Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Augustus Charles Gregory - diary of the North Australian Exploring Expedition, 21 Nov. 1854-17 June 1855
November 1854
21st Received from Surveyor General a duplicate letter dated 10th instant intimating that a despatch had been received from the Secretary of State, offering me the command of the Exploring Expedition in North Australia, and requiring presence at Head Quarters.
22 Arranging for journey to Perth. Surveyed 10 acres of land on the Gynudup brook, Wellington District, for application to Purchase by – Thomson.
23 Instructed Chainer Davies to place boundary marks to the three sections of land marked out on the Gynudup brook and then move the camp to the junction of the Ferguson & Preston Rivers, and there await further orders. Leaving both the
horses belonging to the Survey Depart. to move the camp and enable the party to reach Perth, should I not return. I started with my own horse for Perth and bivouacked at Peppermint Grove 49 miles from the Surveying Camp.
24 Continued route 40 miles to the Serpentine R.
25 Arrived in Perth at 1 PM. 30 miles
26 Sunday
27 Waited on His Excellency the Governor. Obtained the Secretary of State’s dispatch relative to the proposed North Australia Exploring Expedition.
28 Collecting information relative to North Australia.
29 Obtained the Governor’s permission to proceed to Mr. H Gregory’s Camp on the Albany road, to secure the Services of that Gentleman as my principal Assistant on the North Australian Expedition.
30 Started for Albany, bivouacked at 52 miles.
December 1854
1st Continued route to 92 miles
2 As before to 140 miles, the Beaufort hills
3 Sunday. Proceeded to Kojonup 160 miles. Obtained a fresh horse from Mr C Gregory who accompanied me to 132 miles.
4 Continued route to Mr H Gregory’s camp but found that he had gone on to Albany on business, I therefore continued my journey to Mr F. Gregory’s camp at 235 miles.
5 At 11 AM reached Albany, and having proposed to Mr H. Gregory that he should accept the appointment as my principal Assistant on the N.A. Expedition, he expressed his willingness to accept the appointment should he be able to close his Official Accounts as Sen. Asst. Superintendent &c in time for the Steamer by which we were to proceed to Sydney. The steamer being expected about the 1st January.
6 Returned to Mr H Gregory’s Camp 45 miles
December, 1854
7 Accompanied by Mr H Gregory continued the journey towards Perth. Bivouacked at the Gordon R. 16 miles.
8 Continued route to Kojonup 36 miles
9 As before to the 105 miles (55 miles)
10 As before to the Bannister River. 38 miles
11 As before to the 34 mile tree (41 miles)
12 Reached Perth at 9 A.M. and informed the Governor verbally that I was ready to accept the command of the North Australian Exploring Expedition and was desirous that Mr H. Gregory should accompany me as my principal Assistant.
13 In Office plotting surveys in Wellington District. At Bunbury Mr C. Gregory, in accordance with my instructions transfered 100 lbs of Salt Port from the Survey party stores to the Commissariat Department, and 100 lbs Flour to the Goal on account of the Local Government. Also ordered the Surveying party to Proceed to Perth.
December 1854
14 Plotting Surveys, and arranging for voyage to Sydney.
15 As before.
16 Received a letter from the Colonial Secretary W. Australia conveying the offer by the Secretary of State of the Command of the proposed North Australian Exploring Expedition. Plotting Surveys as before. Surveying party reached Perth with the whole equipment in accordance with orders
17 Sunday
18 Wrote to Colonial Secretary accepting the Command of the North Australian Exploring Expedition, and requesting that Mr H. Gregory be authorized to proceed to Sydney to join the Expedition. Returned to the Survey Department all Government Stores in my charge as Assistant Surveyor. Discharged the Surveying party.
