal blessing. (Hear, hear.) He quite
+enjoyed hearing of Mr. Landsborough and his men luxuriating on a
+breakfast of meat and pig-weed, followed, after a due interval, by an
+epicurean dinner of cold rice and jam. (A laugh.) The result of their
+explorations had been immense, for they had probably tripled, or even
+quadrupled, the extent of territory in Australia available for
+settlement, and added greatly to the resources of the country. The
+advantages thus secured for pastoral purposes were beyond all
+calculation, though they could not now be appreciated as they would be
+hereafter. They deserved well of their country. In all ages such services
+as they had rendered had been regarded as national benefactions. The
+principle of the state rewarding such services had been recognised in
+this colony and had been reduced to practice. Recompense was decreed by
+Parliament to the discoverers of new goldfields, and the admirable
+constitution of this colony had provided a most soothing consolation, in
+the shape of 1800 pounds per annum, to requite the devotion of those
+self-sacrificing spirits who consented to bow their studious heads and
+delicate shoulders to the responsibilities of government for the weary
+space of two whole years. (Laughter.) If such were the case, what was the
+debt which the country owed to those great national benefactors, the
+explorers. Their discoveries had opened the eyes of the people of
+Australia to the fact that God had given them a most wealthy inheritance,
+which might be compared to the whole world in miniature. It had the best
+of every clime under the sun, and the gifts of nature were scattered with
+great profusion. As to the precious metals it might turn out that what
+had been found was only an earnest of what was to follow; but there could
+be no doubt that Australia was to be the woolgrower of the whole world,
+and that it would grow cotton to feed all the mills of England. Dr.
+Cairns concluded by moving the following resolution:
+
+That this meeting begs, in the most cordial manner, to welcome the
+explorers, Messrs. Landsborough and McKinlay, on their safe return, and
+to express admiration of the many excellent qualities displayed by them
+in the prosecution of their arduous enterprise, and considers that it is
+a duty to acknowledge the hand of Divine Providence in preserving them in
+the midst of danger.
+
+...
+
+Mr. King, who was received with great acclamation, said it afforded him
+much pleasure to be present on that occasion and join with so many of his
+fellow-colonists in congratulating Mr. Landsborough and Mr. McKinlay on
+their safe arrival in Melbourne. (Applause.) He was the more glad to
+offer his congratulations because he knew the arduous nature of the
+journey which Messrs. Landsborough and McKinlay had accomplished. He was
+little accustomed to appear or to speak in public, but he should have
+been sorry to miss this opportunity of expressing his thanks to Mr.
+Landsborough and Mr. McKinlay for the manner in which they had
+endeavoured to come to the relief of the party of which Burke and Wills
+were at the head. However successful they might have been in that
+expedition they could have been of very little service to Burke and
+Wills, for it would have been impossible to reach them in time to save
+their lives. He had much pleasure in seconding the resolution and in
+congratulating Messrs. Landsborough and McKinlay upon their safe arrival
+in Victoria. (Cheers.)
+
+The resolution was put and unanimously adopted amidst cheers, as were
+also the resolutions subsequently proposed.
+
+The chairman explained that Mr. Landsborough, having been out of town,
+had not yet arrived at the meeting but was expected shortly. In the
+meantime he called upon Mr. McKinlay to respond to the compliment which
+had just been paid to himself and his brother explorer. He also requested
+the meeting to excuse Mr. McKinlay from making any statement with respect
+to his journey as he felt bound in the first place to communicate the
+particulars to the Government by whom he had been sent out.
+
+Mr. McKinlay, who was received with hearty and prolonged cheering,
+briefly returned thanks for the kindness which had been shown him. His
+journey had certainly been accomplished successfully, but it had been
+undertaken under very favourable circumstances and, had such not been the
+case, probably the result might have been very different. He felt himself
+compelled to refrain from stating many particulars which the public would
+be glad to learn, but they would no doubt be known in due course. At
+present he could merely express his sincere thanks for the great kindness
+with which he had been received that evening. (Cheers.)
+
+Mr. Wyld, Mr. Poole, Mr. Kirby, and Mr. Davis, fellow travellers with Mr.
+McKinlay, were severally introduced to the meeting by the chairman, and
+each received a cordial welcome which they duly acknowledged.
