Before entering upon the account of the expedition sent to explore the interior of Australia, to which the following pages refer, it may perhaps be as well to advert9 briefly10 to the circumstances which led to the undertaking itself, that the public being fully11 in possession of the motives12 and inducements which led me, at a very great sacrifice of my private means, to engage in an exploration so hazardous13 and arduous14, and informed of the degree of confidence reposed15 in me by those interested in the undertaking, and the sanguine16 hopes and high expectations that were formed as to the result, may be better able to judge how far that confidence was well placed, and how far my exertions17 were commensurate with the magnitude of the responsibility I had undertaken.
I have felt it the more necessary to allude18 to this subject now, because I was in some measure at the time instrumental in putting a stop to a contemplated expedition to the westward, and of thus unintentionally interfering19 with the employment of a personal friend of my own, than whom no one could have been more fitted to command an undertaking of the kind, from his amiable20 disposition21, his extensive experience, and his general knowledge and acquirements.
Upon returning, about the middle of May 1840, from a visit to King George’s Sound and Swan River, I found public attention in Adelaide considerably22 engrossed23 with the subject of an overland communication between Southern and Western Australia. Captain Grey, now the Governor of South Australia, had called at Adelaide on his way to England from King George’s Sound, and by furnishing a great deal of interesting information relative to Western Australia, and pointing out the facilities that existed on its eastern frontier, as far as it was then known, for the entrance of stock from the Eastward24, had called the attention of the flock-masters of the Colony to the importance of opening a communication between the two places, with a view to the extension of their pastoral interests. The notes of Captain Grey, referring to this subject, were published in the South Australian Register newspaper of the 28th March, 1840. On the 30th of the same month, a number of gentlemen, many of whom were owners of large flocks and herds25, met together, for the purpose of taking the matter into consideration, and the result of this conference was the appointment of a Committee, whose duty it was to report upon the best means of accomplishing the object in view. On the 4th, 7th, and 9th of April other meetings were held, and the results published in the South Australian Register, of the 11th April, as follows: —
Overland Route to Western Australia.
At a Meeting of the Committee for making arrangements for an expedition to explore an overland route to Western Australia, held the 7th of April, the Hon. the Surveyor-general in the chair, the following resolutions were agreed to: —
That a communication be made to the Government of Western Australia, detailing the objects contemplated by this Committee, and further stating that the assistance of the Government of this province has been obtained.
That a communication be made to the Hon. the Surveyor-general, the Hon. the Advocate-general the Hon. G. Leake, Esq. of Western Australia, with a request that they will form a committee in conjunction with such settlers as may feel interested in the same undertaking, for the purpose of collecting private subscriptions, and co-operating with this committee.
Resolved, that similar communications be made to the Government of New South Wales, and to the following gentlemen who are requested to act as a committee with the same power as that of Western Australia: Hon. E. Deas Thomson, Colonial Secretary; William Macarthur, Esq.; Captain Parker; P. King, R.N.; Stuart Donaldson, Esq.; George Macleay, Esq.; Charles Campbell, Esq.
That this Committee would propose, in order to facilitate the progress of the expedition, that depots27 be formed at convenient points on the route; that it is proposed to make Fowler’s Bay the first depot28 on the route from Adelaide, and to leave it to the Government of Western Australia to decide upon the sites which their local knowledge may point out as the most eligible29 for similar stations, as far to the eastward as may appear practicable.
That a subscription4 list be immediately opened in Adelaide to collect funds in aid of the undertaking.
That R. F. Newland, Esq., be requested to act as Treasurer31 to this Committee, and that subscriptions be received at the Banks of Australasia and South Australia.
E. C. FROME, Chairman. CHAS. BONNEY, Secretary.
The Committee again met on the 9th April — the Hon. the Assistant Commissioner32 in the chair. It was resolved that the following statement head the subscription list: —
Several meetings having taken place at Adelaide of persons interested in the discovery of an overland route to Western Australia, and it being the general opinion of those meetings that such an enterprise would very greatly benefit the colonists of Eastern, Southern, and Western Australia, it was determined33 to open subscriptions for the furtherance of this most desirable object under the direction of the following Committee:
G. A. Anstey, Esq. John Knott, Esq.
Charles Bonney, Esq. Duncan M’Farlane, Esq.
