Gregory Blaxland. Copy of journal of expedition across Blue Mountains in New South Wales (18pp.), 11 May 1813-06 June 1813

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File 1

Content Summary:

The journal describes the journey on horseback that Blaxland made with William Lawson and William Wentworth across the Blue Mountains. On the first day they crossed the Nepean River and camped at the foot of the first ridge of mountains. The entries mainly record the distances covered, bearings in relation to Prospect Hill, Mount Banks and other landmarks, the terrain, the vegetation, and the difficulties they encountered as they ascended the mountains. There are references to discoveries of rivers, sightings of kangaroos, Aboriginal tracks, and their deteriorating physical condition of the three explorers. On 28 May they camped on the edge of a precipice (Mount York) and on 31 May they saw 'forest land all around them sufficient to feed the Stock of the colony for the next thirty years'. They began the return journey on 1 June.

A letter is bound with the manuscript:

Gregory Blaxland to James Chapman (Colonial Office), 7 June 1815: sends his journal of the expedition across the Blue Mountains; progress with his vineyard; requests a consignment of best common grapes.

A slightly variant copy of the journal is reproduced in George Mackaness, ed. Fourteen journeys over the Blue Mountains of New South Wales 1813-1841 (Sydney, 1965).

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