19 Received from the Col. Secretary a letter instructing me to proceed with
December 1854
Mr H. Gregory to Sydney N.S. Wales and authorizing a payment of £150 by the Commissariat Department to me for the purpose of defraying the expenses of Passage &c. Obtained from the Surveyor General for the journey to Albany 1 cart 1 Saddle 1 Sett of Harness 2 Horses, the same to be handed over to Mr Assistant Surveyor F. Gregory at Albany. Hired J. Davies to drive the cart to the Bannister and return with horses to Perth. At 2/6 per diem and rations. Sent on Davies with the cart &c. Obtained per Governor’s Warrant from the Assistant Commissary General Funds £150..0..0 – The Local Government, having declined to furnish a copy of the Secretary of States dispatch relative to the N.A. Expedition at the expense of the Colony, had it copied at the expense of the Expedition. Received from the Governor, verbal
December 1854
intimation that the Payment of my Salaries and Allowances would cease from the Colonial funds on the 20th instant. Received from Surveyor General 1 Box Sextant and 1 Prismatic Compass for the Service of the Expedition.
20 Hired from Leeder of Perth 2 horses at 10/- per diem to convey Mr H Gregory and myself to the Bannister River. Started for Albany bivouacked at 42 miles.
21 Proceeded to the Bannister River. Sent back Davies to Perth with Leeder’s horses, and continued route to Marjding Spring 105 miles from Perth
22 Continued route to the Beaufort River 142 miles from Perth.
23 Continued route to the "22mile Gully" 182 miles from Perth.
24 As before to Mr H Gregory’s camp at 210 miles from Perth.
December 1854
25 Remained at Mr H Gregory’s Camp to enable him to make up his accounts and transfer the station.
26 Proceeded to Maergarnup Spring and halted at Mr F. Gregory’s Camp
27 Mr H. Gregory having transferred the station, arrived at Maergarnup in the evening.
28 Accompanied Messrs. F & H Gregory to Albany
29 Transferred the cart horse & harness to Mr F.I. Gregory
30 Remaining at Albany awaiting the arrival of the P & O Company’s Steamer Madras.
31 As before. Sunday.
January 1855
1 At Albany awaiting the arrival of the Madrass Steamer
2 As before
3 As before
4 As before
5 As before. The Madras entered the harbour at 10 PM.
6 Engaged a passage per Madras to Sydney for Myself and Mr H. Gregory, £30 each at 3 PM. Went on board and at 5 PM steamed out of the harbour.
7 On board the Madras for Sydney
8 As before
9 As before
10 As before
11 At sunrise sighted Kangaroo Island and at 7 P.M. anchored off Port Adelaide.
12 At 1.30 AM weighed and at 9 passed the lighthouse on Kangaroo Island
13 Light winds cloudy weather.
14 At 10 AM passed the Port Phillip Heads and at 3 PM moored alongside the Orestes Coal Hulk
January 1855
in Hobsons Bay. Wrote to Colonial Secretary of South Australia and Victoria, forwarding letters from Colonial Secretary of Western Australia relative to the N.A. Expedition.
15 At 1.30 P.M. steamed out of Hobsons Bay, at 4.30 Passed the Heads. Mod breezes.
16 Mod breeze, Southerly. Cloudy.
17 At 7 AM Passed Gabo Island lighthouse. Light southerly winds, heavy rain at night.
18 At 3 PM moored in Sydney harbour, landed and went to the Royal Hotel George Street.
19 In Sydney employed on private affairs
20 Called at the Colonial Secretary’s Office, but owing to the recent arrival of the New Governor General could not transact any business. Wrote to the Colonial Secretary transmitting a letter from the Governor General and also reporting my arrival in Sydney.
21 Sunday.
January 1855
22 Waited on the Colonial Secretary but was informed that I could not see him until the following day.
23 Had an interview with the Col. Secty. and informed him of the object of my visiting Sydney. The Col. Secty. stated he was quite unprepared to deal with the subject.
