Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Augustus Charles Gregory - diary of the Leichhardt Search Expedition, 11 Sept. 1857-5 April 1858, and accounts, 18 Dec. 1857-22 Dec. 1858
B 867
[Page 40]
Accounts on pages 1-39 are not transcribed; transcription begins Sept. 11, 1857
1857
Sept 11
Attended a Public Meeting at the German Club Rooms Sydney, which had been called for the purpose of establishing a Committee to Consider the best manner of conducting a search for traces of Dr. Leichhardt who had left the settled districts of Moreton Bay in 184..
to proceed to Western Australia but of whom no authentic tidings have since been received. At the Meeting it was resolved to form an association to be called the Leichhardt Association having the above named objects. And I was requested to prepare an estimate of the probable Cost and also to suggest general details for an expedition in search of the missing Explorers.
12. Preparing Estimates for the proposed Expedition in search of Dr. Leichhardt.
13. Sunday.
[Page 41]
1857
September 14
Preparing Estimate for Expedition, Waited on the Colonial Secretary { Mr. Cowper } with reference to the same.
15. Preparing Estimate as before.
16. Called on Mr. G. Sandiman the Chairman of the Leichhardt Association to discuss the Items of probable expense of the proposed Expedition, and then waited on the Colonial Secretary and furnished him with an Estimate of the Expense and General arrangements for carrying out the Search for Dr. Leichhardt.
Wrote to Colonial Secretary relative to the Gratuity of £50 to be granted to Henry Richhards on account of injuries received while in the Service of the North Australian Expedition.
Wrote to Colonial Secretary forwarding an Abstract of Receipts and Issues of Stores and Returns of Horses and Livestock of the N.A. Expedition.
17. Copying letters into letter Book.
18. Waited on Colonial Secretary relative to the Estimate of Expenses of the proposed Expedition in Search of Dr. Leichhardt. Mr. Cowper considered the Estimate of £4500 too high and that a less
[Page 42]
1857
Sept. [18]
number of horses than 45 would be sufficient for the party, and stated that the Ministry could not sanction the appropriation of any such for the service without the vote of the Legislative Assembly.
19. Entering letters in the letter book.
20. Sunday.
21. Entering letters &c. &c.
22. Received from Colonial Secretary a letter having reference to the Gratuity to H. Richards late of the N.A. Expedition. Had an interview with Mr. G. Sandiman and Mr. G. Lang with reference to the Estimate of expenses of the Leichhardt Expedition, when the several items were approved.
23. Examining the Accounts of the N.A. Expedition with A.C. Gen'l. Price relative to Authorities to be attatched to them in support of Expenditure for the Service of the North Australian Expedition.
24. Copying letters & Report of N.A. Expedition into Book.
25. As before.
[Page 43]
1857
September 26
Copying letters & Report of N.A. Expedition into Book.
27. Sunday.
28. Copying Map of Stations on Palmtree Creek, Dawson R.
29. As before.
30. As before.
October 1. As before
2. As before
3. Copying letters & Maps &c.
5. Sunday.
6. Entering letters, &c.
7. As before.
8. Preparing a map of the proposed boundary between the Colony of Moreton Bay and N.S.Wales.
9. As before.
[Page 44]
1857
October 10.
Completed Map of proposed line of division between N.S.Wales and Moreton Bay.
11. Sunday.
12. Received a letter from Colonial Secretary, that the Instruments belonging to the N.A. Expedition are to be retained for the Service of the Leichhardt Expedition.
Copying a Map of the Burrandowan Station in the Burnet District for Mr. G. Sandiman.
13. As before.
14. Copying rough draft of Report of N.A. Expedition into Book.
15. As before.
16. As before.
17. As before.
18. Sunday.
19. Copying Rough draft of Meteorological Register into Book.
[Page 45]
1857
October 20.
Copying rough draft of Meteorological Register into Book.
21. As before.
22. As before.
24. As before.
25. Sunday
26. Received from Colonial Secretary, a letter Authorizing the payment of Gratuities of £50 to R. Bowman, H. Richards, C. Dean, and J. Melville late of the North Australian Expedition on account of service therewith.
Copying accounts &c.
26. Copying accounts into Book.
The Legislative Assembly ordered the Estimate of the probable Expense of the Leichhardt Expedition to be printed.
[Page 46]
1857
October 29.
Copying Accounts of the N.A. Expedition into Book, &c.
The Legislative Assembly voted the sum of £4500 for the Service of the Leichhardt Expedition.
30. Copying Accounts as before.
31. Copying Accounts as before.
Received a note from the Col. Secretary intimating that the Vote for the Leichhardt Expedition had passed the Legistative Assembly. Waited on the Colonial Secretary to arrange matters connected therewith.
Nov. 1. Sunday.
