Ferdinand von Mueller

Intercolonial Exhibition, Melbourne, 1866-7.

Enclosed with MS is a clipping from Age (Melbourne), 22 February 1867, p. 5, headed ‘The Search for Leichardt’. The first part of this article is a report of actions taken during the Ladies' Leichhardt Search Expedition following the death of the leader of the expedition, Duncan McIntyre, and his deputy William Sloman who was appointed to succeed him. It begins with a quotation from a letter of William Landsborough (addressee not stated, but likely to be M), from the Burke settlement, Gulf of Carpentaria (Qld), and adds details of the health and plans of the party that may be drawn from Landsborough's letter. This is followed by text that may be summarizing information given in letters written by Duncan McIntyre's brother Donald to Donald Campbell and M (see Donald McIntyre to M, December 1866 (in this edition as 66-12-00d), and then a summary of a letter written by Donald McIntyre from Dalgannally station (Qld) on 22 December 1866, the addressee of which is not given, In which McIntyre expresses sorrow at the death of William Sloman, and is quoted as saying that 'Mr Barnett will start from his camp in a few days, fully equipped for the contract time', and that 'a female camel died a few days ago from the effects of a snake bite'.

The remainder of the article, which is clearly separated from the earlier part and its addressee identified in an otherwise equivalent report in Herald (Melbourne), 22 February 1867, p. 3, is a letter from W. F. Barnett to the Ladies’ Leichhardt Search Committee, as follows:

Camp, Ladies' Leichhardt Search Party, Julia Creek, Carpentaria, 21st December, 1866. — To the Committee, Ladies' Leichhardt Search Expedition. — Ladies, — I have the honor to inform you that in consequence of the death of Mr W. T. Sloman, the late leader of the expedition, Mr Donald M'Intyre has appointed me for that position, which appointment, I trust, will meet your gracious approval. Mr Sloman followed several of the Gulf waters, but did not succeed in discovering any further traces of Leichhardt. It was on his return near the junction of the Alexander and Leitchhardt [sic] rivers, that, according to Dr. White's report, a coup de soleil, acting upon an organic disease of the heart, caused his death in a few hours. Mr Donald M'Intyre has already communicated to his family this sad loss. I intend to follow out, so far as I know and am able, the intentions of our late gallant and much to be lamented leader Duncan M'Intyre, deeming those to be the best to find traces of Leichhardt. But to complete the search I shall not have time, unless some unforeseen and happy discovery should take place en route. I beg to report the death of a female camel, caused by the bite of a snake. This is unfortunate; but for accidents of this kind there is no help. Also I may inform you of the birth of four young ones, who are doing well. This country is admirable for these valuable animals, there being an abundance of the food they are most fond of. It is with pleasure that I beg to inform you that the camels and horses are in splendid condition, which reflects much credit upon those who have had the charge of them; in fact all the properties of the expedition are very complete ad in good order. The services of Dr. White will be a great boon to the party, especially as by his kind and unassuming manners he has gained the confidence of us all. Mr M'Calman will also accompany us, whose services will be of much advantage, as knowing him of old, I can entirely depend anything that is given him to do will be done well. There has been plenty of rain and the country is in splendid condition, I do not fear for the want of water during my intended journey. Indeed, I may be troubled with too much of it, as it is impossible to travel this country for several days after storms, and these we may expect at this season of the year. I hope to be starting very shortly, and be assured, ladies, I shall use my utmost endeavors to gain your favor by fulfilling the trust reposed in me. Sincerely wishing to be able ere long to send you the news of some pleasing discovery. Your obedient servant,

(Signed) W. FRED. BARNETT.

The Governor of WA at the time was J. S. Hampton. MS annotation by Barlee: 'Answd private note | F.P.B. | 15:3:67.' Letter not found.

Note by M on a separate sheet.