John Brown, Esq. David McLaren, Esq.
Edward Eyre, Esq. John Morphett, Esq.
John Finniss, Esq. Chas. Mann, Esq.
J. H. Fisher, Esq. R. F. Newland, Esq.
Lieutenant34 Frome, Surveyor-general Dr. Rankin. Esq.
O. Gilles, Esq. G. Stevenson, Esq.
Captain Grey W. Smilie, Esq. F. Stephens, Esq.
J. B. Hack35, Esq. T. B. Strangways, Esq.
G. Hamilton, Esq. Capt. Sturt, Ass26. Com.
Ephraim Howe, Esq. John Walker, Esq.
The very great importance of the undertaking as leading to results, and in all probability to discoveries, the benefits of which are at present unforeseen, but which, like the opening of the Murray to this Province, may pave the way to a high road from hence to Western Australia, will, it is hoped meet with that support from the public which undertakings36 of great national interest deserve, and which best evince the enterprise and well-doing of a rising colony.
That Captain Grey, being about to embark37 for England, the Committee cannot allow him to quit these shores without expressing their regret that his stay has been so short, and the sense they entertain of the great interest he has evinced in the welfare of the colony, and the disinterested38 support he has given an enterprise which is likely to lead to such generally beneficial results as that under consideration.
CHAS. STURT, Chairman. CHAS. BONNEY, Secretary.
List of Subscriptions Received Yesterday.
The Government of South Australia 200 pounds
His Excellency the Governor (absent at Port Lincoln)
and the Colonists 349 pounds 10 shillings
Such was the state in which I found the question on my return from Western Australia. All had been done that was practicable, until answers were received from the other Colonies, replying to the applications for assistance and co-operation in the proposed undertaking.
Having been always greatly interested in the examination of this vast but comparatively unknown continent, and having already myself been frequently engaged in long and harassing39 explorations, it will not be deemed surprising that I should at once have turned my attention to the subject so prominently occupying the public mind. I have stated that the principal object proposed to be attained40 by the expedition to the westward, was that of opening a route for the transit41 of stock from one colony to the other — nay42 it was even proposed and agreed to by a majority of the gentlemen attending the public meeting that the first party of exploration should be accompanied by cattle. Now, from my previous examination of the country to the westward of the located parts of South Australia, I had in 1839 fully satisfied myself, not only of the difficulty, but of the utter impracticability of opening an overland route for stock in that direction, and I at once stated my opinion to that effect, and endeavoured to turn the general attention from the Westward to the North, as being the more promising44 opening, either for the discovery of a good country, or of an available route across the continent. The following extract, from a paper by me on the subject, was published in the South Australian Register of the 23rd May, 1840, and contains my opinion at that time of the little prospect46 there was of any useful result accruing47 from the carrying out of the proposed expedition to the Westward: —
“It may now, therefore, be a question for those who are interested in the sending an expedition overland to the Swan River to consider what are likely to be the useful results from such a journey. In a geographical48 point of view it will be exceedingly interesting to know the character of the intervening country between this colony and theirs, and to unfold the secrets hidden by those lofty, and singular cliffs at the head of the Great Bight, and so far, it might perhaps be practicable — since it is possible that a light party might, in a favourable6 season, force their way across. As regards the transit of stock, however, my own conviction is that it is quite impracticable. The vast extent of desert country to the westward — the scarcity49 of grass — the denseness50 of the scrub — and the all but total absence of water, even in the most favourable seasons, are in themselves, sufficient bars to the transit of stock, even to a distance we are already acquainted with. I would rather, therefore, turn the public attention to the Northward51, as being the most probable point from which discoveries of importance may be made, or such as are likely to prove beneficial to this and the other colonies, and from which it is possible the veil may be lifted, from the still unknown and mysterious interior of this vast continent.”
On the 27th I dined with His Excellency the Governor, and had a long conversation with him on the subject of the proposed Western Expedition, and on the exploration of the Northern Interior. With his usual anxiety to promote any object which he thought likely to benefit the colony, and advance the cause of science, His Excellency expressed great interest in the examination of the Northern Interior, and a desire that an attempt should be made to penetrate52 its recesses53 during the ensuing season.