2. Preparing Memoranda for the Leichhardt Expedition.
3. Wrote to Colonial Secretary with reference to the detail arrangements necessary for the organization of the Leichhardt Expedition.
4. Arranging private accounts and papers.
5. As before.
6. Copying Map of Wide Bay, from sketch by Capt. Knight.
[Page 47]
1857
November 7.
Preparing Map of Wide Bay for Mr. Sandiman.
8. Sunday.
9. Writing letters.
10. As before.
11. As before.
12. Obtained the loan from the Surveyor Generals office of Sir T. Mitchell's and Mr. Kennedy's Maps of the Country W. & N.W. from Moreton Bay.
13. Copying Maps of Sir T. Mitchell's Explorations &c.
14. Copying Maps as before.
15. Sunday.
16. Attended at the Commissiariat Office for the examination of the Accounts of the N.A. Expedition.
17. As before.
[Page 48]
1857
November 18.
As before.
19. As before.
20. Preparing Requisitions & for adjustment of Accounts of the North Australian Expedition.
21. Called at the Auditor Generals Office and enquired wether the amount of deduction from Mr. Baines Salary as Artist to the N.A. Expedition on acct. of Payments to his family in England had been charged by the Colonial Agent General against the Colony of N.S.Wales, ascertained that the Amount had been so charged.
22. Sunday.
23. Paid to the Colonial Treasurer the Sum of £113..15..4 being the amount deducted from Mr. Baines salary at the rate of £50 per annum which amount has been paid to Mr. Baines family in England by the Colonial Agent General from 5 March 1855 to 13 June 1857.
Wrote to Colonial Secretary forwarding Requisitions for £195.. 7..4 being balance of Account with the North Australian Expedition.
[Page 49]
1857
November 24.
Had an interview with the Colonial Secretary with reference to the arrangements for the Leichhardt Expedition, the proposals with reference to details were approved and the Service to be conducted under the Secretary for Land and Public Works.
25. Writing letters, General arrangements &c.
26. As before.
27. As before.
28. Received letter from Colonial Secretary, that the Requisition No.20 had been approved and also the arrangement for the Payment of the Gratuity to R. Bowman by depositing the Amount £50 with A.C. Genl. Price who will pay the same on Bowmans Receipt.
Wrote to Mr. Bonwick in reply to his letter requesting {on the part of the Philosophical Institute of Victoria} an opinion with reference to the best course to be persued in regard to the Exploration of th Interior of Ausralia.
29. Mr. C.F. Gregory arrived in Sydney from W. Australia to join the Leichhardt Expedition.
Sunday.
(General arrangements for the Leichhardt Expedition)
[Page 50]
1857
November 30
The form of Account Current for the Accounts of the North Australian Expedition having been rearranged in order to bring the Expedition into a more concise form, rearranged and entred the triplicates of these accounts.
December 1
Waited on the Secretary of Lands and Public Works {Mr. Murray} to arrange details of the Leichhardt Expedition.
Wrote to Colonial Secretary suggesting the transfer of instruments belonging to the N.A. Expedition, on loan to the Leichhardt Expedition.
2. Paid over to Asst. Comm. Genl. Price the Sum of £50 being the Amount of Gratuity to
R. Bowman late of the N.A. Expedition which is to be paid to him on signing the necessary vouchers, this arrangement being made to enable me to close the Accounts of the Expedition as all other Claims have been paid.
Received from A.C.G. Price £196..7..4 per Requisition No. 20 for Balance of Account due to A.C. Gregory by the N.A. Expedition.
3. Making arrangements for Leichhardt Expedition.
Obtained printed forms of Cash Vouchers &c from the Audit Office.
[Page 51]
1857
December 4
Arranged with Jno. Brush for the supply of Saddlery for the Leichhardt Expedition.
5. Arranging with Andrews for the supply of 30 Packsaddles at 80/-. Also with Scott & Co for Sundries for the Leichhardt Expeditiion.
Mounting Map.
6. Sunday.
7. Purchased Sundry Intruments of Flavelle Bros. and selected firearms &c. at Scotts & Co's, for the service of the L. Exptn.
8. Completed arrangements with Andrews for the Supply of Packsaddles at 80/- and Hobbles at 4/- &c. &c. Commenced to draw Salary as Commander of the Leichhardt Expedition at £600 per ann.
9. Received from Colonial Secretary a letter Authorizing the transfer of Instruments from the "North Australian" to the Leichhardt Expedition.
Also from Secretary for Land and P.Works, dated 8 inst. Authorizing the Organization and Equipment of the Leichhardt Expedition. General duties.
[Page 52]
1857
December 10.
Writing Letters and General arrangements.
11. Wrote to Secretary for Land and Public Works, No. 3. Submitting the appointment of Mr. Charles Gregory as assistant Commander and Mr. G. Phibbs as Overseer to the Leichhardt Expedition for Approval. No. 4. forwarding Requisition for £700 for the Service of the Leichhardt Expedition.