24 Waited on the Governor General who requested an estimate to be furnished of the equipment proposed for the Expedition in North Australia that the subject might be brought before the Council as no definite instructions had been received from England.
25 Preparing estimate of stores for N.A. Expedition.
26 As before.
27 Transmitted the above estimate to the Colonial Secretary.
28 Sunday
January 1855
29 Had an interview with the Colonial Secretary who stated that nothing could be arranged with reference to the North Australian Expedition until the Governor General had examined the estimates furnished.
30 Writing journal and entering letters in letter Book.
31 Awaiting reply from Col. Secretary.
February 1855
1 Called at the Governor Generals Office but found him engaged. Wrote to Colonial Secretary requesting to be furnished with instructions.
2 Awaiting reply from Col. Secretary
3 As before
4 Sunday.
5 Waited on the Governor General who informed me that as yet no authority had been received from the Secretary of State to incur any
expenditure on account of the Northern Australian Expedition, therefore no active preparation could be commenced but that the Colonial Government would advance the salaries of Mr H Gregory and myself at the rate we had been receiving in Western Australia. Also that it was probable that an expedition would be undertaken to the N.W. of Port Curtis in search of Dr Leichhardt’s party during the winter should no other instructions be received in the meantime relative to the N.A. Expedition.
6 Received from Col. Secty. a letter relative to the payment of salaries to Mr H. Gregory and myself. Preparing Memo for Explorations. Mr H. Gregory went to Woolongong.
7 Preparing Estimate of Equipment of a party to Explore to the N.W. of Moreton Bay
February 1855
8 As before
9 As before. Mr. H. Gregory returned from Woolongong.
10 Proceeded with Mr H. Gregory to the Hunter River
11 Sunday arrived at Maitland.
12 Remained at Maitland.
13 Returned to Sydney.
14 Received a letter from the Col. Secty. dated 5th inst. requesting information with reference to the amount of salary received by me and Mr H. Gregory in Western Australia. Wrote to Col. Secty. in reply to the above. Called at the Surveyor Generals Office to obtain information relative to the country on the Victoria River discovered by Sir I. Mitchell, but the Surveyor General not being in the office could obtain no information on the subject.
15 Received from Col. Secretary a
February 1855
letter relative to the expediency of employing the time which will probably elapse before the N.A. Expedition can start for North Australia in searching for some trace of Dr Leichhardt’s party, and requesting me to furnish estimates of the party and equipment required for such a purpose.
16 Wrote to Col. Secty. in reply to his letter of the4 15th and forwarded an estimate of the party and equipment required for the search of traces of Dr Leichhardt.
17 Writing Diary and entering letters
18 Sunday
19 Called at the Surveyor Generals Office to make enquiries relative to the country between Darling Downs and the Victoria R, as I should have to traverse it in searching for traces of Dr Leichhardt. On my
February 1855
object to the Surveyor General, and the nature of the information I was desirous of obtaining, he replied in a discourteous manner "I suppose you have come here to do better than we can, I am busy with my plans and have no time to give you any information" & I then requested to be informed whether though he was so much engaged I could obtain any information relative to the country in question from any other person in his department, to which he replied "the Survey Department has something of more importance to attend to.
20 Awaiting replies from Col. Secty.
21 As before
22 As before, Mr H. Gregory proceeded to Brisbane Water
23 Preparing Pattern of Packsaddle
February 1855
24 Called at the Colonial Secretary’s Office to ascertain whether there were any letters but was informed that no reply was yet prepared to my letter.
25 Sunday
26 Waited on the Governor General who informed me that a dispatch had been received from the Secretary of State relative to the appointment of certain gentlemen to the Exploring Expedition in North Australia and that a copy of the same should be furnished to me. Also that Captain Fremantle who is in command of the Juno had received instructions relative to the conveyance of the Expedition to the Victoria River and a vessel to co-operate with the land party.
Wrote to Col. Secretary stating that circumstances had arisen which would prevent my proceeding in search of traces of Dr. Leichhardt.
