Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Monday 14 July 1851, page 2


POOR LEICHHARDT.

In looking over some old letters on Saturday, we find the following from Leichhardt, being the last letter which he wrote before he plunged into the unknown wilderness. Let us hope that his pious aspiration for the protection of the Almighty may have been heard, and that he may yet be rescued from the wilds, and gladden the hearts of his numerous friends by once more returning among us.

I take the last opportunity of giving you an account of my progress. For eleven days we travelled from Mr. Birell's Station, on the Condamine, to Mr. Macpher-son's, on the Fitz Roy Downs. Though the country was occasionally very difficult, yet everything went on well. My mules are in excellent order, my companions in excellent spirits. Three of my cattle are footsore, but I shall kill one of them to night to lay in our neces-sary stock of dried beef.

The Fitz Hoy Downs, over which we travelled for about twenty-two miles from east to west, is indeed a splendid region, and Sir Thomas has not exaggerated their beauty in his account. The soil is pebbly and sound, richly grassed, and, to judge from the myall, of most fattening quality. I came right on Mount Abun-dance, and passed over a gap of it with my whole train. My latitude agreed well with Mitchell's. I fear that this absence of water on Fitz Roy Downs will render this

fine country, to a great degree, unavailable. I observe the thermometer daily at 6 A M. aud P.M., which are the only convenient hours. I have tried the wet thermometer, but I am afraid my observations will be very deficient. I shall, however improve on them, as I proceed. The only serious accident that has happened was the loss of a spade; but we are fortunate enough to make it up on this station, where the superintendent is going to spare

us one of his.

Though the days are still very hot, the beautiful clear nights are cool and benumb the musquitoes, which have ceased to trouble us. Myriads of flies are the only annoyance we have.

Seeing how much I have been favoured in my present progress, I am full of hopes that our Almighty pro-tector will allow me to bring my darling scheme to a

successful termination.

Your most sincere friend,

LUDWIG LEICHHARDT.

Mr. Macpherson's Station, Cogoon,

April 3, 1848.