THE EXPEDITION.
How the Expedition originated.
Appointment of the Leader, Officers, and Party.
Mr. Robert O'Hara Burke, Mr. G.J. Landells, Mr. W.J. Wills,
Dr. Herman Beckler, Dr. Ludwig Becker, etc.
The Expedition starts from Melbourne on the 20th of August, 1860.
Progress to Swan Hill.
Discharge of Mr. Ferguson, the Foreman.
Advance to Menindie.
Resignation of Mr. Landells and Dr. Herman Beckler.
Mr. Wills promoted to second in Command, and Mr. Wright to third.
THE Exploring Expedition of 1860 originated thus. A gentleman,
whose name is still concealed, offered one thousand pounds as an
inducement to the Government and other parties to come forward and
raise funds for an exploration of the island continent, now known
as Australia, but formerly as New Holland; the vast interior of
which had been supposed to be a desert, an inland sea, or anything
that a poetical imagination might suggest. Attempts had been made,
but always with insufficient means, and on too contracted a scale,
to solve the problem. It was now for Victoria to take up the
question in earnest. The 1000 pounds of the unknown contributor,
increased to 2200 pounds by private subscriptions, with 6000 pounds
voted by the colonial legislature, supplied in all a sum of above
9000 pounds for the prosecution of this great national enterprise.
Let Victoria, then, receive the honour so justly her due, for an
undertaking only on a par with her characteristic spirit of
advancement. Any stranger who visits Melbourne, a place but of
yesterday, must be struck by the magnificent scale and number of
the public buildings. Let him look at the Churches, Library, House
of Parliament, University and Museum, Railways and Parks, Banks,
Hotels, Theatres, Botanical Gardens, [Footnote: Under the charge of
that noble father of industry, Dr. Mueller.] etc., and then call to
mind that all this is the growth of less than a quarter of a
century, and that the existence of the colony dates from a period
subsequent to the accession of our beloved Queen.
The arrangements for the expedition were in progress from 1858 to
1860, under Mr. O'Shannassy, a man far above the common order, who
now fills the superior office of Chief Colonial Secretary. He
entered into the object with his own peculiar zeal. On his personal
responsibility, Mr. Landells, who figures in this narrative, as
also in a preceding one, with little credit, was despatched to
India to procure camels, those ships of the desert, whose aid in
traversing the unknown interior was expected to prove invaluable.
"The camels are come!" was the cry when these new and interesting
immigrants made their first appearance in Melbourne. All the people
were en the qui vive. "What was to be done next? Who was to be the
leader? When would the party start?" Mr. Nicholson had by this time
taken the place of Mr. O'Shannassy, and he hit on the unfortunate
expedient of delegating to the Royal Society of Melbourne the
direction of this important expedition. I say unfortunate, because,
by this arrangement, the opinions to be consulted were too numerous
to expect unanimity. It is true they elected a special committee,
which included some who were well qualified for the duty, and
others who were less so; but, good or bad, the old adage of "too
many cooks" was verified in this instance. Had they all been
excellent judges, the course was still objectionable, as divided
responsibility falls on no one.
The first point to be settled was the choice of a leader. Meeting
after meeting was held, and I must do them the justice to say that,
on the whole, no thoroughly unexceptionable candidate offered
himself. The necessary combination of physical and scientific
requisites was not readily found. The question therefore fell into
abeyance for a time on that account. But at length, and after a
considerable delay, Robert O'Hara Burke, Esquire, police inspector
at the Beechworth district, and afterwards at Castlemaine, was
appointed to the post. He was in his fortieth year, experienced,
active, and well-connected, of one of the old Galway families, and
had held a commission as lieutenant in the Austrian army; on
quitting which service, he procured an appointment in the Irish
constabulary. There he was so beloved by his men, that several
resigned when he left for Australia and accompanied him, in the
hope of still serving under their favourite commander. He was a
brave and true man, covetous of honour, but careless of profit; one
who would have sought reputation "even in the cannon's mouth." With
his name that of my poor son is indelibly conjoined. From all I
have since collected from King, their only surviving companion, Mr.
Burke loved my son as a brother; and William, writing of him, says:
"The more I see of Mr. Burke the more I like him;" and he wrote
with caution, adopted no hasty opinions, and seldom changed them
when once formed.