February 1855
27 Received from Col. Secretary a letter transmitting a copy of the Secretary of State’s Dispatch dated 8th Dec 1854 relative to the Appointment of Messrs Wilson and Baines &c to the North Australian Expedition, also with reference to general progress. Wrote to Col. Secretary acknowledging the receipt of the above, and requesting authority to commence preparations.
28 Preparing memo for N.A. Expedition.
March
1 Called at the Col. Secretary’s Office, was informed that no reply was yet prepared to my letter of the 26 and 27 ult.
2 Preparing list of stores required to be purchased for the N.A. Expedition
3 As before
4 Sunday
5 Waited on the Governor General to arrange the details of equipment of the North Australian Expedition
March 1855
6 Preparing memo for equipment of N.A. Expedition
7 As before. Mr. H. Gregory returned to Sydney.
8 Arranging with D.A.C. Genl. Price, the mode of conducting the purchase of the stores required for the N.A. Expedition. Received a letter from Col. Secretary, conveying the Gov. General’s sanction of the payment by the Commissariat of the charges for the equipment of the N.A. Expedition and also the payment of £400 per ann. to myself and £250 to Mr H. Gregory subject to the final arrangement of salaries by the Secretary of State.
9 Preparing copies of estimates of the equipment of the Expedition.
10 Making arrangements for the equipment of the Expedition.
11 Sunday
12 Received a letter from Col. Secretary
March 1855
stating that the Commissariat Depart. had been applied to for the funds and stores required for the N.A. Expedition and suggesting a revisal of the estimate of men and stores, with reference to that furnished by Mr Shaw on the part of the Geographical Society to the Secretary of State.
Wrote to Col. Secretary in reply. Also 2nd letter referring to the general arrangement of the details of the Expedition.
13 Entering letters &c.
14 Preparing personal outfit for the Expedition
15 Received from Col. Secretary a letter conveying the Gov. General’s approval of the arrangements proposed in my letter of the 12th relative to the number of men and equipment required for the North Australian Expedition.
March 1855
16 Wrote to Col. Secretary requesting to be furnished with copies of Sir I. Mitchell’s maps of the country to the N.W. of Moreton Bay.
17 Went to Parramatta. Returned to Sydney.
18 Sunday
19 No further preparations can be made until the D.A.C. Genl. In Sydney has received instructions from Head Quarters at Melbourne, to proceed with the purchase of the stores required.
20 As before
21 Received letter from Col. Secretary relative to Capt. Fremantle having been communicated with on the subject of providing conveyance for the Expedition to the Victoria R. and a vessel to co-operate with the expedition while Exploring. Suggesting that breeding stock be taken up with the expedition and that the Governor
March 1855
General was desirous of sending a surveying party to examine the coast and rivers in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Also 2nd letter in reply to my letter of the 16th instant relative to the maps of Sir I. Mitchell’s explorations to the N.W. of Moreton Bay stating that the maps in questions had been published and could be purchased in Sydney. – Went on board the Juno to see Capt. Fremantle and arrange the details of the conveyance of the expedition to the Victoria River but ascertained that he was not on board.
22 Called on Capt. Fremantle on board the Juno and entered into the details of preliminary arrangements for the conveyance of the Expedition to the Victoria River &c.
March 1855
23 Received from Col. Secretary a letter forwarding Capt Fremantles reply with reference to my letter of the 12th on the general arrangements for conducting the Expedition. Called at the Col. Secretary Office to arrange the details for instructions for the Exploring Expedition. Obtained from Col. Secty Office a copy of the account of Mr Kennedy’s journey from Rockingham Bay towards Cape York.
24 Preparing reply to Col. Secretary’s letter of 20th inst.
25 Sunday
26 Wrote to Col. Secretary in reply to his letter of the 20th relative to the arrangement of the details of the N.A. Expedition.