12. Preparing Equipment for Leichhardt Expedition.
13. Sunday.
14. Received from Colonial Secretary A letter transmitting a Copy of a Despatch from the Secretary of State to the Governor General relative to Mr. Wilson while attatched to the N.A. Expedition. From the Secretary for Land & P. Works, that the appointment of Mr. C. Gregory and Mr. G. Phibbs to the Leichhardt Expedition is approved. 2d. letter that the Requisition No. 1 for Cash for the Service of the L. Expdn. is approved and transmitted to
the Auditor General.
General arrangements. Mr. C. Gregory commenced to draw Salary .
15. General Arrangements for the Leichhardt Expedition.
16. Examining and Adjusting Instruments.
[Page 53]
1857
December 17.
General arrangements. Letter from Col. secretary forwarding Queries by the Asst. Com. Genl. on the Accounts of the N.A. Expedition.
18. General Arrangements for the Leichhardt Expedition.
Wrote to Colonial Secretary requesting a Specific Authority for the payment of the Detention allowance to the Officers of the N.A, Expedition while employed in N.S.Wales beyond the limits of Sydney such Authority being required to Support the Accounts of the N.A. Expedition.
19. General arrangements & examining Articles purchased for the L. Expdn.
20. Sunday.
21. Making Arrangements for the Payment of Accounts for the supply of Stores &c. for the Leichhardt Expedition.
22. General Arrangements.
23. Inspecting Stores to be furnished by Scott & Co for the Leichhardt Expedition. Received from the Secty. for Land & P. Works a letter Authorizing the Payment of Salaries and engagement of Persons for the Leichhardt Expedition.
[Page 54]
1857
Dec. 24. General arrangements.
25. Christmas Day.
26. Proceeded to Cockatoo Island Convict Establishment to examine a man named Hibbard {Arnold: real name} who had made application to be attatched to the Leichhardt Expedition. Hibbard was educated for the Medical proffession was some years in New Zealand then Squatting in the Balconne, and was convicted of highway robbery and Sentenced to 10 years penal servitude 3 of which have expired. General Conduct stated to be excellent, but enquiry develops objections to his employment in the Contemplated Expedition.
27. Sunday.
28. Wrote to Secretary for Land & P. Works No.6. requesting Instructions an forwarding Memo for preparation of the same. Also No.7. requesting Authority for Sale of Equipment of the Expedition on the Completion of its Service.
[Page 55]
1857
December 30
General Arrangements for the Leichhardt Expedition.
Paid J. Brush £91..2..8 for Saddlery supplied for the Leichhardt Expedition.
31. General Arrangements &c &c &c
[Page 56]
1858
Jan. 1
G. Phibbs Signed agreement to Serve the Leichhardt Expedtion as Overseer at £150 per ann. and W. Selby and T. Dunn as Stockmen at £2 per week. General Arrangements.
2. Forwarded to the Auditor General a Requisition for £2500 for the Service of the Leichhardt Expedition, this amount to be placed to Credit at the "Australian Joint Stock Bank" at Ipswich Moreton Bay. Wrote to Auditor General forwarding Accounts of the Expedition to the 31st. December 1857.
3. Sunday.
4. Examined Packsaddles &c. furnished by R. Andrews for the L. Expdn. and approved the same for delivery.
5. General Arrangements. Went to Botany to examine the works in course of erection for the supply of water to the City of Sydney.
6. Waited on Colonial Secretary and Secretary for Land and P. Works with reference to the General Arrangements for the Leichhardt Expedition. Wrote to Secty. for Land & P. Works requesting leave to deposit Sundry Cases in the Colonial Store while absent on the Expedition. Received a letter from the Secretary to the Treasury requesting a report on
[Page 57]
1858
Jan. [6]
on a letter from Messrs. Hall and Alderson complaining that though they had contracted to Supply Saddlery to the Government, such articles had been purchased from other persons for the service of the Leichhardt Expedition, which they consider to be an infringement on the terms of their Contract.
7. General Arrangements and Packing Stores for transmission to Moreton Bay.
8. As before
9. As before
10 Sunday.
11. W. von Wedel Signed agreement as Stockman attatched to the Leichhardt Expedition
to commence from the 10th. at the weekly wages of £2. General duties.
12. Shipped stores &c. on board the Boomerang Steamer for Moreton Bay. In the evening embarked with Mr. C.F. Gregory, Overseer Phibbs, W. Selby, T. Dunn and W. von Wedel. Paid for freight and Passages £36..10..0
At 9 P.M. sailed for Brisbane, Moreton Bay.
[Page 58]
1858
Jan. 13
Reached Newcastle at 6h A.M. While the Steamer was taking in Coal called on Mr. Keene the Govt. Inspector of Coal Mines, examined his collection of specimens from the Carboniferous rocks of the Hunter River &c.