+
+Mr. Landsborough, who had in the meantime arrived, then came forward to
+address the meeting and was greeted with cordial and enthusiastic
+cheering. He was much gratified, he said, at the warm reception which he
+had received, and little expected that his humble services would have
+been acknowledged in such a public way by such an assemblage as he saw
+around him. He had been rather hurriedly called upon as he was unaware
+that the meeting was to be held that evening until his arrival from
+Geelong an hour or so ago. (Hear, hear.) "My friend and brother
+explorer," continued Mr. Landsborough, "has just come in from a glorious
+trip from South Australia, by Carpentaria and by Port Denison. I consider
+his mode of exploring with livestock consisting of camels, cattle, sheep,
+and horses, nearly the best. To make it complete he only wanted some
+aborigines as trackers. This I am sure he felt on one occasion when Mr.
+Kirby and his sheep were lost for three days. Mr. McKinlay deserves the
+greatest credit for being the first to take sheep across the continent.
+The camels will yet be found of the greatest value; for it is probable
+that other explorers will not find water at such convenient distances as
+we have done, and as they can go nearly three times as far as horses
+without water they will be of the greatest value for searching ahead for
+water, and when water is once found it is very easy to take the party on,
+as it is generally found at distances sufficiently near to be reached by
+a party like that which Mr. McKinlay and I had. By Burke, Walker,
+McKinlay, and myself six of the Carpentaria rivers have been traced.
+These rivers chiefly water country of a character which, although dry, is
+the kind that I like best for pastoral purposes. And now that my friend
+McKinlay has taken sheep across the continent I hope flocks and herds
+will soon follow, so that the fine pastures of Carpentaria, instead of
+lying waste, will soon become profitable not only to Australia but to the
+whole world." (Applause.) In conclusion Mr. Landsborough intimated that
+he intended to publish the rest of the information which he had to
+communicate in the form of a pamphlet. On resuming his seat he was again
+warmly applauded.
+
+Mr. Bourne, the only member of Mr. Landsborough's exploration party now
+remaining in Melbourne, was introduced to the meeting, who likewise
+honoured him with a round of cheers. He acknowledged the compliment in a
+few pertinent remarks. He would rather, he said, perform another journey
+through the continent of Australia than make a speech in public, and he
+did not seem to be singular in that opinion. On his own behalf, and that
+of the rest of the party to which he was attached, he begged to return
+thanks, and et cetera. (Laughter and applause.)
+
+Mr. Aspinall, M.L.A., proposed the second resolution:
+
+That this meeting recognises the good services rendered by the
+Governments of South Australia and of Queensland in organising these
+contingent expeditions with a view to discover and assist the missing
+party under the lamented Burke and Wills.
+
+...
+
+It would only, he remarked, be a just compliment to the neighbouring
+colonies to adopt this resolution most heartily. (Hear, hear.) Whilst the
+meeting recognised these gallant men--Landsborough and McKinlay--men of
+heroism and enterprise, men who were an honour to their race and the
+colonies which they represented, they ought also to recognise in them a
+manifestation on the part of the neighbouring colonies of a hearty
+sympathy in a matter concerning the general welfare of Australia.
+(Applause.) While doing honour to the men themselves they ought to
+express their gratefulness to the Governments and the people who chose
+them for the work which they had performed. Those Governments were
+willing in a moment to aid the expedition which the Government of
+Victoria had sent forth and, as the result proved, they had put the right
+men in the right place. (Applause.) The explorers however must be
+regarded as the representatives of the sentiment and the feeling of the
+colonists who had sent them forth. In sending them forth those colonies
+were not influenced by any ideas of the acquisition of territory; and,
+whatever advantages they might have gained, their primary object was to
+endeavour to rescue Burke and to assist the expedition of which those
+unfortunate explorers were the leaders. While admiring the heroism of
+Messrs. Landsborough and McKinlay, let them add their tribute of
+admiration to the colonies which had sent them forth to do the work which
+they were so admirably fitted to do. (Applause.)
+
+Mr. Gillbee heartily seconded the resolution, assured that in so doing he
+was but expressing the sentiments of everyone present. (Applause.)
+
+The resolution was carried unanimously.
+
+Dr. Macadam, M.L.A., proposed the third resolution which was to this
+effect:
+
+That this meeting is persuaded that it is incumbent on the various
+Australian Governments to mark in some appropriate manner their sense of
+the great merits of the leaders of the contingent exploration parties,
+and of the important results which must flow from their discoveries; and
+that a copy of this resolution be forwarded for the consideration of the
+respective Governments.