27 Accompanied Capt MacLean to Cockatoo Island, to secure the services of a Crown prisoner named John Fahey, who has been 12 years with the Aborigines in the northern districts, and whose experience of a bush life will probably render him
March 1855
a useful man for the N.A. Expedition. The following is a record of his convictions. John Fahey per Clyde (2) 1838. tried at Grahams Town Cape of Good Hope, and sentenced by Court Martial on the 27th July 1837 to be transported for life, for desertion. 1841. April 20. Assaulting a fellow prisoner 8 days cells. 11 Nov. ran from New England road party. 27 Dec Absconding 50 lashes 1842. April 24 Absconded from same party.
28 Arranging with D.A.C. Genl Price the forms for Requisitions &c for the N.A. Expedition. Received letter from Col. Secretary relative to size of vessel required for co-operation with the Expedition and also the purchase of stock at Moreton Bay.
March 1855
31 Wrote to Col. Secretary replying to his letter of the 29th instant. Also 2d letter transmitting Requisitions for Stores and Cash required for the service of the N.A. Expedition.
April
1 Sunday
2 Arranging detail of Accounts with D.A.C. Genl Price.
3 Furnished drawings for a pattern Pack-saddle to Andrews of Hunter Street and gave instructions for making the same.
4 Preparing instructions for Mr H Gregory relative to purchase of horses at Moreton Bay.
5 Wrote to Mr H Gregory instructing him to proceed to Moreton Bay to purchase the stock required for the N.A. Expedition. Obtained from Andrew of Hunter Street the following
April 1855
Articles for Mr H Gregory to whom they were transferred for the service of the Expedition. Viz. 2 Riding saddles. 5 Bridles. 4 Hobbles. 6 Traps. I Horse Blanket. These articles to be included in the contract for saddlery and a receipt to be given to the Commissariat for them. – Mr H Gregory embarked in the Waratah for Moreton Bay.
6 Good Friday
7 Wrote to Colonial Secretray requesting to be informed whether the salaries of Mr H Gregory and myself were subject to Income tax.
8 Sunday
9 Easter Monday.
10 Waited on the Governor Genl to arrange the details for the purchase of stock at Moreton Bay for the N.A. Expedition.
11 Wrote to Colonial Secretary forwarding Requisition for stock in lieu of the Requisition for Cash for the purchase of
April 1855
Stock for the N.A. Expedition and detailing proposed arrangements for N.A. Expedition.
12 Entering letters &c and general arrangements for N.A. expedition.
13 General arrangements for N.A. Expedition
14 Received a letter from Col. Secretary stating that requisitions Nos 1- 3 and 4 for provisions, stores, and salaries had been approved by the Gov Genl and forwarded to D.A.C. Gen. Price. And that requisition No 5 for stock, was under consideration with a view to its being substituted for the No 2. for cash for the purchase of stock.
Arranging for the purchase of the stores required for the Expedition by the Commissariat Department.
15 Sunday
16 Attended at the Commissariat office to give information to parties tendering to supply the stores required for the North Australia Expedition.
April 1855
Such tenders having been called for by advertisement in the "Sydney Morning Herald".
17 Received from Colonial Secretary a letter relative to the salaries of the Expedition being chargable with the Income Tax. Attend at the Commissariat Office as before.
18 General Arrangements for the N.A. Expedition, as before.
19 Wrote to Mr H Gregory Instructions relative to the purchase of stock for the Expedition. Received from Colonial secretary 2 letters. Ist relative to purchase of stock at Moreton Bay the Governor General having approved of the arrangements proposed in my letter of the 11th instant. 2d that the Governor General desired an interview with reference to the proposed Instructions for the Guidance of the N.A. expedition. Attended Commissariat office as before.
April 1855
20. Waited on the Governor General, to arrange the details of Instructions for the Guidance of the North Australian expedition. Attended at the Commissariat Office as before.
