Paul Edmund Strzelecki and James Macarthur - Sydney to Mt. Kosciusko via Adelong 1840

Paul Edmund Strzelecki : Adelong 1840 | In Australia 1839-43 | Stamps & Covers | In Australia (video) | W.B. Clarke | Eugene von Guerard print 1866 |

Paul Edmund Strzelecki c.1845.

Contents

1. Who was first?
2. Chronology
3. McMillan Dinner
4. Macarthur's reply
5. References

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Abstract: During February - March 1840 the Paul Edmund Strzelecki - James Macarthur expedition to Wilson's Promontory on the west coast of Victoria passed through Adelong. After reaching and naming Mount Kosciusko it  went on to encounter the then unnamed Gippsland region, and finally on to Melbourne. Controversy subsequently arose in 1856 concerning the claim to "discovery of Gippsland" by Angus McMillan. Macarthur subsequently intervened to put forward a claim on the part of himself and Strzelecki. The Strzelecki - Macarthur personal and profession connection was emphasised during a brief stay in the Adelong region of New South Wales whilst en route south. Both the known details of the Adelong visit, and related elements of the Gippsland discovery claim, are addressed in the following article.

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1. Who was first?

James Macarthur

During 1856 a controversy arose in Australia as to the claim of "discovery" of the Gippsland area of Victoria. Of course, in the light of 2026 rationality, the term is a bit of a joke, as the Indigenous Australians had lived in the country for at least 110,000 years, so therefore any claim of "discovery" was tempered by this fact. Obviously it had already been done. In addition, various escaped convicts and others had entered lands outside of the settlements at Sydney and Melbourne during the immediate decades prior to government releasing the land for purchase or grant in the 1840s.

So who was the first non-Indigenous person to "discover" the Gippsland? We will probably never know. However, two individuals who made claim at the time to some sort of recognition were the ambitious free settlers James Macarthur and Angus McMillan. Both had explored the area or "settled" it prior to official recognition of any claims. The dispute was minor, and eventually faded into history. In fact, Macarthur became more famous as a colleague of the Polish explorer and scientist Paul Edmund Strzelecki in his journey during 1840 to be the first non-Indigenous person to climb and name Australia's highest peak - Mount Kosciusko. This is referred to in his letter below originally published in the Melbourne Argus on 14 March 1856, written in response to the claim that Angus McMillan was sole discoverer of Gippsland. Players in this story include the following:

• Folan / Keena, James - Irish servant of Strzelecki
• Jacky - Aboriginal guide
• Kent, John - convict servant of James Macarthur
• Macarthur, James (1798-1867) - free settler of Sydney and Ellerslie station
• McAlister, Lachlan (1797-1855) - free settler at Taralga and friend of James Macarthur
• McAlister, Mr M., - the "young" Mr McAlister, likely son of Lachlan.
• McKay, Hector (d.1856) - James Macarthur's overseer at Ellerslie and later settler at Bacchus Marsh
• McMillan, Angus (1810-1865) - free settler of Welaregang station
• Riley, James (d.1892) - friend of James Macarthur and Victorian settler
• Strzelecki, Paul Edmund (1797-1873) - Polish scientist and explorer
• Tara / Tarra, Charlie (d.1847) - Aboriginal guide of Taralga
• Unnamed Negro servant of James Macarthur
• Up to six pack horses

Various unnamed Australian Aboriginal people assisted the Strezlecki expedition on its journey to Western Port.

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2. Chronology

The following chronology provides details in regards to the Strzelecki - Macarthur expedition's visit to Adelong, plus the subsequent 1856 claim to the "discoverer of the Gippsland" title. 

1839

* 27 December - Paul Edmund Strzelecki leaves Camden Park, the Macarthur family property located southwest of Sydney. He subsequently travels [possibly] to the Illawarra and southward towards Goulburn, possibly by the Shoalhaven and Bundanoon, exploring and gathering scientific information on the way. He aims to eventually meet up with James Macarthur as they head south towards Victoria.

1840

* 17 January - James Macarthur leaves Vineyard, Parramatta, with John Riley and an Aboriginal man from Taralga whose name was Charlie Tarra, plus 2 convict servants.

* 20 January - Phillip Gidley King writes to John Hay re Strzelecki. Given to him at Bogolong.

* 5 February - Strezlecki and servant plus pack horse join Macarthur and Riley at Gunong [Gunning] Goulburn Plains, west of Breadalbane and to the north of Lake George.

* 11 February - The party arrives at Macarthur's stations near the Tumut and carry out lambing.

* 21 February - Party arrives at Ellerslie [Adelong]. Shortly thereafter Macarthur dispatches a party under Hector McKay to Melbourne.

* 26, 28, 29 February - Strzelecki undertakes temperature readings at Ellerslie.

* 2 March - Strzelecki leaves Ellerslie, accompanied by James Macarthur, James Riley, Charles Tara and two convict servants, heading south and then southeasterly towards Wilson's Promontory.

* 6 March - Sketches taken by Macarthur and Riley at or near John Hay's and Mr. Chalmer's property at Welaregang.