At 3 P.M. left Newcastle and steered for Moreton Bay.
14. On board the "Boomerang" for Moreton Bay.
15. Light Northerly wind. At Noon sighted a Schooner inshore about 18 Miles N. of Point Danger. Observed a boat coming off and a flag half mast high on board the vessel. Steered towards the boat in which the Master of the Schooner come on board the Boomerang and reported his Vessel as the Don Juan, from Brisbane to Sydney, with a Cargo of wool, that she had taken fire in the After hold on the day previous, and he requested assistance from the Steamer as the Schooner was in distress. At 1 P.M. [anchored] in 3 fm. abt. 300 yards outside the Don Juan which was [anchored] ¼ mile from the beach. Got a warp on board and having secured 3 hawsers for towing at 3h. weighed and steamed out. Smoke continued to issue from the deckhouse but a constant supply of water kept the fire from breaking out, as everything was kept close with wet sails and Blankets. Wind freshening from N.N.W.
[Page 59]
1858
January 16
At daylight off Moreton Island, the Schooner, smoking much both from Deck and starboard quarter but the fire was kept under by caulking the holes as they burnt through with wet Oakham. At 11 reached the Bar of the Brisbane River, passed the Yarra Yarra Stmr. for Sydney, and reached Brisbane at Noon where the Schooner was hauled to the bank and scuttled.
17. Sunday.
18. Called on Capt. Wickham, the Govt. Resident.
General arrangements &c.
19. Proceeded by the Breadalbane Steamer to Ipswich accompanied by Mr. C. Gregory.
20. Made Arrangements with Mr. Broughton for the purchase of 40 Horses at an average price of £35 per head, such horses to be delivered in 14 days free of all further Charges. and to be subject to approval or rejection. Examined and approved 15 Horses and rejected 1 horse as unsuited for the service.
Overseer Phibbs and Selby, Dunn and Wedel came up from Brisbane by the Steamer with the Stores. Sent 3 horses to livery at Donyeres. R. Bowman Engaged as Stockman.
[Page 60]
1858
January 21.
Examined and approved one horse. Paid A.D. Broughton for 16 Horses at £35 each
£560..0..0 as per Vouchers.
The Australian Joint Stock Bank not having a branch at Ipswich the Cheques for the Payment of Public Accounts have to be drawn on the Brisbane branch of that Bank.
22. Arranging stores to be sent to Mr. Royds Station "Juanda" on the Dawson River.
23. Rode down to Brisbane to Purchase 600 lbs of Bacon. Arranged with Messrs. Harris for its supply at 1s/1 per lbs. Drew a Cheque on the A.J.S. Bank at Brisbane for £100 on Govt. Acct. for payment of Contingent Expenses. Returned to Ipswich.
24. Sunday.
25. Examined and approved 8 horses as per agreement with Mr. Broughton, and then started them for Fassifern Station but getting scattered on the road they were brought back to Ipswich.
26. Started at daylight with Mr. Daveney to drive the
[Page 61]
1858
January [26]
Horses to Fassifern Station reached it at 11h.A.M.
27. Returned to Ipswich Starting at 4h.-45m reached Ipswich at 8h.-10m A.M. distance 30 miles.
Received from Colonial Secretary a letter authorizing the payment of Allowances to Officers of the N.A. Expedition employed in N.S.Wales beyond the limit of the City of Sydney before the Embarkation of the Expedition for North Australia in 1855.
Received a letter from Messrs. Lyell Scott & Co enclosing a note from Mr. Sandiman dated Melbourne 14 Oct. 1857 together with some sundry tracings.
28. General Arrangements - started 2 Drays with the Stores for the Expedition for "Juanda" Station weight 5857 lbs at 20/- per 100 lbs as per arrangements with Messrs. Panton & Co. of Ipswich.
Paid A.D. Broughton £280 for 8 Horses as per agreement.
29. General Arrangements.
30. Rode to Fassifern with Mr. C.F. Gregory and Mr. Daveney to inspect horses.
[Page 62]
1858
January 31
Returned to Ipswich. Arranged for the Carting of the Saddles &c. to Fassifern, and taking delivery of the Horses there from Mr. Broughton, proceed by way of Warwick to the Dawson River where the Stores would be in the meantime conveyed by the drays already started. Although the route by Warwick is considerably longer than that by Ipswich and Drayton the greater facilities as regards forage &c. more than compensate for the increased distance.
Feb. 1. General Arrangements.
2. Mr. C.F. Gregory proceeded to Fassifern to take delivery of the Horses purchased of A.D. Broughton for the service of the L. Expedition, Sent the Men to Fassifern with Saddlery. Robert Bowman who had been engaged to the Expedition as Stockman from the 20 Jan. having it appears entered into some previous engagement with Sullivan a Publican in Ipswich, Sullivan refused to allow Bowman to proceed with the Expedition unless I paid the Sum of £27 pounds on Bowmans account this however I declined to do and consequently released Bowman from his engagement.