21 Attended at the Commissariat Office to open tenders for the supply of stores for the North Australian Expedition.
22 Sunday
23 Examining samples of articles tendered for the service of the N.A. expedition.
24 As before
25 Received from D.A.C. Genl Price, per Governor generals warrant, the sum of £300.0.0 for the payment of Salaries and contingent Expenses of the N.A. Expedition to the 30th April 1855. Signed a schedule of tenders for transmission to Governor General for Approval.
26 General duties, moved to No 6 Hunter St.
27 Correcting rough copy of Instructions for the Guidance of the N.A. Expedition in accordance with the Gov. Genls Memoranda
April 1855
28 Received from Mr R. Joplin a letter offering his services as a practical Gold finder on the N.A. Expedition.
General Duties
29 Sunday
30 Wrote to Mr R Joplin in reply to his letter of the 28th instant stating that his application would be taken into consideration when the party was constituted. – general duties.
May 1855
1. general arrangements with reference to the N.A. Expedition
2 As before
3. As before Received from Mr Bridges a letter offering his services as Botanist to the N.A. Expedition.
4. General duties. Forwarded Pay lists to Mr H. Gregory for signature. For April
5 general duties.
6 Sunday
7 General duties.
May 1855
8 Had an interview with Professor W.H. Harvey of Trinity College Dublin who recommended Dr J Mueller the Government Botanist at Melbourne, as a suitable person to fill the appointment of Botanist to the N.A. Expedition should Mr Drummond decline to accept it. General duties.
9 General duties
10 Waited on the Governor General, with reference to the appointment of a Botanist to the N.A. Expedition should Mr Drummond decline the appointment.
11 Wrote to Dr J Mueller the Government Botanist at Melbourne, with reference to the appointment of a Botanist to accompany the N.A. Expedition.
12 General duties
13 Sunday
14 General duties
15 As before
16 As before
May 1855
17 As before. Received a letter from Dr Mueller, Offering his services a Botanist to the North Australian Expedition.
18 Received from Colonial Secretary, a letter forwarding a Despatch from the Secretary of state relative to the arrangements for the N.A. Expedition dated 4th February 1855.
19 General duties
20 Sunday
21 Preparing remarks on the Arrangements proposed by Capt. Sturt in his remarks for the guidance of the Expedition, as transmitted by the Secretary of state in his despatch of 4th February 1855.
22 Wrote to Colonial Secretary in reply to his letter of the 18th instant. Received from Colonial Secretary a letter containing a copy of a communication from Mr. Baines, reporting his own and Mr. Wilson’s arrival at Melbourne, on route to Sydney to join the N.A. Expedition. - Mr Baines is the Draughtsman and Mr Wilson the
May 1855
Geologist appointed in England to the North Australian Expedition Arrived from Melbourne by the "City of Sydney" Steamer, and reported to me their arrival in N.S. Wales with sundry stores for the N.A. Expedition, landed the above stores and deposited them in the Commissariat store.
23 Waited on the Governor General to consent arrangements for the N.A. Expedition – Examined the stores and Instruments sent from England for the N.A. Expedition. – Received a letter from Mr Gill applying for the appointment of overseer to the N.A. Expedition.
24 Wrote to Col. Secretary relative to the arrangements of the salaries and allowance of the Officers attached to the N.A. Expedition also 2d letter forwarding copy of a letter from Dr J Mueller applying for the appointment of Botanist to the N.A.E.
25 Examining stores brought from England by Mr. Baines for the service of the N.A. Expedition. Received 3 Chronometers for the Expedition from Mr. Baines.
May 1855
Wrote to Col Secretary requesting authority to receive the stores brought from England for the service of the N.A. expedition, as the Packages were directed to the officer administering the Government in N.S.Wales.
26 Received a letter from Col Secretary conveying the Governor generals approval of the Appointment of Dr Mueller to the situation of Botanist to the N.A. Exedition. Wrote to Dr Mueller on the subject of his appointment as Botanist.