Mr. Burke's appointment called forth discussions and strong
comments in the Melbourne papers. Gentlemen who considered their
own qualifications as superior to his, and their friends who
thought with them, expressed their opinions with more ardour than
justice or delicacy in their respective organs. The committee of
management, selected originally from the "Royal Society of
Melbourne," now became united to another body called "The
Exploration Fund Committee." The board comprised the following
members:--Chairman, the Honourable Sir William Stawell, one of the
Justices of Victoria; Vice-Chairman, the Honourable John Hodgson,
M.L.C.; Treasurer, the Honourable Dr. Wilkie; Secretary, the
Honourable Dr. Macadam; Dr. Embling;--Ligar, Esquire, Surveyor
General; James Smith, Esquire; Professor McCoy; Dr. McKenna;
Professor Neumayer; Sizar Elliott, Esquire; Dr. Mueller; Dr. Iffla;
Captain Cadell; Angus McMillan, Esquire; A. Selwyn, Esquire; John
Watson, Esquire; Reverend Mr. Blensdale; Dr. Eades; Dr. Gilbee,
Deputy-Surveyor; and--Hodgkinson, Esquire The commander being
appointed, the next step was to name the second. This choice, by a
sad mistake, fell on Mr. G.J. Landells, who owed his preferment to
the circumstance of his having been employed to bring the camels
from India. His services, therefore, were considered indispensable
for their management in Australia. Having convinced the committee
of this, he demanded a salary considerably exceeding that of the
leader, or refused to go. When Mr. Burke found that this point was
to be discussed at the next meeting, he, with his usual high and
liberal spirit, requested that no obstacle might be raised on that
account. We shall presently see how Mr. Landells repaid his leader,
and proved himself worthy of this disinterestedness. My son
tendered his services as astronomer and guide, not at the moment
thinking of or desiring any distinct post of command, his object
being exclusively scientific. He had been for some time assistant
to Professor Neumayer at the Magnetic Observatory, was a seasoned
bushman, with great powers of endurance, and felt that he could
discharge the duties he wished to undertake. He was not aware,
until I informed him on his going into the Society's room to sign
the contract, that any command had been allotted to him, neither
did he stipulate for salary; but in consequence of Dr. Ludwig
Becker demanding an advance of pay, on the sum first fixed, my
son's was raised from 250 to 300 pounds per annum. The next
appointments were Dr. Ludwig Becker, as naturalist and artist, and
Dr. Herman Beckler as botanist and medical adviser to the
expedition. These were scarcely more fortunate than that of Mr.
Landells. The first named of these gentlemen was physically
deficient, advanced in years, and his mode of life in Melbourne had
not been such as to make up for his want of youth. I do not mean to
imply by this that he indulged in irregular or dissipated habits.
He possessed a happy gift of delineating natural objects with the
pencil, but died before passing the boundaries of civilization,
from causes unconnected with want or fatigue. Dr. Herman Beckler,
who has since returned to his native country, was neither a man of
courage, energy, nor of medical experience. He resigned when Mr.
Landells did, and, as will be seen, for a very poor reason. His
place should have been immediately supplied; for had any one worth
a straw been sent, by his position he must have been third in
command instead of Wright, a more ignorant being than whom could
not have been extracted from the bush. He was scarcely able to
write his name.
The following is a copy of the memorandum of agreement, to which
all the members of the Exploration party attached their signatures:
--
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT,
Made the eighteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixty, between the Honourable David
Elliott Wilkie, as treasurer of the Exploration Committee of the
Royal Society, Melbourne, of the one part, and the several other
persons whose names are hereto subscribed, of the other part. The
said persons forming an expedition about to explore the interior of
Australia under Robert O'Hara Burke, hereby agree with the said
David Elliott Wilkie faithfully to discharge the special duties
described opposite to their respective names, and also generally to
perform whatever in the opinion of the said Robert O'Hara Burke, as
leader, or in the event of his death, in the opinion of the leader
for the time being, may be necessary to promote the success of the
expedition: and they hereby further agree to place themselves
unreservedly under the orders of the leader, recognising George
James Landells as second; and William John Wills as third;
and their right of succession in the order thus stated. In
consideration of the above services being efficiently discharged,
the said David Elliott Wilkie, as treasurer, and on behalf of the
said committee, hereby agrees to pay the said persons the salaries,
at the respective rates set opposite their names; such salaries to
be paid by monthly instalments, not exceeding one-half the amount
then due, on a certificate from the leader that the services have
been efficiently performed up to the date; and the remainder on and
rateably up to the day of the return of the expedition to
Melbourne, and no more. And each of the said persons hereby lastly
agrees, on failure on his part fully to perform this agreement,
that his salary shall be forfeited, and that he shall abide all
consequences, the power of discharge vesting with the leader, and
the power of dismissal and forfeiture of salary resting on the
recommendation of the leader with the said David Elliott Wilkie,
acting with the consent of the said committee. In witness whereof
the said parties have hereunto set their hands the day and year
above written.
George James Landells--in charge of camels, second in command.
William John Wills--as surveyor and astronomical observer, third in
command.
Herman Beckler--medical officer and botanist.
Ludwig Becker--artist, naturalist, and geologist.
Charles J. Ferguson--foreman.
Thomas F. McDonagh--assistant.
William Paton--assistant.
Patrick Langan--assistant.
Owen Cowan--assistant.
William Brake--assistant.
Robert Fletcher--assistant.
John King--assistant.
Henry Creher--assistant.
John Dickford--assistant.
And three sepoys.
Signed by all the above in the presence of
JOHN MACADAM, M.D.
ROBERT DICKSON.
