Australian Explorers
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John McDouall Stuart - Second Expedition - Introduction

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Category: John McDouall Stuart - Second Expedition

Written by Laurie McArthur

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The purpose of the second expedition of John McDouall Stuart was to survey his proposed run at Chambers Creek (Stuart Creek).

Traveling with 14 horses,  Mr Stuart was accompanied by three men: David Hergott the botanist, and two stockmen, Louis Muller, and Campbell.

On completion of the survey, Stuart explored further to the north west, finding more good country. 

Although finding water was quite difficult on a few occasions, John McDouall Stuart's second expedition lacked the privations and suffering of his first expedition.

On this and subsequent expeditions, Stuart traveled up the east side of Lake Torrens, between Lake Torrens and the Flinders Ranges, bearing north west between Lake Torrens and Lake Eyre South to Chambers Creek.

Chambers Creek became an invaluable staging point for all of Stuart's expeditions.

Ironically John McDouall Stuart never fully took up his Chambers Creek run. Driven to explore and cross the continent, ill health eventually forced Stuart to sell his Chambers Creek run to Mr Barker, possibly the same Mr Barker who started out with him on the first expedition.

Saturday, 2nd April, 1859.

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Category: John McDouall Stuart - Second Expedition

Written by John McDouall Stuart

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Saturday, 2nd April, 1859. Started from Mr. Glen's for St. A'Becket's Pool, where we camped. This water hole is a large one, and likely to last a long time. The country around is good--a large salt bush and grassy plain, with upwards of 300 cattle feeding upon it. Found the native cucumber growing.

Sunday, 3rd April.

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Category: John McDouall Stuart - Second Expedition

Written by John McDouall Stuart

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Sunday, 3rd April. Shortly after sunrise started from St. A'Becket's Pool, over low sand hills with large valleys between, well grassed, as described by Mr. Parry. Camped about two miles to the north-east of it, in a polyganum and grassy valley.

Monday, 4th April.

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Category: John McDouall Stuart - Second Expedition

Written by John McDouall Stuart

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Monday, 4th April. The saddles injuring our horses' backs, we must stop and repair them. Herrgott and I rode to Shamrock Pool. There is still water there. It may last about a month, but it is not permanent.

Tuesday, 5th April.

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Category: John McDouall Stuart - Second Expedition

Written by John McDouall Stuart

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Tuesday, 5th April. The horses could not be found before noon. One of them has lost a shoe, which will require to be put on. It is too late to start to-day for St. Francis' Ponds, the distance being thirty-two miles, and no water between. I deem it advisable to remain until to-morrow.