As I had been the means of diverting public attention from a Western to a Northern exploration, so was I willing to encounter myself the risks and toils54 of the undertaking I had suggested, and I therefore at once volunteered to His Excellency to take the command of any party that might be sent out, to find one-third of the number of horses required, and pay one-third of the expenses. Two days after this a lecture was delivered at the Mechanics’ Institute in Adelaide, by Captain Sturt, upon the Geography and Geology of Australia, at the close of which that gentleman acquainted the public with the proposal I had made to the Governor, and the sanction and support which His Excellency was disposed to give it. The following extract is from Captain Sturt’s address, and shews the disinterested and generous zeal55 which that talented and successful traveller was ever ready to exert on behalf of those who were inclined to follow the career of enterprise and ambition in which he had with such distinction led the way.
“Before I conclude, however, having drawn56 your attention to the science of geology, I would for a moment dwell on that of geography, and the benefit the pursuit and study of it has been to mankind. To geography we owe all our knowledge of the features of the earth’s surface, our intercourse57 with distant nations, and our enjoyments58 of numberless comforts and luxuries. The sister sciences of geography and hydrography have enabled us to pursue our way to any quarter of the habitable and uninhabitable world. With the history of geography, moreover, our proudest feelings are associated. Where are there names dearer to us than those of the noble and devoted59 Columbus, of Sebastian Cabot, of Cook, of Humboldt, and of Belzoni and La Perouse? Where shall we find the generous and heroic devotion of the explorers of Africa surpassed? Of Denham, of Clapperton, of Oudeny, and of the many who have sacrificed their valuable lives to the pestilence60 of that climate or to the ferocity of its inhabitants? — And where shall we look for the patient and persevering61 endurance of Parry, of Franklin, and of Back, in the northern regions of eternal snow? If, ladies and gentlemen, fame were to wreathe a crown to the memory of such men, there would not be a leaf in it without a name. The region of discovery was long open to the ambitious, but the energy and perseverance62 of man has now left but little to be done in that once extensive and honourable63 field. The shores of every continent have been explored — the centre of every country has been penetrated64 save that of Australia — thousands of pounds have been expended65 in expeditions to the Poles — but this country, round which a girdle of civilization is forming, is neglected, and its recesses, whether desert or fertile, are unsought and unexplored. What is known of the interior is due rather to private enterprise than to public energy. Here then there is still a field for the ambitious to tread. Over the centre of this mighty66 continent there hangs a veil which the most enterprising might be proud to raise. The path to it, I would venture to say, is full of difficulty and danger; and to him who first treads it much will be due. I, who have been as far as any, have seen danger and difficulty thicken around me as I advanced, and I cannot but anticipate the same obstacles to the explorer, from whatever point of these extreme shores he may endeavour to force his way. Nevertheless, gentlemen, I shall envy that man who shall first plant the flag of our native country in the centre of our adopted one. There is not one deed in those days to be compared with it, and to whoever may undertake so praiseworthy and so devoted a task, I wish that success, which Heaven sometimes vouchsafes67 to those who are actuated by the first of motives — the public good; and the best of principles — a reliance on Providence68. I would I myself could undertake such a task, but fear that may not be. However, there is a gentleman among us, who is auxious to undertake such a journey. He has calculated that in taking a party five hundred miles into the interior, the expense would not be more than 300 pounds and the price of ten horses. At a meeting held some time ago, on this very subject, about half that sum was subscribed69. — His Excellency the Governor has kindly70 promised to give 100 pounds, and two horses — and I think we may very soon make up the remainder; and thus may set out an expedition which may explore the as yet unknown interior of this vast continent, which may be the means, by discovery, of conferring a lasting71 benefit on the colony — and hand down to posterity72 the name of the person who undertakes it.”
