OVERLAND EXPEDITION. 163 



pale and emaciated, with hag-gard looks attesting- 

 the misery and privations they had undergone, 

 and with low trembling' voices, they g'ave their 

 evidence. 



It would appear that their difficulties commenced 

 at the outset, as many weeks passed before they got 

 clear of Rockingham Bay, its rivers, swamps, and 

 dense scrubs, fenced in by a mountain chain. Six 

 weeks elapsed before they were enabled to pursue a 

 northerly course, the scrubs or dense brushes still 

 continuing', requiring- the party to cut their way. 

 The carts were abandoned on July 18th, and the 

 horses were packed. Sickness early made its 

 appearance, the stock of provisions was getting- low, 

 the horses long failing in strength were dying of 

 weakness, and their flesh was used as food. 



On November 10th, or upwards of five months 

 after leaving Rockingham Bay, having made less 

 than 400 miles in a direct line towards their 

 destination, and three of the party having been 

 completely knocked up, and the remainder in a feeble 

 state ; nineteen of their horses dead, and their pro- 

 visions reduced to one sheep, fortj^-sLs pounds of 

 flour, and less than one pound of tea, — Mr. Kennedy 

 resolved to form a light party consisting- of himself, 

 three men, and the aboriginal Jackey Jackey, and 

 push on for Cape York, distant about 150 miles, to 

 procure assistance for the remainder, and save them 

 from impending death by the combined influences of 

 sickness, exhaustion, and starvation. 

 M 2 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