Monday, the 20th of August, 1860, will be a memorable day in the
annals of Melbourne, as recording the commencement of the
expedition. It was not a false start but a bona-fide departure.
Nearly the whole population suspended ordinary business and turned
out to witness the imposing spectacle. The camels were a great
attraction. The Melbourne Herald of the 21st gave the annexed
description of the proceedings:--
Tom Campbell, in a tender moment, sang a sweet hymn to a
"Name Unknown," and many an ardent youth in and since his time, has
borrowed inspiration from the dulcet numbers of the familiar bard,
and allowed his imagination to run riot in "castle-building" upon
this simple theme. Had we the poet's gift, our enthusiasm might,
doubtless, prompt us to extol in more lofty strain the praises of
the "great unknown"--the donor of the handsome instalment of one
thousand pounds towards the organization of an expedition to
explore the terra incognita of interior Australia. But in the
absence of the favour of the Muses, dull prose must serve the
purpose we have in view. If the "unknown" were present yesterday in
the Royal Park, his heart must have leaped for very joy, as did
with one accord the hearts of the "ten thousand" or more of our
good citizens, who there assembled to witness the departure of the
Exploring Expedition. Never have we seen such a manifestation of
heartfelt interest in any public undertaking of the kind as on this
occasion. The oldest dwellers in Australia have experienced nothing
to equal it.
At an early hour crowds of eager holiday folks, pedestrian and
equestrian, were to be seen hieing along the dusty ways to the
pleasant glades and umbrageous shade (a warm breeze; the first of
the season, was blowing from the north-east) of the Royal Park. A
busy scene was there presented. Men, horses, camels, drays, and
goods, were scattered here and there amongst the tents, in the
sheds, and on the greensward, in picturesque confusion;--everything
premised a departure--the caravansery was to be deserted. Hour
after hour passed in the preparations for starting. By-and-by,
however, the drays were loaded--though not before a burden of three
hundred-weight for each camel at starting was objected to, and
extra vehicles had to be procured--the horses and the camels were
securely packed, and their loads properly adjusted. Artists,
reporters, and favoured visitors were all the time hurrying and
scurrying hither and thither to sketch this, to take a note of
that, and to ask a question concerning t'other. It is needless to
say, that occasionally ludicrous replies were given to serious
questions, and in the bustle of hurried arrangements, some very
amusing contretemps occurred. One of the most laughable was the
breaking loose of a cantankerous camel, and the startling and
upsetting in the "scatter" of a popular limb of the law. The
gentleman referred to is of large mould, and until we saw his
tumbling feat yesterday, we had no idea that he was such a
sprightly gymnast. His down-going and up-rising were greeted with
shouts of laughter, in which he good-naturedly joined. The erring
camel went helter-skelter through the crowd, and was not secured
until he showed to admiration how speedily can go "the ship of the
desert."
It was exactly a quarter to four o'clock when the expedition got
into marching order. A lane was opened through the crowd, and in
this the line was formed; Mr. Burke on his pretty little grey at
the head. The Exploration Committee of the Royal Society, together
with a distinguished circle of visitors, amongst whom were several
of our most respectable colonists and their families, took up a
position in front.
The MAYOR OF MELBOURNE then mounted one of the drays, and said: Mr.
Burke--I am fully aware that the grand assemblage, this day, while
it has impeded your movements in starting, is at the same time a
source of much gratification to you. It assures you of the most
sincere sympathy of the citizens. (Hear, hear.) I will not detain
you; but for this great crowd, and on behalf of the colony at
large, I say--God speed, you! (Cheers.) His Worship then called for
"three cheers for Mr. Burke," "three cheers for Mr. Landells," and
"three cheers for the party itself," which, it is needless to say,
were responded to with all the energy and enthusiasm that are the
characteristics of popular assemblages. He then concluded with
again saying, "God speed and bless you!"
Mr. BURKE (uncovered) said, in a clear earnest voice that was heard
all over the crowd:
Mr. Mayor,--On behalf of myself and the Expedition I beg to return
you my most sincere thanks. No expedition has ever started under
such favourable circumstances as this. The people, the Government,
the committee--all have done heartily what they could do. It is now
our turn; and we shall never do well till we justify what you have
done in showing what we can do. (Cheers.)
The party at once got into motion. Following the leader were
several pack horses, led by some of the assistants on foot. Then
came Mr. Landells, on a camel, next Dr. Becker, similarly mounted,
and these were succeeded by two European assistants, riding on
camels--one leading the ambulance camel, and the other leading two
animals loaded with provisions. Sepoys on foot led the remainder of
the camels, four and five in hand, variously loaded, and the
caravan was closed by one mounted sepoy. Altogether twenty-seven
camels go with the expedition. Two new waggons, heavily loaded,
followed at a good distance. These were built expressly for the
expedition, and one of them is so constructed, that at a very short
notice it can be taken off the wheels, and put to all the uses of a
river punt, carrying an immense load high and dry on the water. If
it be necessary to swim the camels, air bags are provided to be
lashed under their jowls, so as to keep their heads clear when
crossing deep streams. Two or three hired waggons and one of the
new ones, were detained in the park till nearly dusk, in charge of
the astronomer, Mr. W.J. Wills, and the foreman, who had to look to
the careful packing of instruments, specimen cases, etc. The hired
waggons will proceed as far as Swan Hill only. Issuing from the
south gate of the park, the party went down behind the manure
depot, and thence on to the Sydney road, and the whole camped last
night near the village of Essendon.
