Part 49 (1/2)

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 exa spaces between the tracks of previous explorers, and also beyond the li 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 strea 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 enca 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 settle party beyond this point (as it could only be at the ca an interval), it would be necessary to follow such natural features as would probably have influenced the party in the selection of its route, assueneral course would be north-west

The investigation having been carried to the fullest extent that ti party would adopt such a route on its return as would intersect the greatest extent of unexaanise 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, 370for deviations

The party to consist of two sections, whichand the Auxiliary parties

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

Commander

assistant

Overseer, etc

4 Stockinal 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 Stockinal 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 thethe spot above referred to, the Exploring Party would be fitted out in theits operations, by selecting the strongest and most serviceable portion of the horses, equipment, etc, while the Auxiliary Party would return with the re 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 e Party to reach the extreth iree, while it would afford an opportunity of testing the capabilities of the party to be finally selected

ESTIMATE OF THE COST (IN POUNDS/shi+LLINGS/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 shi+llings : 42/0/0