Journals of Australian Explorations Part 49

MEMORANDUM FOR THE ORGANISATION OF AN EXPLORING EXPEDITION FOR THE PURPOSE OF SEARCHING FOR TRACES OF DR. LEICHHARDT'S PARTY.

The objects of the proposed Expedition would be primarily to search for traces of Dr. Leichhardt and his party, who started from the settled districts of New South Wales in April, 1848, with the intention of proceeding to Western Australia, and, if possible, to ascertain the fate of that unfortunate explorer. Secondly, the examination of the country both in the intervening s.p.a.ces between the tracks of previous explorers, and also beyond the limits of that hitherto explored, with a view of developing its resources, especially with reference to its capabilities for settlement.

The party despatched by the Colonial Government, under Mr. Hely, in 1851-2, traced Dr. Leichhardt to a spot near the head of the Warrego River.

Beyond this spot Dr. Leichhardt had expressed his intention of proceeding down the Victoria River to its northern bend, and then shape his course along the interior slope of the ranges which he supposed existed at the sources of the streams flowing to the northern coast.

The proposed route of the searching Expedition would therefore be to reach Leichhardt's last known camp, and then to examine the banks of the Victoria River to the junction of the Alice River, at the northern bend, where especial search would be made, as Dr. Leichhardt intended to leave letters there, and would probably encamp for several days to recruit before finally entering the unknown country; and the non-existence of marks at this point would be almost conclusive evidence that the party had perished nearer to the settlements.

In the search for traces of the missing party beyond this point (as it could only be at the camping places that any traces would remain after so long an interval), it would be necessary to follow such natural features as would probably have influenced the party in the selection of its route, a.s.suming that the general course would be north-west.

The investigation having been carried to the fullest extent that time and circ.u.mstances would admit, the searching party would adopt such a route on its return as would intersect the greatest extent of unexamined country. To effect these objects it is proposed to organise a party at one of the outer stations, say at Surat, on the Lower Condamine River, from which Leichhardt's last known camp is 230 miles, and the junction of the Alice with the Victoria River, 370 miles, not allowing for deviations.

The party to consist of two sections, which may be termed the Exploring and the Auxiliary parties.

The first would comprise eight persons, equipped and provisioned for 5 months, and for the conveyance of which 32 horses would be required, as follows:

Commander.

a.s.sistant.

Overseer, etc.

4 Stockmen.

1 Aboriginal Stockman.

The second section would be composed of six persons, provisioned etc., for 2 months, and for the conveyance of which 13 horses would be required, as follows:

1 Leader.

4 Stockmen.

1 Aboriginal Black.

These two sections would proceed together to the junction of the Alice and Victoria Rivers, and would be sufficiently strong to detach parties to examine points out of the more direct line of route which the main body would follow.

On reaching the spot above referred to, the Exploring Party would be fitted out in the most efficient manner for continuing its operations, by selecting the strongest and most serviceable portion of the horses, equipment, etc., while the Auxiliary Party would return with the remainder to the settlements; thus affording nearly all the advantages of a depot, without incurring the greater expense or inconvenience attending the otherwise necessary return of the Exploring Party by the same route.

It is scarcely necessary to advert to the many advantages which would be derived from this arrangement, for enabling the Exploring Party to reach the extreme known point of country, with its strength impaired in the least possible degree, while it would afford an opportunity of testing the capabilities of the party to be finally selected.

ESTIMATE OF THE COST (IN POUNDS/SHILLINGS/PENCE) OF THE EQUIPMENT, ETC., OF THE EXPLORING PARTY.

PROVISIONS.

1400 pounds Flour : 17/10/0.

500 pounds Bacon : 25/0/0.

400 pounds Sugar : 10/0/0.

70 pounds Tea : 7/0/0.

750 pounds Meat Biscuit : 37/10/0.

70 pounds Tobacco : 8/15/0.

20 pounds Sago : 0/13/4.

6 pounds Pepper : 0/6/0.

50 pounds Salt : 0/5/0.

50 pounds Soap : 0/18/8.

6 pounds Sperm Candles : 0/9/0.

150 pounds Dried Beef--800 pounds fresh meat : 10/0/0.

1000 pounds Fresh Meat : 12/0/0.

SUBTOTAL : 130/7/0.

TRANSPORT.

45 Horses, at 40 pounds : 1800/0/0.

14 Riding Saddles, at 60 shillings : 42/0/0.

31 Pack Saddles, at 77 shillings 6 pence : 120/2/6.

45 Bridles and Headstalls, at 9 shillings : 20/5/0.

45 Horse Blankets, at 8 shillings : 18/0/0.

100 Hobbles, at 4 shillings : 20/0/0.

20 Pairs Girths, at 4 shillings : 4/0/0.

31 Canvas Saddle-bags, at 25 shillings : 38/17/0.

100 Provision Bags, at 3 shillings : 15/0/0.

40 Yards Canvas, at 1 shilling 6 pence : 3/0/0.

10 Horse-bells, at 6 shillings 6 pence : 3/5/0.

Materials for repairs, etc. : 20/0/0.

90 Sets Horse-straps and Nails : 10/0/0.

100 Saddle-straps, at 1 shilling : 5/0/0.

SUBTOTAL : 2119/9/6.

ARMS AND AMMUNITION.

13 Double guns, at 5 pounds : 65/0/0.

13 Revolvers, at 5 pounds : 65/0/0.

30 pounds Gunpowder : 6/0/0.

150 pounds Shot and Lead : 3/0/0.

5000 Percussion Caps : 1/10/0.

14 Belts and Pouches : 3/10/0.

14 Gun-buckets : 4/18/0.

Sundries : 10/0/0.

SUBTOTAL : 158/18/0.

CAMP EQUIPAGE.

14 Calico Sheets for Tents, at 12 shillings : 8/8/0.

50 yards Calico, at 6 pence : 1/5/0.

6 Camp Kettles, at 5 shillings : 1/10/0.

40 Pannikins, at 8 pence : 1/6/8.

3 Leather Buckets, at 17 shillings 6 pence : 2/12/6.

20 Tin Dishes, at 9 pence : 0/15/0.

2 Frying-Pans, at 4 shillings 6 pence : 0/9/0.

2 Water Bags, at 30 shillings : 3/0/0.

14 Water Holders, India-Rubber, at 10 shillings 6 pence : 7/7/0.

2 Socket Shovels, at 2 shillings 6 pence : 0/5/0.

2 spring Balances, at 7 shillings : 0/14/0.