. . .
The first day's march scarcely exceeded seven miles, the
camping ground for the night being on an open space of greensward
near the church at Essendon. Here I saw my son for the last time.
It was with a feeling of great misgiving that I took leave of him.
On shaking hands with Mr. Burke, I said frankly, "If it were in my
power, I would even now prevent his going." I then added, "If he
knew what I am about to say, he would not, I think, be well
pleased; but if you ever happen to want my son's advice or opinion,
you must ask it, for he will not offer it unasked. No matter what
course you may adopt, he will follow without remonstrance or
murmur." Mr. Burke shook me warmly by the hand in return, and
replied: "There is nothing you can say will raise him higher in my
estimation than he stands at present; I will do as you desire."
There were some photographers present to take likenesses. My son
refused to be taken. "Should it ever be worth while," he said, "my
father has an excellent one, which you can copy from." Alas! it has
been copied very often since.
The progress of the party was slow through the enclosed districts,
until they reached Swan Hill on the Murray, which, properly
speaking, is the northern boundary of the colony of Victoria. My
son's first letter was dated August 26th.
MY DEAR FATHER,
We are now at the Mia-Mia, lying between McIvor and Castlemaine (a
roadside public-house). We are all right enough, except as regards
cleanliness, and everything has gone well, barring the necessary
break-downs, and wet weather. We have to travel slowly, on account
of the camels. I suppose Professor Neumayer will overtake us in a
day or two. I have been agreeably disappointed in my idea of the
camels. They are far from unpleasant to ride; in fact, it is much
less fatiguing than riding on horseback, and even with the little
practice I have yet had, I find it shakes me less. I shall write to
you from Swan Hill, if not before.
Your affectionate son,
WILLIAM J. WILLS.
. . .
From Terrick Terrick, he writes, on the 31st of August, to
his friend Mr. Byerly: "Riding on camels is a much more pleasant
process than I anticipated, and for my work I find it much better
than riding on horseback. The saddles, as you are aware, are
double, so I sit on the back portion behind the hump, and pack my
instruments in front, I can thus ride on, keeping my journal and
making calculations; and need only stop the camel when I want to
take any bearings carefully; but the barometers can be read and
registered without halting. The animals are very quiet, and easily
managed, much more so than horses."
His next letter to me is dated from Swan Hill, September 8th:--
MY DEAR FATHER,
We arrived here on Saturday last, early in the afternoon. I had
not time to write by the last post, which closed on the same
evening. We are all in good health and spirits. The road we are
about to take is not that which I had anticipated, namely, down the
side of the Lower Darling, as we hear there is literally nothing
for the horses to eat; so that we are going right across the
country to the Darling, passing the Murray at this place. We leave
Swan Hill about the middle of next week, and shall then be out of
the colony of Victoria. We are expecting Professor Neumayer up
shortly,--a scrap of paper to-day by the postman says to-morrow. I
am rather disappointed at not having yet an assistant surveyor, but
I hope he will arrive shortly. Letters in future had better be
directed to the care of Dr. Macadam, the secretary, as they will
have to go by sea.
. . .
On the 17th of September he writes to his mother:--
Balranald, September 17th, 1860.
MY DEAR MOTHER,
As I have an opportunity of sending a few lines by this mail, I have
determined to take advantage of the chance, because I know how glad
you will be to receive them; but I have not time sufficient to give
you any account of our journey. We are now at the last township at
which we shall touch on our way towards the interior of the
continent. It is an out-of-the-way place, situated on the lower
part of the Murrumbidgee River. Our journey so far has been very
satisfactory: we are most fortunate as regards the season, for
there has been more rain this winter than has been known for the
last four or five years. In fact, it seems probable that we shall
finish our work in a much shorter period than was anticipated; very
likely in ten or twelve months. The country up here is beautiful;
everything green and pleasant; and if you saw it now, you would not
believe that in two months' time it could have such a parched and
barren appearance as it will then assume. I hope to be able, either
from the Darling or from Cooper's Creek, to send you some details
of our proceedings. Please to remember me to all, and
Believe me, ever your affectionate son,
WILLIAM J. WILLS.
. . .
At Balranald, beyond the Murray, Mr. Burke found it impossible
to get on further with his foreman, Ferguson, and discharged him in
consequence. It required no deep penetration to discover that this
would occur. Before they left the Royal Park, I made a remark to
one of the committee on Ferguson's appearance and general
demeanour: the gentleman I addressed replied, "I have just told
Burke he will have to shoot him yet."