3. Paid A.D. Broughton for 16 Horses £560. Paid Panton & Co. for Stores Supplied
£111..2..7 also £58..16..4 for Cartage and Freight.
[Page 63]
1858
February [3]
Paid Donyere for keep of Horses at Ipswich £11..4..0
Left Ipswich at 6h. P.M. and rode out to Fassifern 30 Miles.
4. Branding and Marking the Horses each animal being Numbered by Clipping a Number on the near Rump, and a broad arrow on the near thigh.
1. Talbon Chest. Geld. [WM] Nr, Shd. T off Shd.
2. Roany Roan Geld. [Crown logo, ST off Shd. 138 off neck.
3. Bessy Grey Mare JJ nr. Shd .
4. Lochinvar Bay Geld. RP nr. Shd.
5. Bob Brown Geld. N/127 near Shd.
6. North Brown Geld. 332 near Shd.
7. Fright Roan Mare G nr. Shd.
8. Punch Bay Geld. >[?] nr. Shd.
9. Sweep Black Geld. ML nr. Shd.
10. Comet Gray Geld. D nr. Shd. S nr. rump
11. Deceiver Bay Mare WK/48 nr. Shd.
12. Star Bay Mare JE/C nr. Shd.
13. Black Bess Black Mare ‡ off Shd.
14. Brunette Bay Mare GW nr. Shd.
15. Snip Bay Geld. T/oo nr. Neck. AM nr.shd. JH off neck
16. Ellen Brown Mare SS nr. Shd.
17. Flemming Bay Geld. JF/51 off Shd.
18. Lafferty Chest. Geld. Blaze GS nr. Shd. ac off Shd.
19. Maggie Bay Mare M/R nr. Shd.
[Page 64]
1858
February [4]
20. Chester Chest.Geld. Blaze TM
21. Foss Bay G. 105 off side MV off Shd.
22. Camel Bay G. [logo] nr. Shd. 2 nr. rump
23. Nora Black Mare P on ribs JL nr. shd. LIL off ribs
24. Meteor Grey G. CM/T nr. Shd.
25. Haly Bay G. WH nr. Shd. Y off Shd.
26. Mazeppa Grey G. [reversed C] nr. Shd.
27. David Chest. G. DC/T nr. Shd.
28. Tom Bay G. CCE nr. neck ST [PT ?]
29. Tim Shay Bay G. W nr. Shd.
30. Goliah Chest. G. M nr. Shd.
31. Polly Bay Mare P nr. Shd.
32. Wheelwright Roan G. LL nr. Shd.
33. King Cole Bay G. WHWR nr. Shd.
34. Merriman Bay G. PF off Shd.
35. Jack Brown G. J/J/J off Shd.
36. Bendigo Brown G. CC/20 nr. Shd.
37. Post Bag Brown G. T nr. Shd.
38. Aeseulus Chest. G. PF
39. Policeman Bay G. T nr. Shd. L off Shd.
40. Misinette Bay Mare IMD nr. Shd. [M logo] off shd.
5. Fitiing Saddles and training horses.
6. Left Fassifern and proceeded 35 Miles towards Warwick and
[Page 65]
1858
February 6
halted at Mr. Wienhaults Station. Engaged Mr. S. Burgoyne as Assistant on the Expedition at £2 per week.
7. Sunday. Continued route to Canning Downs Mr. G. Davidsons Station near Warwick.
8. Remained at Canning Downs to Shoe horses at Warwick.
9. Sent Horses into Warwick to be shod. Rode over to Killarny Station.
10. Returned to Canning Downs. Shoeing horses as before.
11. Shoeing Horses &c. Received from the Secretary for Land & Works, a letter requesting to be informed as to the final arrangements for the Leichhardt Expedition.
12. Completed Shoeing 33 Horses = 104 New Shoes and 16 removes. Paid T. Amies for same as per Voucher.
13. Proceeded to Clifton Station 23 Miles.
14. Sunday.
15. Proceeded to Eaton Vale Station.
[Page 66]
1858
Feb. 16.
Continued route to Drayton, Received a package of Boots from Messrs. Panton of Ipswich.
Sent on the party and Horses to Gowrie Mr. Issacs there being neither water or Paddocks available for horses near Drayton.
17. Engaged Daniel Worrell as Stockman at £2 per week. Started from Drayton at 5h - 30m reached Gowrie at 6h 50m. At 9h started with the party from Gowrie reached Oaky Creek at 11h - 20m. Passed Jondarien Station and camped on the bank of Oaky Creek at 3h - 0m.
18. Started at 8h - 11m proceeded by the road to Dalby or Myall Creek which we reached at 2h - 10m there being no grass in the paddocks camped a mile lower down the Creek.