On the same day I received a note from the private secretary, stating that the Governor wished to see me, and upon calling on His Excellency I had a long and interesting interview on the subject of the expedition, in the course of which arrangements were proposed and a plan of operations entered into. I found in His Excellency every thing that was kind and obliging. Sincerely desirous to confer a benefit upon the colony over which he presided, he was most anxious that the expedition should be fitted out in as complete and efficient a manner as possible, and to effect this every assistance in his power was most frankly73 and freely offered. In addition to the sanction and patronage74 of the government and the contribution of 100 pounds, towards defraying the expenses, His Excellency most kindly offered me the selection of any two horses I pleased, from among those belonging to the police, and stated, that if I wished for the services of any of the men in the public employment they should be permitted to accompany me on the journey. The Colonial cutter, Waterwitch, was also most liberally offered, and thankfully accepted, to convey a part of the heavy stores and equipment to the head of Spencer’s Gulf75, that so far, the difficulties of the land journey to that point, at least, might be lessened76.
I was now fairly pledged to the undertaking, and as the winter was rapidly advancing, I became most anxious to get all preparations made as soon as possible to enable me to take advantage of the proper season. On the first of June I commenced the necessary arrangements for organizing my party, and getting ready the equipment required. To assist me in these duties, and to accompany me as a companion in the journey, I engaged Mr. Edward Bate77 Scott, an active, intelligent and steady young friend, who had already been a voyage with me to Western Australia, and had travelled with me overland from King George’s Sound to Swan River.
Meetings of the colonists interested in the undertaking were again held on the 2nd and 5th of June, at which subscriptions were entered into for carrying out the object of the expedition; and a brief outline of my plans was given by the Chairman, Captain Sturt, in the following extract from his address.
“The Chairman went on to state, that Mr. Eyre would first proceed to Lake Torrens and examine it, and then penetrate as far inland in a northerly direction as would be found practicable. With regard to an observation which he (the Chairman) had made on Friday evening, regarding this continent having been formerly78 an archipelago, he stated, that he was of opinion that a considerable space of barren land in all probability existed between this district and what had formerly been the next island. This space was likely to be barren, though of course it would be impossible to say how far it extended. He had every reason to believe, from what he had seen of the Australian continent, that at some distance to the northward, a large tract45 of barren country would be found, or perhaps a body of water, beyond which, a good country would in all probability exist. The contemplated expedition, he hoped would set supposition at rest — and as the season was most favourable, and Mr. Eyre had had much personal experience in exploring, he had no doubt but the expedition would be successful. The eyes of all the Australasian colonies — nay, he might say of Britain — are on the colonists of South Australia in this matter; and he felt confident that the result would be most beneficial, not only to this Province, but also to New South Wales and the Australian colonies generally — for the success of one settlement is, in a measure, the success of the others.”
An advertisement, published in the Adelaide Journals of 13th June, shewed the progress that had been made towards collecting subscriptions for the undertaking, and the spirited and zealous79 manner in which the colonists entered into the project. Up to that date the sum of 541 pounds 17 shillings 5 pence had been collected and paid into the Bank of Australia.
Having now secured the necessary co-operation and assistance, my arrangements proceeded rapidly and unremittingly, whilst the kindness of the Governor, the Committee of colonists, my private friends and the public generally, relieved me of many difficulties and facilitated my preparations in a manner such as I could hardly have hoped or expected. Every one seemed interested in the undertaking, and anxious to promote its success; zeal and energy and spirit were infused among all connected with it, and everything went on prosperously.
In addition to the valuable aid which I received from his Excellency the Governor, I was particularly indebted to Captain Frome the Surveyor-general, Captain Sturt the Assistant-commissioner, and Thomas Gilbert, Esq. the Colonial storekeeper, for unceasing kindness and attention, and for much important assistance rendered to me by the loan of books and instruments, the preparation of charts, and the fitting up of drays, etc. etc.
Captain Frome, too, now laid me under increased obligations by giving up his own servant, Corporal Coles of the Royal Sappers and Miners, upon my expressing a wish to take him with me, and the Governor sanctioning his going.
This man had accompanied Captain Grey in all his expeditions on the North-west coast of New Holland — and had been highly recommended by that traveller; he was a wheelwright by trade, and being a soldier was likely to prove a useful and valuable addition to my party; and I afterwards found him a most obliging, willing and attentive80 person.