When Ferguson returned to Melbourne, he published his own account
of the affair; and after the melancholy catastrophe of the
expedition became known, he brought his action against the
committee, and obtained a verdict for a considerable sum on the
ground of unjust dismissal, proving his own statement in the
absence of counter-evidence. Those who could or might have refuted
it were dead.
Mr. Burke had no sooner rid himself of his troublesome foreman,
than his second began to exhibit insubordination in an unmistakable
manner. This reached a crisis by the time they had proceeded as far
as Menindie, on the Darling. Whatever Mr. Landells' merits may have
been as a manager of camels, his post of second in command had
evidently affected the equilibrium of his intellects. He mistook
his position, as also the character of his superior. His conduct
was so manifestly unjustifiable that no one took his part, or
defended him in the slightest degree. What his real motive was,
whether to escape from danger when danger was likely to commence,
or to obtain the leadership of the expedition himself, is difficult
to determine. He had been sowing dissension in the camp from an
early period. My son was so much engaged in his scientific
avocations that he knew little of what was going on; but when Mr.
Landells was ill-judged enough to talk plain sedition to him, he
saw at once, and clearly, the state of affairs. Mr. Burke was of a
generous and unsuspecting nature; he trusted every one until
practical experience opened his eyes, and then he naturally became
angry, almost to violence. The following correspondence, which was
published at the time, explains the affair exactly as it happened.
Mr. Selwyn laid before the committee the letter from Professor
Neumayer, enclosing my son's to him. The professor had been lost in
the bush, and had to cut his way through the scrub for a distance
of six miles.
Youngera, November 8.
MY DEAR SIR,
Bad news from the expedition since I left them at McPherson's. I
really do not know what to think of it. I send you herewith a
letter from Mr. Wills, descriptive of the whole affair, and give
you authority to do with it according to your views. I am right in
the bush, and have just met with Captain Cadell, who is so kind as
to take this to you, in order that you might have a chance of
hearing both sides of the question. Landells I spoke to last night;
and, according to his statement, of course he is in the right.
I shall be in town in three or four weeks. Excuse my writing.
Sincerely yours,
NEUMAYER.
Alfred Selwyn, Esquire, Government Geologist.
. . .
Menindie, October 16, 1860.
MY DEAR PROFESSOR,
I suppose you are by this time safe in town again. Great things have
occurred since you left; in fact, I have so much to tell you that I
do not know where to begin.
That Mr. Landells has resigned, and gives over his things
to-morrow, is news at which you will not be much surprised; but
that Dr. Beckler has been foolish enough to follow his example, for
no better reason than that he did not like the way in which Mr.
Burke spoke to Mr. Landells, will I think rather astonish you. I
shall now give you a full account of the whole matter, so that you
may be in a position to make any statement that you may deem
necessary in explanation of the proceedings.
It will be necessary for me to remind you that when you left
Kornpany, Mr. Landells was there with the camels, for the purpose
of bringing on some of the heavy goods to lighten the waggons. This
he did, and reached the camp at Bilbarka on Tuesday, the 2nd
instant, with about three tons, whilst Mr. Burke went round by the
lower road with the waggons and horses; he was obliged to take the
latter with him, greatly to their disadvantage, because Mr.
Landells would not assume the responsibility of bringing them with
the camels. In bringing the things from Kornpany, one of Coppin's
camels fell, having at the time on his back a load of upwards of 4
hundred-weight. The result of this fall was, ACCORDING TO MR.
LANDELLS' REPORT, a dislocation of the shoulder, for which he said
nothing could be done, so that the camel has been left behind a
perfect cripple. I have dashed the above words because I myself do
not believe it to be a dislocation, but only a strain; but that's
merely my idea; Mr. L. ought to know best. Certain it is that the
poor brute hobbled nearly twenty miles after us on Thursday last,
and I think that is rather a good pull for one with a dislocation
of the shoulder joint.
On Thursday, the 4th instant, our own two waggons came up to
McPherson's, and in the evening Mr. Landells and I went down to the
station to post some letters. On the way, Mr. L. made many remarks
about Mr. Burke and his arrangements that were quite uncalled for.
He told me, amongst other things, that Mr. B. had no right to
interfere about the camels; that he had agreements with the
committee of which he believed Mr. B. was ignorant; that everything
was mismanaged; and, in fact, that if Mr. Burke had his way
everything would go to the devil.
On Friday the other waggons came up, and it was intended that some
of the camels should fetch up what things we required, and that the
remainder should be stored at McPherson's; but the camels were not
to be found until late at night. On Saturday morning Mr. Landells
and the Doctor went down with seventeen camels to the station, a
distance of five miles, and, greatly to Mr. Burke's disgust, did
not return until after dark. In the meantime the nine remaining
camels had travelled off, and could not be found anywhere.
