Part 37 (1/2)

11th May (Sunday)

12th May

Preparingfor the Expedition to the Albert River

THE TOM TOUGH REFITTED

14th May

Preparingcharcoal for the forge, preparing horse-shoes At 6 ph One of the boys belonging to the schooner was brought to the ca froh had been moored below the shoals, and was now moored in a secure position below Curiosity Peak All the leaks had been secured, and she now only made about half an inch of water per hour The crew of the vessel have been so much reduced by sickness that it will be necessary to sendthe vessel and procure a supply of wood and water As it is necessary to replace the stores destroyed or dah should proceed to the Gulf of Carpentaria via Coupang, in the island of Tiar can be procured for the Expedition, and the vessel will be enabled to complete her stores It appears desirable that the land party should refit with all possible despatch for the journey to the Gulf of Carpentaria, in order to take advantage of the cool season, and there is reason to expect that the horses will be sufficiently recruited in strength towards the end of June I am, therefore, in hope that the party will be able to leave the Victoria before the expiration of the ensuing month A s and bartered a few trifles, and then retired

15th May

Continued preparation of maps; party employed in preparations for the journey to the Gulf of Carpentaria, ca found that the pork had been sothe late journey, I made so the preserved fresh beef with flour in equal proportions, with satisfactory results, as the reduction in weight by baking was 33 per cent

16th May

Party employed as before

17th May

Party employed as before

18th May (Sunday)

19th May

Messrs Wilson, Elsey, and Mueller being desirous of proceeding up the Baines River to collect speciements for the same, and they therefore proceeded in the boat with Phibbs, Humphries, and Shewell to the schooner; the o of stores; and Messrs Wilson, Elsey, and Mueller were to proceed up Baines' River in the small boat which they were to obtain froe of the sheep; Macdonald cook during the week; Bow saddle-bags and harness; Fahey and Selby burning charcoal and general camp duties

20th May

Party employed as before The weather continues fine, with southerly winds

21st May

Party employed as before

22nd May

Party employed as before At noon the boat returned from the schooner with stores; Captain Gourlay also ca to the camp; he informed me that the schooner now only made ten inches of water per day, and that she would be ready for sea so soon as the upper seams were caulked, and that he considered her perfectly seaworthy for the purpose of the expedition

23rd May

Party employed as before

24th May