Overland Expedition of The Messrs dine from Rockhampton to Cape York, Northern Queensland | Page 8

has been alluded to as having "la Boussole
dans la tete," they were eminently fitted for the task, and eagerly
undertook it when proposed. How well they carried it out, although,
unfortunately, with so little benefit to themselves, is here recorded. Had
poor Wills been associated with such companions there would have
been a different tale to tell to that which lends so melancholy an
interest to his name, and we should now have him amongst us to honor,
instead of a monument to his memory, a monument, which in honoring
the dead, rebukes the living.
The loss of three-fourths of their horses, and a fifth of their cattle,
together with a large equipment, has made the enterprise of the Messrs.
Jardine, speaking financially, little short of a failure, but at their age the
mind is resilient, and not easily damped by misfortune. On their return
to Brisbane the Government, with kind consideration, proposed to
place such a sum on the Estimates of Parliament as would indemnify
them, and at the same time mark its sense of the high merit and
importance of their journey, but this, through their father, they
respectfully declined, Frank Jardine giving as his reason, that as the
expedition was a private enterprise and not a public undertaking, he did

not consider himself entitled to any indemnity from the public.
Opinions may be divided on such a conclusion, but in it we cannot but
recognise a delicacy and nobility of sentiment as rare, unfortunately, as
it is admirable. Yet, if they have thus voluntarily cut themselves off
from the substantial rewards which have hitherto recompensed other
explorers, they are still entitled to the high praise and commendation of
all who admire spirit and determination of purpose, and cannot be
insensible to their applause. And it is in recognition that such is their
due, that the writer has undertaken to bring this narrative before the
public.
CHAPTER I.
Start from Rockhampton -- Alexander Jardine explores the Einasleih --
Newcastle Range -- Pluto Creek -- Canal Creek -- Basaltic Plateau --
Warroul Creek -- Parallel Creek -- Galas Creek -- Porphyry Islands --
Alligators' tracks -- Bauhinia Plains -- Discovers error as to River Lynd
-- Return -- The Nonda -- Burdekin duck -- Simon's Gap -- Arrival of
the cattle -- Preparation for final start.
On the 14th of May, 1864, the overland party which was to take cattle
to the new settlement at Cape York, was started by Mr. Frank Jardine,
from Rockhampton, under the charge of his brother Alexander. It
comprised ten persons, with thirty-one horses. The instructions were to
travel by easy stages to Port Denison, and there wait the arrival of the
Leader. In the following month, Mr. Jardine, senior, taking with him
his third son John, sailed for Brisbane, and shortly after from thence to
Somerset, Cape York, in the Eagle, barque, chartered by the
Government, for transport of material, etc., arriving there at the end of
June.
Mr. Frank Jardine, taking with him the surveyor attached to the
expedition, Mr. A. J. Richardson, arrived at Bowen by sea, about the
middle of July, when the party was again moved forward, he himself
starting off to make the purchase of the cattle. Five more horses were
purchased on account of the Government in Bowen, for Mr. Richardson,
making a total of forty-two. The prevalence of pleuro-pneumonia made

it a matter of some difficulty for Mr. F. Jardine to get suitable stock for
his purpose, and caused considerable delay. Arrangements having at
length been made with Mr. William Stenhouse, of the River Clarke, the
party was divided at the Reedy Lake Station, on the Burdekin, Mr. A.
Jardine moving forward with the pack horses and equipment, leaving
the Leader with Messrs. Scrutton and Cowderoy, and three black boys
to muster and fetch on the cattle. The advance party started on the 17th
August, and arrived at Carpentaria Downs, the station of J. G.
Macdonald, Esq., on the 30th. This was at that time the furthest station
to the North West, and was intended to be made the final starting point
of the expedition, by the permission of Mr. Macdonald, from whom the
party received much kindness. On their way they were joined by Mr.
Henry Bode, a gentleman who was in search of country to occupy with
stock. After remaining in camp at Carpentaria Downs for a few days,
Mr. A. Jardine decided on utilizing the interval, which must elapse
before his brother could re-join him with the cattle, by exploring the
country ahead, so as to faciliate the march of the stock on the final start.
Accordingly, leaving the camp in charge of Mr. Richardson, with Mr.
Binney, and two black boys, he started on the 3rd of September, taking
with him the most