To the Governor and to the Committee of colonists I owe many thanks, for the very flattering and gratifying confidence they reposed in me, a confidence which left me as unrestricted in my detail of outfit and equipment, as I was unfettered in my plan of operations in the field. This enabled me to avoid unnecessary delays, and to hasten every thing forward as rapidly as possible, so that when requested by the Governor to name a day for my departure I was enabled to fix upon the 18th of June.
Having already done all in their power to forward and assist the equipment and arrangement of the expedition, the Governor and Mrs. Gawler were determined still further to increase the heavy debt of gratitude81 which I was already under to them, by inviting82 myself and party to meet the friends of the expedition at Government House on the morning of our departure, that by a public demonstration83 of interest in our welfare, we might be encouraged in the undertaking upon which we were about to enter — and might be stimulated84 to brave the perils86 to which we should shortly be exposed, by a remembrance of the sympathy expressed in our behalf, and the pledge we should come under to the public upon leaving the abode87 of civilised man, for the unknown and trackless region which lay before us.
On the 15th of June I attended a meeting of the Committee, and presented for audit88 the accounts of the expenditure89 incurred90 up to that date. On the 16th I had a sale of all my private effects, furniture, etc. by auction91, and arranged my affairs in the best way that the very limited time at my disposal would permit.
The 17th found me still with plenty of work to do, as there were many little matters to attend to at the last, which the best exertions could not sooner set aside.
Mr. Scott, who ever since the commencement of our preparations, had been most indefatigable92 and useful in his exertions, was even still more severely93 tasked on this day; at night, however, we were all amply rewarded, by seeing every thing completely and satisfactorily arranged — the bustle94, confusion, and excitement over, and our drays all loaded, and ready to commence on the morrow a journey of which the length, the difficulty, and the result, were all a problem yet to be solved.
In the short space of seventeen days from the first commencement of our preparations, we had completely organized and fully equipped a party for interior exploration. Every thing had been done in that short time men hired, horses sought out and selected, drays prepared, saddlery, harness, and the thousand little things required on such journeys, purchased, fitted and arranged. In that short time too, the Colonists had subscribed and collected the sum of five hundred pounds towards defraying the expenses, exclusive of the Government contribution of 100 pounds.
Unfortunately, at the time the expedition was undertaken, every thing in South Australia was excessively dear, and the cost of its outfit was therefore much greater in 1840, than it would have been any year since that period; nine horses (including a Timor pony95, subsequently procured96 at Port Lincoln) cost 682 pounds 10 shillings, whilst all other things were proportionably expensive. After the expedition had terminated and the men’s wages and other expenses had been paid, the gross outlay97 amounted to 1391 pounds 0 shillings 7 pence: — of this
Amount of Donation from Government was 100 00 00
Amount of Subscriptions of the Colonists 582 04 09
Sale of the Drays and part of the Equipment 28 00 00
Amount paid by myself 680 15 10
>Total 1391 00 07
In addition to this expenditure, considerable as it was, there were very many things obtained from various sources, which though of great value did not come into the outlay already noted98. Among these were two horses supplied by the Government, and three supplied by myself, making with the nine bought for 682 pounds 10 shillings, a total of fourteen horses. The very valuable services of the cutters “Hero” and “Waterwitch,” were furnished by the Government; who also supplied all our arms and ammunition99, with a variety of other stores. From my many friends I received donations of books and instruments, and I was myself enabled to supply from my own resources a portion of the harness, saddlery, tools, and tarpaulins100, together with a light cart and a tent.
June 18. — Calling my party up early, I ordered the horses to be harnessed, and yoked101 to the drays, at half past nine the whole party, (except the overseer who was at a station up the country) proceeded to Government House, where the drays were halted for the men to partake of a breakfast kindly provided for them by His Excellency and Mrs. Gawler, whilst myself and Mr. Scott joined the very large party invited to meet us in the drawing room.
The following account of the proceedings102 of the morning, taken from the South Australian Register, of the 20th June, may perhaps be read with interest; at least it will shew the disinterested spirit and enterprising character of the colonists of South Australia, even at this early stage of its history, and especially how much the members of our little party were indebted to the kindness and good feeling of the Governor and colonists, who were anxious to cheer and stimulate85 us under the difficulties and trails we had to encounter, by their earnest wishes and prayers for our safety and success.