On Sunday morning, McPherson sent a note to Mr. Burke, requesting
him to come down, as all the shearers were drunk on some of the
camels' rum, which they had obtained from the waggons. Mr. Burke
hereupon expressed his determination, which he had previously
mentioned to me, that he would leave the rum behind. Mr. Landells
objected to this, and insisted on the necessity of taking it on,
and told Mr. Burke, who was firm in his resolve, that he would not
be responsible for the camels. Mr. B. said he should do as he
pleased, and left the camp; and as soon as he was gone, Mr. L.
called me to take delivery of the Government things in charge, as
he intended to leave for Melbourne at once. He said that Mr. B. was
mad, and he was frightened to stay in the tent with him. He then
went off, telling me that he should deliver over the camels as soon
as he could find them. It appears that he went down to the station,
and on meeting the waggon-drivers on the road, told them that he
was about to leave, so that every one in the camp knew it in a very
short time. I should mention that everything was being got ready
for a start; and on my mentioning to Mr. Burke what had passed, he
said that he should take no notice of it until it was brought
officially before him. When Mr. Landells returned, he asked Mr.
Burke in my presence to dismiss him, which Mr. B. refused to do,
but said that he would forward his resignation if he wished it,
with a recommendation that he should receive his pay up to that
time. This did not exactly satisfy Mr. L., who wished to appear
before the public as the injured individual. He, nevertheless,
expressed to me several times his fixed determination to stay no
longer. He took an opportunity in the evening, in his tent, to give
expression to opinions of his, which would not tend, if listened
to, to raise a leader in the estimation of his officers. He said
that Mr. B. was a rash, mad man; that he did not know what he was
doing; that he would make a mess of the whole thing, and ruin all
of us; that he was frightened at him; that he did not consider
himself safe in the tent with him, and many other things. Some of
this was said in the presence of the Doctor and Mr. Becker; but the
most severe remarks were to me alone after they were gone. On
Monday, Mr. Landells asked Hodgkinson to write out for him his
resignation, and then in a private conversation, told Hodgkinson
several things, which the latter thought it best to make a note of
at once. Hodgkinson's statement is this--that Mr. Landells having
asked him whether he could keep a secret, told him, after
extracting a sort of promise about holding his tongue, that Mr.
Burke wanted an excuse for discharging him, and that he had sent
him with the camels with an order to him (Mr. Landells) to find
fault with him for that purpose. On hearing this, Hodgkinson wanted
to go to Mr. Burke and speak to him about it at once; but Landells
prevented this by reminding him of his promise. This all came out
owing to some remarks that Hodgkinson had made to me, and which I
considered myself in duty bound to tell Mr. Burke. On Monday
evening Mr. Landells was speaking to me about the best and quickest
way of getting to town, when I suggested to him that he might be
placing himself in a disagreeable position by leaving in such a
hurry without giving any notice. He replied that he did not care,
but that he meant to propose certain terms to Mr. Burke, which he
read to me from his pocket-book, and on these terms only he would
go:--"That Mr. Burke should give him a written agreement that he,
Mr. L., should have full and unqualified charge of the camels, and
that from that time Mr. B. should not interfere with them in any
way; that they should travel no further nor faster than Mr. L.
chose, and that he should be allowed to carry provisions for them
to the amount of four camels' burthen." Just after this, Mr. B.
came up and called Mr. L. aside, and, as the former told me, read
to him a letter that he had written to accompany the resignation.
The contents of this letter had a considerable effect on Mr. L.,
who said that it was a pity they should have had any quarrel, and
so acted on Mr. B.'s feelings, that he allowed him to withdraw his
resignation. I believe that the information which had arrived about
a steamer being on its way up the river had had a great influence
in making Mr. Landells desirous to withdraw his resignation; but
the chief reason was, no doubt, that he feared, from the concluding
sentence of Mr. Burke's letter, that the committee would refuse him
his pay.
After this, everything appeared to be healed for a day or two; but
on Wednesday, from various matters that had occurred, I considered
it my duty to mention to Mr. Burke about Hodgkinson and some things
that Mr. Landells had said to me; whereupon it came out that Mr. L.
had been playing a fine game, trying to set us all together by the
ears. To Mr. Burke he has been abusing and finding fault with all
of us; so much so, that Mr. B. tells me that Landells positively
hates me. We have, apparently, been the best of friends. To me, he
has been abusing Mr. Burke, and has always spoken as if he hated
the Doctor and Mr. Becker; whereas with them he has been all milk
and honey. There is scarcely a man in the party whom he has not
urged Mr. Burke to dismiss.
Mr. Burke went ahead with the horses from Bilbarka, partly because
he wanted to be here sooner than the rest, and partly in order to
avoid a collision with Mr. Landells. He asked Dr. Beckler to
accompany him, for we both expected that Mr. Landells would be
tampering with him, as we found he had been with others; but the
Doctor said that he preferred going with the camels, so that after
the first day, when we found that Dr. Beckler would not go on with
the horses, Mr. Burke took Mr. Becker and myself with him. We
crossed the horses at a very good crossing at Kinchica, six miles
below Menindie. Mr. Burke sent me up from there in the steamer,
whilst he took the horses up. On our arrival, we found that Mr.