+
+Some difference of opinion, he said, had been manifested in reference to
+the manner in which the exertions of the respective explorers should be
+recognised. He himself had only had one opinion upon the subject, namely,
+that they should be recognised through the Legislatures of the respective
+colonies to which the explorers belonged. Although he and, he believed,
+the committee with which he was connected had been blamed for not
+sympathising materially with the subscription being raised for Mr.
+Landsborough, he had already personally explained to Mr. Landsborough his
+own views. It was held as a general principle that when a national good
+was conducted it was entitled to a national reward. (Hear, hear.) He
+trusted that this would remove any impression which might exist as to
+there being any opposition on his part, or on the part of the Exploration
+Committee, to the subscription which was being raised for Mr.
+Landsborough; but, as he had already stated to Mr. Landsborough and Mr.
+McKinlay, they believed that the legislatures of the different colonies
+should recognise that which he thought was a greater benefit than that
+for which any amount of money could be spent under any other vote of the
+Legislature. (Applause.) He had to make one word of personal explanation
+in reference to the meeting. He had been somewhat blamed in The Argus of
+that day for having initiated, with his friend Dr. Cairns, a meeting of
+that kind. The chairman of the meeting was also the chairman of the
+meeting at which it was resolved to present a testimonial to Mr.
+Landsborough; and he was aware that this meeting originated in a
+spontaneous suggestion made on Friday by Dr. Cairns, who thought that,
+while it might be convenient to the Exploration Committee to meet in an
+afternoon, it would be a great pleasure to the community at large to hold
+an evening meeting at which, instead of merely having the opportunity of
+recognising the explorers by their portraits in the Saturday prints, they
+might meet them face to face, and speak to them. (Applause.) Influenced
+by this suggestion he (Dr. Macadam) set about to make arrangements for
+this meeting, and he was sorry to say that he met with considerable
+opposition; but he had always found that whenever a man threw himself
+upon the public sympathy he was never mistaken. (Hear, hear.) If the
+Exploration Committee had not called the meeting they would have been
+blamed, and he was quite prepared to see that they would receive a great
+amount of opposition from certain quarters. Without further remark upon
+this subject he would leave the correction of the error, if error he had
+committed ("No, no.") to a gentleman who was present at the Landsborough
+testimonial meeting, and who wrote the paragraph in The Argus alluded
+to--he would leave it to a gentleman who took a deep interest in his
+prospects, and who had the highest admiration of his ability; and he
+would refer the meeting to the Yeoman of Saturday for a full,
+deliberative, and calm consideration of the whole matter. He regretted
+the absence of the Governor from the meeting, but he would explain the
+reason. His Excellency instructed him to say that he had exceedingly
+regretted to perceive by the newspapers that that day had been fixed for
+the grand reception, and stated that his absence was caused by a prior
+engagement. Mr. McKinlay had received permission to decline an invitation
+which he had received from the Governor that night in order that he might
+be present at the meeting. The fact of the invitation however showed the
+appreciation in which McKinlay was held by the Governor. (Applause.) In
+moving the resolution he had simply to state that he trusted the
+Governments of the respective colonies would reciprocate in an adequate
+manner the services which had been rendered by the explorers; he thought
+the gratitude of the Governments of the respective colonies should also
+be shown by their doing more to encourage immigration than that hitherto
+done. Some two years and a half ago the task of exploring the continent
+was commenced in Victoria and, whatever might be said derogatory to the
+management of the exploration, the work had been accomplished, the
+continent was now marked out, and it only required private enterprise to
+establish communication between every part of it. (Applause.)
+
+Captain Norman, being loudly called for by the meeting, made a few
+remarks indicating the cordial unanimity in which he and Mr. Landsborough
+had cooperated together, and mentioned that Monday was the anniversary of
+their safe arrival at Carpentaria after the wreck of the Firefly in
+Torres Strait.
+
+Mr. Ramsay, M.L.A., in seconding the resolution, expressed his full
+concurrence with the opinion it contained; and stated that he would do
+his best in his place in Parliament to support any motion for carrying it
+into practical effect. (Applause.)
+
+The resolution was put and carried.
+
+On the motion of Dr. Wilkie, seconded by Captain Matthews, a vote of
+thanks was given to the chairman.
+
+The chairman, in acknowledging the compliment, gave an emphatic
+contradiction to an opinion which, he said, he understood had been
+expressed in some quarters, that Landsborough and McKinlay had had tracks
+to guide them in their exploration journeys.
+
+The proceedings then terminated, the meeting, in response to Dr. Macadam,
+giving three hearty cheers for the explorers.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Journal of Landsborough's Expedition
+from Carpentaria, by William Landsborough
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