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.
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