19 Started at 8h and followed the road to the Condamine 1½ miles beyond the Jimba woolshed. At 1h - 10m camped.
20. Started at 7h - 50m followed the road past Warra Station at 11h - 30m at 3h camped on the Condamine River at Goggs Stockyard. At this place observed several seams of Coal 1 to 2 feet thick with white Shales and soft Sandstones the Coal is good and clean. The Country is very level and scrubby with poor soil and little grass.
[Page 67]
1858
Feb. 21.
Sunday. Started at 7h - 45m and reached Chinchilla Station {Messrs. Hunter and Lang} at 9h - 45m halted for ½ an hour and then continued route to Charlies Creek which was followed up a mile and we camped at 12 - 20, about 6 Miles from "Chinchilla". The Country is open forest and scrubs of Myall and Brigalow, Grass thin and the whole Country of second rate character.
22. Several of the horses having strayed into the Brigalow we were delayed till 10h - 40m
when we started and followed the road through a nearly level Country thinly grassed and timbered with Ironbark, White Gum, Cypress &c. with patches of Brigalow, the whole a second rate country and very thick with small trees, for the first 8 Miles there was plenty of water in a small gully, passed the Woolshed I Mile and camped on the Creek at 5h - 55m.
23. Left the Camp at 7h - 20m and followed the road through a slightly undulating country of grassy Ironbark and Cypress forest with a few Casurina and Acacia. The Country improved as we progressed, at 6 Miles Crossed Bridge Creek and then by a gradual rise passed to the valley of the Dawson River as indicated by small gullies trending North.
At 2h - 0m Camped on a Small water hole in a gully, 1 Mile East from the road.
[Page 68]
1858
Feb. 24.
Started at 8 - 15 and followed the road to Mr. Royds station "Juandra" which we reached at 2h - 50m. The Country was level Ironbark forest for about 6 Miles we then descended a small Gully between scrubby ridges but which gradually opened into Box flats. Water became more abundant and we passed a Sheep station at some fine water holes.
The Drays with the Stores belonging to the Expedition have not yet arrived here.
It is reported that 2 of Mr. Yaldwins Shepherds were murdered by the blacks on the 19th. about 20 Miles down the Creek from Juanda.
25. Moved the Camp to 1 Mile above Juanda and formed the Camp at a fine lagoon of water where the existance of abundance of grass and an old Stock yard offered facilities for the herding of the Horses which were followed by a mounted man during the day and yarded at Night.
26. Repairing Packsaddles, purchased 2 Sheep from Mr. Royd and dried a portion of the meat.
27. General arrangements.
28. Sunday. Obtained 1 Sheep from Mr. Royd.
[Page 69]
1858
March 1
Preparing Accounts & Cash Vouchers. Party employed greasing Saddles &c. &c. &c.
2. Started from the Camp and proceeded by the road past Rochdale to the Dawson River and camped 6 miles above "Kinnoul" Station {Miller & Turnbull} days journey 40 miles.
The Country traversed consists of Ironbark ridges plains and Brigalow scrub. Water is scarce there having been little rain during the past 10 months, the grass is very dry and much fed off by stock, the soil gravelly resting on sandstone of fine grain and horizontal Strata belonging to the Carboniferous system. Coal is found in the beds of some of the Creeks.
3. Continued route to Scott & Thompsons Station at Palmtree Creek. Passing Kinnoul Station, distance 2 miles.
As doubts have arisen as to the identity of Palmtree with that so named by Dr. Leichhardt
who discovered it on his journey to Port Essington I availed myself of the opportunity of examining the Creeks in question. When it became evident that the Robinson River instead of flowing through Lynds Range Spreads over the level flat on the south side of Palmtree Creek and there becomes a tributary of it, this has led the Commissioner of Crown Lands into a serious error
[Page 70]
1858
March [3]
which unless rectified will lead to an almost inextricable confusion with regard to the boundaries of the Pastoral leases in this portion of the District. - The Country traversed by Leichhardt and deliniated on his map is easily recognized though the Sketch is somewhat distorted owing perhaps to the irregularity, of the rate of travelling combined with his inexperience at that time, with this description of work.
4. Continued route to "Gwambegyne" Statiion H.C. Gregory, 15 miles. The road was scarcely visible and taking advantage of the Police Patrol passing that way took a direct course through the scrub for some miles.
5. Obtained from Mr. H. Gregory a tracing of the Country for 150 miles to the West of the Dawson River and a Memo of the most eligible route to the Maranoa River to the heads of which his explorations have extended. This is particularly valuable as the country is covered with impassable scrubs, and very little water remains owing to the drought having lasted for 10 months.
6. Rode over to Palmtree Creek and returned to Gwambegyne Station.
7. Sunday.
[Page 71]
1858
March 8.
Remained at Gwanbegyne.
