Carron's Narrative of Kennedy's Cape York Expedition

This is a reproduction of William Carron's record of the ill-fated Kennedy expedition to Cape York in far north Queensland; the original was first published in 1849.
reviewed: 4wd.sofcom.com/Books/Books.html

Edmund Kennedy led the first expedition to seek a route to the tip of Cape York. The account was written by William Carron, the expedition's botanist, and one of its three survivors. Most of Carron's notes were lost during the expedition and perhaps as a consequence much of the story, which was reconstructed later, has a doomed air although the group must surely have set out in an atmosphere of great optimism.

Twelve European Australians and an aboriginal guide, Jackey, who became the hero of the piece, were delivered to Rockingham Bay by ship with their supplies, carts, and horses in June 1848. Initial progress was slow, the carts proving difficult in crossing swamps and rivers. Later, some members of the expedition fell ill. In mid August irregularities were discovered in the sharing out of rations and Carron took over this duty.

Numerous groups of Aborigines were seen, some friendly, others threatening and in some of the encounters spears were thrown and shots were returned. For example 9 Oct (p60) "a great many natives came in all directions and making a great noise" ... "followed us at some distance, continually throwing spears after us for some time".

By 13 November (p66) Kennedy, Jackey and three others struck out in an attempt to reach the Cape quickly and bring help, leaving the weaker members near Weymouth Bay. Douglas, one of the Cape party, accidentally shot himself so Kennedy and Jackey left the three men at `Pudding Pan Hill' Shelburne Bay and pressed on. Nearing the tip of the cape, Kennedy was fatally speared. Jackey buried him and managed to slip away down what was later named the Escape River where he was taken on board a waiting ship and directed the rescuers. The three men at Pudding Pan Hill were not found, presumed dead. The ship then proceeded to Weymouth Bay, rescuing Carron and Godard, the others having died of illness and starvation.

The book is a hard-back of 125 pages and is an important piece of Australian history, reproduced by Corkwood Press in 1996. There is a six page preface by Les Hiddins, aka the Bush Tucker Man. pp1-80 are Carron's account, pp81-125 include statements by Jackey and members of the recue ship. A fold-out map is included. The modern day 4WD traveller heading north on the Development Road will cross Kennedy's route after Laura after which Kennedy stayed fairly close to the east coast.

- Larry Stanley

Go to the Jardine, Book and Queensland pages