Sir Edward Paget
Leichhardt sailed from Cork, Ireland on the 26th October 1841 in the Sir Edward Paget under captain Tait with 248 other emigrants
arriving in Sydney, Australia on 14th February 1842.
Following is a time series history of Leichhardt’s travels in the colony
with information on relic discoveries dating from 2014 to the present.
It must be stated that as of 2023 nothing has been found “thus far” that absolutely proves where and when Leichhardt’s team met their demise although there are some tantalising clues at the end.
The Early Days
After a 4 month voyage Leichhardt arrived in the colony filled with ambition to make a name for himself in science and exploration not only in Australia but Europe as well. This young colony of Australia presented endless opportunities for a young scientist, a strange land to be explored, measured, mapped and described, Leichhardt left an indelible mark and his name now immortalised across the breadth of Australia identifying rivers, suburbs, aircraft, coins, stamps, mountain ranges, insects, plants and so on.
Leichhardt arguably one of Australia’s pre eminent scientists had an incredible work ethic continuously exploring, discovering and documenting everything that came before him. He was a Geographer, Geologist, Botanist, medically trained (not a qualified doctor), Philosopher and Linguist.
He could be described at best a generalist and not a specialist in any given area of science.
Leichhardt initially took up residence with Stephen Hale Alonzo Marsh in Bligh Street, Sydney. Renting a room large enough to assemble his botanical collections costing 30 shillings a week. Although the rent was expensive the location in the middle of Sydney was attractive due to the social connections quickly made with the Sydney social elite and emancipists. Leichhardt armed with a letter of introduction from Richard Owens to then Surveyor General Sir Thomas Mitchell established an early connection with a notable explorer. Other social connections formed with former passengers on the voyage were Captain Benjamin Marlow, Lieut. Colonel George Barney and wife Portia, John Skinner Prout, James Snowden Calvert, James Murphy, Heinrich Boecking and Robert Lynd (Officer).
By April 1842 Leichhardt was deeply in love with a Marianne Marlow daughter of Capt Benjamin Marlow, this relationship was not to be like the previous relationships with Charlotte Bock and Lucy Nicholson. Leichhardt tried to work teaching languages and maths in Sydney however his exacting standards didn’t make for good teacher student relationships. By June 1842 Leichhardt had an offer of free boards and lodgings with Lt Robert Lynd at the George Street barracks leaving the home of Stephen Marsh and the expense behind.
Lynd is described by Colin Roderick as introspective, vain, a hypochondriac and restless. Leichhardt internally questioned the arrangements where he perceived he may have exchanged dependance on William Nicholson with Robert Lynd, regardless they had more in common than not, Botany, German language, poetry and the natural sciences. Leichhardt free from the pressure of money for living gave him endless opportunity to start a botanical collection, socialise with the gentry and start wanderings initially around Sydney.
As result Leichhardt’s botanising around Sydney he collected enough specimens to give a series of Botanical lectures attended by 25 + people, Leichhardt was concerned about the efficacy of the the lectures however the real gains were making connections with leading citizens which immediately expanded his horizons and trips north of Sydney to the Hunter Valley and beyond, this also had the opportunity placing Marianne further from his mind and broken heart.
Pre 1844 Leichhardt Travels
Reference journals and reports.
(1.01) Journal of an Overland Expedition in Australia 1844- 1845
(1.02) Daniel Bunce Journal 1846 - 1847, Ist attempt at Trans Australia crossing East to West.
(1.03) Leichhardt journey to the Maranoa news media article Sydney Morning Herald October 11th 1847
(1.03) Leichhardt’s report on journey to the Maranoa 1847
(1.02) John Frederick Mann report 1846-47 Ist Attempt at Trans Australia crossing East to West
Leichhardt Letters and Documents
Expedition Members
(1.01 and 1.02) Harry Brown 1819-1854.
(1.02 and 1.03) Daniel Bunce1813 - 1872