9. Accompanied by Mr. H. Gregory Rode down to Scott & Thompsons then by Kimmoul to Euroombah.
10. At 9h - 10m left Euroombah 11h - Crossed Paddy's Creek 12h Cook's Plains
12h - 50m Sandy Creek, and at 2h - 0m reached Rochdale Station {Mr. I. King's.}
11. Continued route to "Juanda".
12. The Drays have not yet reached Juanda with the stores and the party have been employed preparing such portion of the Equipment as was brought up on the Pack horses and attending to the Horses which have improved in condition and general training.
13. Rode over to Bimgaban Station with Messrs. H. & C. Gregory.
14. Sunday. Returned to the Camp at Juanda. Robert Bowman having arranged with the persons with whom he was previously engaged followed the party and reengaged himself to the Expedition as Stockman at £2 per week.
15. The Drays arrived at Juanda with the Equipment, &c.
[Page 72]
1858
March 16.
Purchased 2 Bullock of Mr. Golden at £4..10..0 each. Killed and dried one. General Arrangements. Weighing and Packing stores.
17. Killed and Cut up second Bullock for drying. General arrangements as before.
18. Drying Beef. General arrangements.
19. Weighing on packing stores in quantities suited for Carriage by Packhorses.
20. As before.
21. Sunday.
22. Completed Packing and weighing stores. Light rain in the evening.
23. Fitting Saddles and training Horses.
Wrote to Secretary for Land & P. Works reporting progress, forwarded Accounts for the Month of February to the Auditor General.
Cloudy weather.
[Page 73]
1858
March 24.
At 11h..30m the whole party started from Juanda Station and proceeding by the road to Mr. Kings Station Rochdale. The Party consisting of 9 persons. vizt. A.C.Gregory, C.F.Gregory, G. Phibbs, S. Burgoyne, R. Bowman, W. Selby, T. Dunn, W. von Wedel,
Danl. Worrell. - 9 Saddle Horses and 31 Packhorses Conveying 4,400 lbs weight of Provisions and Stores &c. Calculated for 6 Months Supply.
25. Started at 9h - 11m and followed the road through open grassy plains and Brigalow scrubs to the Dawson River at the Crossing place to Kinnoul Station. Camped at 5h - 30m
estimated distance travelled 24 miles.
Having dispatched Mr. Burgoyne in the Morning to Taroom he joined the party in the evening bringing several letters for the Men attatched to the party.
26. Moved the Camp 6 miles up the Dawson to Old Euroombah Station. In the evening a thunder storm with light rain.
27. Mr. Bolton of Euroombah having kindly offered to conduct the party through the Scrubs and broken Country to the West of Euroombah, he joined the party with a blackboy and at 9h - 15m we proceeded up Scotts Creek on a Westerly course for 18 miles and
[Page 74]
1858
March [27]
camped at the commencement of the broken country which consists of sandstone tableland with deep ravines. The country is very level along the lower part of the Creek but many large patches of Brigalow scrub exist, the soil is soft and sandy. Timbered with Ironbark, Bloodwood Box & Cypress.
28. Sunday. At 6h..30m left the camp with Mr. Boulton and Rode up the Creek to look for a practicable route for the party, the Country to the South of the Creek consisted of table land timbered with Ironbark Cypress Spotted Gum &c. but so deeply cut by rocky ravines as not to be good travelling. We therefore returned by the valley of the Creek which though winding offered greater facilities for passing through the broken Country. Reached the Camp at 2h - 30m. Many of the horses had lost their Shoes and others became loose, Bowman was therefore employed fixing them again. - Marked an "Appletree" Gum [triangle enclosing V] at the camp.
29. Mr. Bolton left the Party and returned to Euroombah. The party started at 7h - 35m and followed up the Creek in a Westerly direction through the broken Country after passing this the bed of the Creek was dry and we
[Page 75]
1858
March [29]
steered N.W 1 Miles and at 12h - 40m Camped at a small pool of rain water in a hollow at the foot of a large rock.
The Country is generally openly timbered with Ironbark Box, Spotted Gun, Bloodwood and Cypress the grass appeared to have been thin and was burnt off the soil light and Sandy.
Sandstone rocks of the Coal formation form hills which are often table topped and steep near the Summits.
One of the Horses Sweep {No. 9} was severely lamed in the fore leg in crossing a gully in the broken Country.
Marked a Spotted Gum VI
30. Continued our route at 7h. - 45m and steering an Easterly Course reached Commissioner Creek Creek at 12h - 40m Camping at a small pool of water which appeared to last through ordinary dry seasons.
The Country was poor and sandy in the early part of the days route, timbered with Ironbark and Cypress. As we advances the Country become more open and well grassed with fine Boxflats on the Creeks. There was no water for 3 miles above the Camp and the channel of the Creek was very small.
[Page 76]
1858
March 31.