Landells had ridden up also, having left the camels at Kinchica; he
objected to making them swim the river, and wanted the steamer's
barge to cross them over. This Mr. Burke refused, because the
captain and every one else said that it would be a very dangerous
experiment, from the difficulty of getting them on or off, which is
no easy matter to do safely, even on a punt arranged for the
purpose; and as for the barge, it can scarcely be brought within
six feet of the bank; so Mr. Burke insisted on their swimming the
river at Kinchica. After dinner we went down to assist in crossing
them, but Mr. Landells said it was too late, and that he would
cross them at ten o'clock next morning. On his remarking that there
was no rope here, I mentioned that we had just brought one across
with us, when he wanted to know what business I had to say
anything. Altogether he made a great fool of himself before several
of the men; and a Mr. Wright, the manager of the Kinchica station.
For this Mr. Burke gave him an overhauling, and told him that if
his officers misconducted themselves, he (Mr. B.) was the person to
blow them up. Mr. Burke then told me, before Mr. Landells, that he
wished me to be present at the crossing of the camels, at ten
o'clock to-morrow.
Mr. Landells then jumped up in a rage, asking Mr. Burke whether he
intended that I should superintend him, and what he meant by
desiring me to be present. Mr. Burke answered him that if he knew
his place he would not ask such a question; that he had no right to
ask it, and that he (Mr. B.) should give what orders he thought
proper to his officers without considering himself responsible to
Mr. L.; that Mr. Landells' conduct was insolent and improper, and
that he would have no more of it. This was on Monday.
On Tuesday morning Mr. L. sent in his resignation, and in the
course of the day, Dr. Beckler followed his example, giving as his
reason that he did not like the manner in which Mr. Burke spoke to
Mr. Landells, and that he did not consider that the party was safe
without Mr. Landells to manage the camels. Now there is no mistake,
Dr. Beckler is an honest little fellow, and well-intentioned
enough, but he is nothing of a bushman, although he has had so much
travelling. Landells has taken advantage of his diffidence for his
own purposes; and at the same time that he hates him, he has put on
such a smooth exterior, that he has humbugged and hoodwinked him
into the belief that no one can manage the camels but himself.
. . .
The upshot was that the committee accepted the resignations of Mr.
Landells and Dr. Beckler, and expressed their entire approbation of
the conduct of Mr. Burke.
The following extract from the Melbourne leading journal, the
"Argus,"--and with the view therein expressed all the other
newspapers coincided--shows pretty clearly the state of public
opinion on the question:--
Whatever may be the interest attached to the
communications respecting the Victorian Exploring Expedition, as
read before the committee of the Royal Society, there can be little
doubt but that the judgment pronounced on Mr. Landells remains
unaltered. He deserted his leader on the eve of the fight; and such
an act, so subversive of all discipline, and so far from the
thoughts of the smallest drummer-boy, renders all explanations
contemptible. In the present instance, Mr. Landells' explanations
make his act the more inexcusable. He is still of opinion that the
camels are indispensable to the safety of the party, and that he is
indispensable to the safety of the camels. The inference is,
therefore, that he knowingly left the party to perish. Indeed, we
should not at all enter into an examination of Mr. Landells'
letter, but that it may enable us to form some opinion as to the
prospects of the expedition itself, and as to the suitability of
Mr. Burke for its leadership.
The charges brought against Mr. Burke by his late lieutenant,
comprise almost everything that a commander should not be guilty
of. His acts of commission and omission comprehend everything that
a bad general could possibly commit or omit, and Mr. Landells winds
up his bad qualities by asserting that he "cultivates the spy
system," and treats his men like a parcel of "convicts." Not only
is he "ungentlemanly" to his officers and "interfering with the
best interests of the party"--not only has he "displayed such a
want of judgment, candour, and decision;" but he has also shown, in
addition to these and many other shortcomings, "such an entire
absence of any and every quality which should characterize him as
its leader, as has led to the conviction in my own mind that under
his leadership the expedition will be attended by the most
disastrous results."