Exploratory Expedition to the Centre of New Holland
The arrangements for the expedition into the interior, undertaken by Mr. Eyre, having been completed, His Excellency the Governor and Mrs. Gawler issued cards to a number of the principal colonists and personal friends of Mr. Eyre, to meet him at Government House on the morning of his departure. On Thursday last accordingly (the anniversary of Waterloo, in which His Excellency and the gallant103 52nd bore so conspicuous104 a part) a very large party of ladies and gentlemen assembled. After an elegant Dejeuner a la Fourchette, His Excellency the Governor rose and spoke105 as nearly as we could collect, as follows: —
“We are assembled to promote one of the most important undertakings that remain to be accomplished106 on the face of the globe — the discovery of the interior of Australia. As Captain Sturt in substance remarked in a recent lecture, of the five great divisions of the earth, Europe is well known; Asia and America have been generally searched out; the portion that remains107 to be known of Africa is generally unfavourable for Europeans, and probably unfit for colonization108; but Australia, our great island continent, with a most favourable climate, still remains unpenetrated, mysterious, and unknown. Without doing injustice109 to the enterprising attempts of Oxley, Sturt, and Mitchell, I must remark that they were commenced from a very unfavourable point — from the eastern and almost south-eastern extremity110 of the island — and consequently the great interior still remains untouched by them, the south-eastern corner alone having been investigated. As Captain Sturt some years since declared, this Province is the point from which expeditions to the deep interior should set out. This principle, I know, has been acknowledged by scientific men in Europe; and it is most gratifying to see the spirit with which our Colonists on the present occasion have answered to the claim which their position imposes upon them. Mr. Eyre goes forth111 this day, to endeavour to plant the British flag — the flag which in the whole world has “braved for a thousand years the battle and the breeze” — on the tropic of Capricorn (as nearly as possible in 135 degrees or 136 degrees of longitude) in the very centre of our island continent. On this day twenty-five years since, commencing almost at this very hour, the British flag braved indeed the battle, and at length floated triumphant112 in victory on the field of Waterloo. May a similar glorious success attend the present undertaking! Mr. Eyre goes forth to brave a battle of a different kind, but which in the whole, may present dangers equal to those of Waterloo. May triumph crown his efforts, and may the British flag, planted by him in the centre of Australia, wave for another thousand years over the pence and prosperity of the mighty population which immigration is pouring in upon us! Of the immediate30 results of his journey, no one, indeed, can at present form a solid conjecture113. Looking to the dark side, he may traverse a country useless to man; but contemplating114 the bright side, and remembering that but a few years since Sturt, setting off on an equally mysterious course, laid the foundation for the large community in which we dwell, it is in reason to hope that Mr. Eyre will discover a country which may derive115 support from us, and increase the prosperity of our Province. I must express my gratification at the manner in which this enterprise, noble, let its results be what they may, has been supported by our colonists at large. It is a greater honor to be at the head of the government of a colony of enlightened and enterprising men, than at that of an empire of enslaved and ignorant beings in the form of men. I count it so. May the zeal which has been exhibited in the colony in the promotion116 of every good and useful work ever continue. Some ladies of Adelaide have worked a British union Jack117 for Mr. Eyre. Captain Sturt will be their representative to present it to him. After that we will adjourn118 to the opposite rooms to invoke119 a blessing120 on the enterprise. All here, and I believe the whole colony, give to Mr. Eyre their best wishes, but to good wishes right-minded men always add fervent121 prayers. There is an Almighty122 invisible Being in whose hands are all events — man may propose, but it is for God only to dispose — let us therefore implore123 his protection.”