At 7h - 40m Steered West through open grassy Ironbark and Box forest till 9h - 20m when the Course was altered to the Northward to avoid some Brigalow scrubs. At 10h - 30m crossed a small Creek with pools of water which appeared to result from the recent showers. We then encountered much dense Brigalow scrub but winding the Course up some open gullies at length reached a small tributary of Hattons Creek which we followed down to the N.E. nearly to its junction with the Main Creek and camped in a fine grassy flat with some pools of rain water on the flat sandstone rocks in the bed of the Gully.
Marked a Boxtree [triangle enclosing VIII] at the Camp.
[Page 77]
1858
April 1.
Followed up Hattons Creek from 7h - 40m till 2h - 0m the first part of the Creek had fine water holes and good grassy flats backed by open Ironbark ridges well adapted for Sheep
the Creek however decreased to a small gully as the dividing range was approached, and we camped in fine flat covered with green grass. Water was found in some small holes where it had lodged during a recent shower.
The Country as we advance appears much greener and there appears to have been some rain which has caused the grass to spring, but not to have filled the water holes in the Creeks.
Marked a Boxtree at the Camp [triangle enclosing IX]
There is much Brigalow scrub both to te N.W. and South and the country rises into low hills.
2. Left the Camp at 7h - 40m but were obliged to steer nearly North for some miles, and after winding for 3 hours through Brigalow Scrubs reached the dividing ridge between the Eastern and Western waters, the ridge was 100 feet higher than the general level, composed of Basalt and covered with dense scrub through which we had to force our way to the western slopes, which we descended and entered a gully trending N.W. This soon opened into a fine grassy valley
[Page 78]
1858
April [2]
with grassy Boxflats backed by Ironbark ridges and Brigalow scrub. We passed some small pools of rain water and at 12h - 40m camped at a pool with reeds the water lasting nearly through the dry season.
Marked a Boxtree at the Camp [triangle enclosing X].
3. Light rain commenced about 2h AM and continued for an hour and again commenced at daylight.
At 7h - 45m left the Camp and followed the Creek to the W.S.W. well grassed Ironbark ridges rose on each side of the Creek, but Sandstone rocks and Brigalow Scrub and Cypress prevailed farther back on the level plain about 100 feet above the valley. Some fine Boxflats were passed and water was abundant in small pools some of which were no doubt permanent in ordinary Seasons but we saw none that could be depended on in Seasons of severe drought. The grass was beautifully green owing to late showers, but no heavy rain has fallen for at least 12 months and many deep water holes were dry. As we increased our distance from the range at the head of the Creek the rain decreased and at length we rode out from under the Mass of Cloud which hung over the hills and though the rain was still falling to the East the sky was quite clear to the West.
[Page 79]
1858
April [3]
At 1h - 45m the Creek turned sharp to the South and we attempted to cut off a supposed bend but were obliged to turn South and East again to the Creek which we had to follow up a mile before a pool of water could be found at which the horses could drink as the banks were very soft and Muddy. The Rose Cockatoo was seen to day for the first time.
4. Sunday. There being abundance of grass and water we were able to rest this day.
Some small fish were caught in the pools with a hook & line, and we attempted to haul the net but found too many small sticks and branches to admit of its being successful. It is remarkable that no Kangaroo and very few Emu have been seen to the Westward of the dividing range. Birds are very scarce. A few Pidgeons {Squatter & Bronzewing} White Cockatoos, Ducks, Daeclo Gigantea and small birds only have been seen while travelling down the Creek.
On reference to the Map it appears that we are now on the Merevale River which joins the Maranoa R. in lat. 26° about.
5. Resumed our route at 7h - 5m and steering 240°m came again on the Creek in about 2 miles and observed the
[Page 80]
1858
April [5]
track of Messrs. Gregory & Haley's Horses in January last.
Altering the course to 250°m traversed a soft sandy country consisting of Ironbark Cypress and Redgum ridges with a few Boxflats in the vallies, at 11h - 30m crossed some Ironbark ridges with triodia, from these we had a view of he valley of the Maranoa River and distant hills to the S.W. Descending into an open grassy valley crossed a dry sandy gully trending S.W. and soon after came to the Maranoa River which has a sandy bed 30 yards wide but quite dry, the course was exceedingly tortuous. The country consists of Ironbark Redgum & Cypress ridges thinly grassed and very sandy soil. Sandstone of the Coal series crops out on the Slopes and ridges and in the bed of the Creek, the strata nearly horizontal soft and fine in the grain.
Following up the River or rather Creek found 4 places at which water could be obtained by digging 2 to 3 feet in the sandy Channel, at the last of these we camped at 1h - 30m and cleared out a small native well, but having found a pool of water higher up the horses were driven up to it.
[Accounts on following pages are not transcribed]
[Transcribed by Jacqueline Lamprecht for the State Library of New South Wales]