But in this matter we are not left to decide between Mr. Landells'
account and Mr. Burke's account. Mr. Wills, the third officer, may
be taken as an impartial observer, and his statement, a private
communication to the head of the department to which he lately
belonged, Professor Neumayer, is free from any suspicion of
toadyism. From it we may find abundant reason for the conduct which
Mr. Landells calls "strange." If Mr. Burke was restless at nights,
hasty in the day, and apparently undecided what course to pursue,
we have from this account of the matter only to wonder that he
managed to bear with Mr. Landells so long as he did. Here the rage
is all on Mr. Landells' side. "Mr. Landells then jumped up in a
rage, asking Mr. Burke whether he intended that I should
superintend him?" To talk, touch, or mention anything about his
favourites, the camels, was sure to bring on "a scene." "On his
remarking that there was no rope here, I mentioned that we had just
brought one across with us, when he wanted to know what business I
had to say anything. Altogether, he made a great fool of himself
before several of the men, and a Mr. Wright, the manager of the
Kinchica Station." These camels, under Mr. Landells' spoiling,
appear to have become the plague of the expedition. They were to
have rum--solely, as it now appears, because Mr. Landells "knew of
an officer who took two camels through a two years' campaign in
Cabul, the Punjab, and Scinde, by allowing them arrack." They were
to carry more stores for themselves than they were worth. They were
not to make long journeys, nor to travel in bad weather, nor to be
subject to any one's direction, or opinion, or advice. In fine, the
chief difficulty of exploring Australia seemed to consist in
humouring the camels. We may imagine the feelings of a leader with
such a drag as this encumbering him. Mr. Pickwick could never have
viewed with such disgust the horse which he was obliged to lead
about as Mr. Burke must have regarded his camels. When to this it
is added that the leader observed various intrigues carried on, we
cannot wonder that he determined to come to an open rupture before
Mr. Landells and the camels had completely disorganized the
expedition. "Whereupon it came out," writes Mr. Wills, "that Mr.
Landells has been playing a fine game, trying to set us all
together by the ears. There is scarcely a man in the party whom he
has not urged Mr. Burke to dismiss." Under such a state of things,
the leader of the expedition must have been painfully aware that
his party was in no fit state of organization to enter on a most
perilous undertaking, and that while such continued, both he and
his men were going to inevitable destruction. If his conduct
appeared to Mr. Landells restless and uncertain, we may wonder how,
under the circumstances, it could be otherwise. We find it
impossible to believe that the Exploring Committee of the Royal
Society could have secretly informed Mr. Landells that he held
independent command, for such a thing would be a burlesque on
discipline. He claims the sole management of the camels; and
perhaps the committee may have defined his duty as such. But so
also has a private soldier the sole management of his musket, but
it is under the directions of his officer. Profound as may be Mr.
Landells' knowledge of camels, it would be worse than useless
unless subject to the direction of his commanding officer.
. . .
Mr. Burke, on the resignation of Mr. Landells, immediately
promoted my son to the post he had vacated, which appointment the
committee confirmed. Here there was perfect union and reciprocal
understanding. Neither had petty jealousies or reserved views. The
success of the expedition was their object, and personal glory
their aim. The leader had every confidence in his second, and the
second was proud of his leader. But Mr. Burke committed an error in
the selection of Mr. Wright for the third position in command,
without any previous knowledge or experience of his capabilities.
In this he acted from his impulsive nature, and the consequences
bore heavily on his own and my son's fate. To the misconduct of Mr.
Wright, in the words of the report of the Committee of Inquiry,
"are mainly attributable the whole of the disasters of the
expedition, with the exception of the death of Gray." In appearance
and acquirements, there was nothing to recommend him. The gentleman
suggested by Mr. Burke as a substitute for Dr. Beckler, most
unjustly, according to general opinion, desired to supplant my son.
This the majority of the committee refused to accede to, and Mr.
Nicholson, the chief secretary, agreed with their decision. Others,
including myself, offered to go; and a dispute, or rather a
discussion arose on the matter, which produced delay, so that no
one was sent at all. Another fatal mistake. It will be a source of
sorrow and strong regret to me as long as I exist, that I did not,
of my own will, push on to Menindie, where I might have been
instrumental in saving one for whom I would willingly have risked
my life. But no one then foresaw or expected the errors which
caused the surviving travelers to perish on their return.
But the actual cause of what might appear to be neglect on the part
of the committee, in procrastinating the medical appointment, or
other matters that were delayed, arose from the want of funds. The
sum subscribed had been expended, and when Mr. Hodgkinson arrived
at Melbourne, with Wright's despatch (written, however, by
Hodgkinson), asking for cash, and a confirmation of his appointment
as third in command, the committee had no balance at their
disposal. His Excellency, Sir Henry Barkly, to prevent any
misfortune on that ground, came forward on his personal guarantee,
and became responsible until Parliament should again meet. The
funds asked for by Wright, and even more, were granted; but I
believe it would puzzle the committee, to this day, to find what
became of them. One of the avowed objects was to purchase sheep;
this, at least, was neglected. Hodgkinson fulfilled his mission
zealously, and returned to Wright within as short a time as
possible. But Wright lingered inactively at Menindie, allowed the
proper time for following out the track of Mr. Burke to glide away
and disgracefully broke faith with one who had too generously
trusted him.
One word more with respect to Mr. Landells. His assertion, believed
by no rational person at the time, and emphatically denounced by
Mr. Burke in his despatch as "false," that he had private
instructions from the committee, rendering him in some respects
independent of his leader, was utterly disproved by the evidence of
Dr. Macadam, Honorary Secretary, related before the Royal
Commission, who said in reply to Question 110: "We gave Mr.
Landells no private instructions whatever; that has been answered
over and over again."