Received from Mr Baines a letter stating that he had been compelled to throw overboard a keg containing 600 cartridges belonging to the N.A. Expedition, during the voyage from Melbourne to Sydney owing to existing regulations relative to Gunpowder on board steam vessels.
Paid Mr Baines by Cheque on N.S.W. Bank the sum of £ 50 in repayment of expenses incurred by Mr Baines and Mr Wilson on account of passage and freight of stores. This advance to be repaid on the proper accounts being
May 1855
prepared and paid in due course.
27 Sunday
28 Arranging with D.A.C. Genl Price for the supply of the Provisions required for the N.A. Expedition. Preparing Requisitions for stores &c.
29 Packing stores &c. Preparing Requisitions for Stores &c.
30 Received from Col. Secretary a letter transmitting a copy of Capt. Wickham’s memoranda relative to the Victoria River. Went on board the "Juno" to arrange with Capt Fremantle for the conveyance of the Expedition to the Victoria R. and then accompanied the Master of the "Juno" on board the "[indecipherable] Lough" and "Brothers" two vessels which had been offered for this service by Mr Thornton. The former vessel is well-adapted for a tender to the land party but the latter is too small for the conveyance of the horses. –
Received from Mr Wilson to the N.A. Expd a letter suggesting the expediency of
May 1855
Of his employing the period which would elapse before the Expedition left N.S. Wales in making himself acquainted with the geological features of the country.
31 Waited on the Governor General with Mr Wilson relative to the subject of his letter received yesterday.
Wrote to Col. Secretary forwarding Requisitions 6-7-8-9-10 for Stores Provisions Arms Forage & Stationary.
June
1st Wrote to Col. Secretary forwarding Mr Wilsons letter relative to his proceeding to the Mineral Districts of N.S. Wales and recommending the same for approval. Went on board the "Marion" a small vessel offered by Mr Green for the service of the Expedition, and also examined a vessel which Capt Fremantle was desirous of engaging for the conveyance of the stock.
2 packing stores. General duties.
June 1855
3 Sunday
4 Went on board H.M.S. Juno to arrange with Capt. Fremantle for the conveyance of the N.A. Expedition from Moreton Bay to the Victoria R. Examining stores furnished by contractors for the N.A. Expedition.
5 Received from Dr Mueller a letter dated 26th May stating that owing to his being unable to obtain leave of absence from the Government of Victoria he should be unable to accompany the N.A. expedition in the capacity of Botanist.- Attended at the Commissariat Office to open tenders for the supply of 2000 lbs of bacon and 2000 lbs of preserved fresh Beef when the following tenders were opened viz –
No 1 2000 lbs bacon @ 1/3. Preserved beef 71/2 d
No 2 ------------------------------Preserved beef 71/2d
No 3-------------------------------Preserved beef 7d
No 3 tender being the lowest and otherwise in accordance with the regulations on this subject was recommended for Approval – Tender No 1 being the only one for
the supply of Bacon and that at the high price of 1/3 per lb. I proposed to substitute a quantity of salt pork which would be equivalent to the Bacon required by which a saving of 0 percent would be effected in the cost of this item as the Pork can be obtained from the naval stores at about 7d per lb and 2700 lbs of Pork are equal to 2000lbs of bacon.
6 Packing stores &c. received from Henry Richards an application for the situation of overseer or Botanical Collector to the N.A. Expedition.
7 Received from Colonial Secretary 3 letters. Ist relative to the salaries and allowances of the scientific Officers of the N.A. Expedition and authorizing the allowance of £ 1"1"0 per diem to the Officer of the N.A. Expedition during their detention in Sydney and requesting me to suggest the amount of wages of the men to be attached to the N.A. Expedition. – 2d that the Governor Approves of the appointment of Dr Mueller as Botanist to the
June 1855
N.W. Expedition. 3d. that the Requisitions for stores Provisions Arms & ammunitions Provisions storage and Stationary, had been approved and transmitted to the Commissariat Officer in Sydney.