“The Hon. Captain Sturt then received a very handsome union Jack, neatly124 worked in silk; and presenting it to Mr. Eyre, spoke nearly as follows: —
“It cannot but be gratifying to me to be selected on such an occasion as this, to perform so prominent a part in a duty the last a community can discharge towards one who, like you, is about to risk your life for its good. I am to deliver to you this flag, in the name of the ladies who made it, with their best wishes for your success, and their earnest prayers for your safety. This noble colour, the ensign of our country, has cheered the brave on many an occasion. It has floated over every shore of the known world, and upon every island of the deep. But you have to perform a very different, and a more difficult duty. You have to carry it to the centre of a mighty continent, there to leave it as a sign to the savage125 that the footstep of civilized126 man has penetrated so far. Go forth, then, on your journey, with a full confidence in the goodness of Providence; and may Heaven direct your steps to throw open the fertility of the interior, not only for the benefit of the Province, but of our native country; and may the moment when you unfurl this colour for the purpose for which it was given to you, be as gratifying to you as the present.”
“Mr. Eyre, visibly and deeply affected127, returned his warmest thanks, and expressed his sense of the kindness he had received on the present occasion. He hoped to be able to plant the flag he had just received in the centre of this continent. If he failed, he should, he hoped, have the cousciousness of having earnestly endeavoured to succeed. To His Excellency the Governor, his sincere thanks were due for the promptitude with which so much effectual assistance to the expedition had been rendered. Mr. Eyre also begged leave to return his thanks to the Colonists who had so liberally supported the enterprise; and concluded by expressing his trust that, through the blessing of God, he would be enabled to return to them with a favourable report of the country into which he was about to penetrate.
“The company then returned to the library and drawing-room, where the Colonial Chaplain, the Rev43. C. B. Howard, offered up an affecting and appropriate prayer, and at twelve precisely128, Mr. Eyre, accompanied by a very large concourse of gentlemen on horseback, left Government House, under the hearty129 parting cheers of the assembled party.”
Leaving Government House under the hearty cheers of the very large concourse assembled to witness our departure outside the grounds; Mr. Scott, myself, and two native boys (the drays having previously130 gone on) proceeded on horseback on our route, accompanied by a large body of gentlemen on horseback, and ladies in carriages, desirous of paying us the last kind tribute of friendship by a farewell escort of a few miles.
At first leaving Government House we had moved on at a gentle canter, but were scarcely outside the gates, before the cheering of the people, the waving of hats, and the rush of so many horses, produced an emulation131 in the noble steeds that almost took from us the control of their pace, as we dashed over the bridge and up the hill in North Adelaide — it was a heart-stirring and inspiriting scene. Carried away by the enthusiasm of the moment, our thoughts and feelings were wrought132 to the highest state of excitement.
The time passed rapidly away, the first few miles were soon travelled over, — then came the halt, — the parting, — the last friendly cheer; — and we were alone in the wilderness133. Our hearts were too full for conversation, and we wended on our way slowly and in silence to overtake the advance party.
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westward
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briefly
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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13
hazardous
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| adj.(有)危险的，冒险的；碰运气的 | |
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14
arduous
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| adj.艰苦的，费力的，陡峭的 | |
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15
reposed
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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sanguine
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| adj.充满希望的，乐观的，血红色的 | |
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exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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18
allude
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| v.提及，暗指 | |
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19
interfering
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| adj. 妨碍的 动词interfere的现在分词 | |
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20
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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21
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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22
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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23
engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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24
eastward
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| adv.向东；adj.向东的；n.东方，东部 | |
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25
herds
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| 兽群( herd的名词复数 )； 牧群； 人群； 群众 | |
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26
ass
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| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
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27
depots
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| 仓库( depot的名词复数 )； 火车站； 车库； 军需库 | |
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28
depot
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| n.仓库，储藏处；公共汽车站；火车站 | |
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29
eligible
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| adj.有条件被选中的；(尤指婚姻等)合适(意)的 | |
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30
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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31
treasurer
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| n.司库，财务主管 | |
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32
commissioner
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| n.（政府厅、局、处等部门）专员，长官，委员 | |
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33
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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34
lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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35
hack
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| n.劈，砍，出租马车；v.劈，砍，干咳 | |
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36
undertakings
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| 企业( undertaking的名词复数 )； 保证； 殡仪业； 任务 | |
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37
embark
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| vi.乘船，着手，从事，上飞机 | |
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38
disinterested
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| adj.不关心的，不感兴趣的 | |
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39
harassing
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| v.侵扰，骚扰( harass的现在分词 )；不断攻击（敌人） | |
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40
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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41
transit
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| n.经过，运输；vt.穿越，旋转；vi.越过 | |
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42
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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43
rev
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| v.发动机旋转，加快速度 | |
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44
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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45
tract
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| n.传单，小册子，大片(土地或森林) | |
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46
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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47
accruing
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| v.增加( accrue的现在分词 )；（通过自然增长）产生；获得；（使钱款、债务）积累 | |
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48
geographical
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| adj.地理的；地区(性)的 | |
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49
scarcity
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| n.缺乏，不足，萧条 | |
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50
denseness
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| 稠密，密集，浓厚； 稠度 | |
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51
northward
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| adv.向北；n.北方的地区 | |
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52
penetrate
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| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
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53
recesses
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| n.壁凹( recess的名词复数 )；（工作或业务活动的）中止或暂停期间；学校的课间休息；某物内部的凹形空间v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的第三人称单数 )；将（墙）做成凹形，在（墙）上做壁龛；休息，休会，休庭 | |
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54
toils
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| 网 | |
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55
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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56
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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57
intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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58
enjoyments
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| 愉快( enjoyment的名词复数 )； 令人愉快的事物； 享有； 享受 | |
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59
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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60
pestilence
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| n.瘟疫 | |
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61
persevering
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| a.坚忍不拔的 | |
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62
perseverance
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| n.坚持不懈，不屈不挠 | |
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63
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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64
penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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65
expended
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| v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 )；使用（钱等）做某事；用光；耗尽 | |
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66
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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67
vouchsafes
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| v.给予，赐予( vouchsafe的第三人称单数 )；允诺 | |
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68
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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69
subscribed
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| v.捐助( subscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；签署，题词；订阅；同意 | |
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70
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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71
lasting
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| adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持 | |
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72
posterity
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| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
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73
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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74
patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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75
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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76
lessened
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| 减少的，减弱的 | |
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77
bate
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| v.压制；减弱；n.（制革用的）软化剂 | |
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78
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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79
zealous
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| adj.狂热的，热心的 | |
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80
attentive
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| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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81
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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82
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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83
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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84
stimulated
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| a.刺激的 | |
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85
stimulate
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| vt.刺激，使兴奋；激励，使…振奋 | |
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86
perils
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| 极大危险( peril的名词复数 )； 危险的事（或环境） | |
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87
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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88
audit
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| v.审计；查帐；核对；旁听 | |
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89
expenditure
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| n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出；使用，消耗 | |
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90
incurred
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| [医]招致的，遭受的； incur的过去式 | |
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91
auction
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| n.拍卖；拍卖会；vt.拍卖 | |
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92
indefatigable
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| adj.不知疲倦的，不屈不挠的 | |
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93
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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94
bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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95
pony
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| adj.小型的；n.小马 | |
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96
procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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97
outlay
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| n.费用，经费，支出；v.花费 | |
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98
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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99
ammunition
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| n.军火，弹药 | |
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100
tarpaulins
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| n.防水帆布，防水帆布罩( tarpaulin的名词复数 ) | |
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101
yoked
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| 结合（yoke的过去式形式） | |
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102
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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103
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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104
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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105
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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106
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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107
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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108
colonization
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| 殖民地的开拓，殖民，殖民地化； 移殖 | |
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109
injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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110
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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111
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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112
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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113
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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114
contemplating
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| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
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115
derive
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| v.取得；导出；引申；来自；源自；出自 | |
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116
promotion
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| n.提升，晋级；促销，宣传 | |
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117
jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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118
adjourn
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| v.（使）休会，（使）休庭 | |
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119
invoke
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| v.求助于(神、法律)；恳求，乞求 | |
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120
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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121
fervent
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| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
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122
almighty
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| adj.全能的，万能的；很大的，很强的 | |
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123
implore
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| vt.乞求，恳求，哀求 | |
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124
neatly
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| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
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125
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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126
civilized
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| a.有教养的，文雅的 | |
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127
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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128
precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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129
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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130
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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131
emulation
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| n.竞争；仿效 | |
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132
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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133
wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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