8 Received from the Colonial Secretary 2 letters. 1st Conveying the Governor General's approval of Mr. Wilsons proposal to visit the Mineral districts of N.S.Wales during the detention of the N.W. Expedition in N.S.Wales. and transmitting 19 Geological reports on the Geology of Eastern Australia
2nd. In reply to letter of 22d. ult. stating that his Excellency concurs in the view therin taken, the alterations in the starting point of the Expedition is not desirable
Wrote to Messrs. H. C. Gregory, Wilson, and Baines forwarding a copy of the Colonial Secretarys letter of the 7th Relative to Salaries and Allowances of the Officers attached to the N.W. Expedition.
9. Received from Dr. Mueller a letter, stating that he could not accept the appointment of Botanist to the N.W. Expedition, unless
June 1855
One half of the collection of Botanical specimens were to be secured to the Govt. of Victoria, and he was permitted to publish the results of his investigations for his own private benefit. Wrote to Mr. Wilson transmitting a copy of the Col. Secretary's, letter approving of his employing his stay in N.S.Wales in Geological investigations, and transmitting for his perusal 19 printed reports on the Geology of Eastern Australia. Gave Receipts for stores for the N.W. Expedition as per Constructs by Dreutler, Marks, Hall and Alderson Contin & Griffiths and Spiers. for sundry Clothing, see list of Contracts.
10 Sunday.
11 Received a letter from Col Secretary Western Australia, (transmitted by the Col. Secretary of N.S. Wales), Notifying the appointment of Botanist had been offered to Mr. James Drummond, who had declined to accompany the N.W. Expedition on account of his advanced age
12 Wrote to Col Secretary N.S.Wales. acknowledging the receipt of the Colonial Secretary's of W. Australia Relative to the appointment of a Botanist to accompany the N.W. Expdn.
General duties. Wrote to Dr. Mueller intimating that the stipulations contained in his letter of the 4th instant were incompatable with the arrangements of the N.W. Expedition as regarded the duties of the Botanist attatched to the Expedition and transmitting a memo for the guidance of Officers attatched to it.
13 Wrote to Col. Secretary, Requesting to be informed whether the salaries and allowances of the Officers and men attatched to the N.W. Expedition were to be paid through the Commander of the Expedition or directly to each person by the Commissariat Officer in Sydney. also second letter suggesting that the wages of the men and overseer etc. attached to the N.W. Expedition be
fixed on the following scale – stockmen, 6s/ per diem Overseer 8s/ - Farrier 8s/ Harness maker 7s/- and Aboriginal stockmen at 3s/- per diem or not exceeding these rates. Attended the commissariat Office to give information regarding sundry stores. Provisions stationary etc. for which tenders have been called for.
14 Attended the Commissariat Office to give information regarding the articles for which tenders were called for the service of the N. W. Expedition and in accordance with the notice to that effect opened 7 out of the 332 tins of meat. the whole of those opened proving good in quality and condition the contractor was desired to replace the seven tins opened and that the contract would then be approved of. Arranging stores and Packing the same for the Expedition
15 Attended at the Commissariat Office as before. Mr. Wilson (the Geologist) proceeded per steamer to Newcastle on a tour of Geological investigation.
16 Attended at the Commissariat office as before. Received from Dr. Meuller a letter dated 10th inst stating that he would be able to obtain leave of absense from the Government of Victoria, to enable him to accompany the N.W. Expedition. Wrote to Dr. Mueller in reply and requesting him to be in Sydney on or before the 10th July. Received from Tho. Talbot a letter applying for the situation of Overseer in the N.W. Expedition.
17 Sunday.
[Transcribed by Allanah Jarman, Judy Dawson for the State Library of New South Wales]