* 7 March - Arrive at the Angus McMillan (?) and M. McAlister property at Welaregang, on the Murray River, on the New South Wales and Victorian border. [NB: There is some confusion at this stage in regards to the ownership status of property/properties at Welaregang, with McMillan, McAlister, Hay and Chalmers all mentioned in contemporary accounts as associated with that location.]

* 9 March - the party leave Welaregang, accompanied for a day by Mr. M. McAlister, heading for the Snowy Mountains.

* 12 March - Strzelecki climbs Mount Kosciusko. The party then retrace their steps 30 miles before heading south again towards Wilson's Promontory and the Gippsland region.

* 26 March - the party reaches Lachlan McAlister's station Clifton, just past the Omeo Plains.

* 6 April - Ford Nicholson (Riley) River.

* 12-14 May - arrive at Western Port.

* 19 May - arrive in Melbourne. A number of reports are published in newspapers at the time, and subsequently in parliamentary papers, on the outcome of the Strezelecki - Macarthur expedition through, and naming of the Gippsland region of Victoria.

1856

* 7 March - Dinner held in honour of Angus McMillan, "discoverer of Gippsland."

* 8 March - James Macarthur writes a letter in response, pointing out the important role play by the Strzelecki - Macarthur expedition in the "discovery of Gippsland."

A more fulsome account of the 1856 events are outlined below.

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3. The Angus McMillan dinner

The following report was published as the Gipps Land Anniversary Dinner in the Gippsland Guardian on Friday, 7 March 1856. It outlines how Angus McMillan was publically proclaimed the discoverer of the Gippsland region of Victoria, in that he opened it up to others for further development and exploitation following on its prior ownership and use of the local Indigenous people. Though overly wordy, the report nevertheless contains some information of relevance to the Strezelecki expedition through the Gippsland during 1840.

Local Intelligence.

Gipps Land Anniversary Dinner.

On Monday evening last, Angus McMillan, Esqr., the discoverer of Gipps Land, was invited to a dinner, provided in first rate style by Mr. Gellion. About fifty gentlemen were present; G. D. Hedley, Esqr. in the chair. After the dinner, which passed off to the satisfaction of all, several toasts were proposed, the substance of which will be found appended.

The Chairman commenced with the following toasts which were received with enthusiasm:— The Queen, Prince Albert and Royal Family, Army and Navy, coupled with General MacArthur.

The Chairman again rose to propose the toast Mr. McMillan and discovery of Gipps Land, in doing which he expressed himself as follows :—

"We are assembled here to day to do honor to the man who by his enterprise laid open to us the District we inhabit,an enterprise the difficulties of which can be but imperfectly appreciated by us who enjoy the fruits of it, but that we do appreciate the advantages thus afforded us, as well as the excellent qualities of the man to whose exertions we are indebted for them, is shewn by our presence here to-day. To the very obstacles which opposed themselves as a mighty barrier to the inroads of civilization and stayed the advancing progress of the white man, until McMillan, undeterred by difficulties and dangers led the way, we owe some of the principal advantages we enjoy as dwellers in Gipps Land. Those gigantic granite ramparts which seclude us from the rest of Australia shelter us also from the scorching wind of the desert, and give rise to our numerous rivers, which, flowing through the land in every direction, fertilize the soil and give the superiority we claim for it, as a grazing and agricultural district. From our situation between these mountains and the sea, we enjoy climate which, I consider, approaches as nearly to perfection as that of any spot on earth; unchilled by severe frost, sheltered from hot winds, knowing no dread of drought, the heat of the day invariably followed by cool refreshing nights, a climate to which not only no disease can be ascribed but which is calculated to preserve the human frame in perfect health, were there no disturbing causes in action, a climate not only enabling the settler to endure the severe toil that ever must accompany the conversion of the forest into the farm, but fulfilling in the plenty of harvest the hopes with which he labored in the seed-time.

It is true that in consequence of this secluded situation we feel the want of a convenient overland route to Melbourne, but this is in a measure compensated for by the facilities of communication by sea, and that this should have been shortened and rendered more certain by the establishment, among so small a community, of a line of steamers is a proof of the continued existence among us of an amount of that energy and enterprise which led the first inhabitants of Gipps Land into a new and unknown country, into a district the esources of which are only now beginning to be understood and appreciated.

We have lately made a great stride in advance, and I confidently believe that the time is not now distant, when the few gaps in the virgin forest, made by the present settlers, will extend over the whole lower district, when in the place of the sombre gum forest and tea-tree scrub, the make-shift hut, and half cleared paddocks, the eye of the traveller will rest for miles upon waving cornfields, interspersed with the comfortable dwellings and well-stocked homesteads of a happy and prosperous race of farmers, whose industry will relieve us from our present state of dependence on foreign countries for our food. When the vast mineral treasures of our granite ranges shall be worked by thousands instead of hundreds of sturdy miners, guided by science and aided by machinery, the valuable results of their industry and enterprise brought to the coast by railway or canal, for the construction of which the country seems to be expressly formed. When above all other resources we shall be found to possess in abundance, as I believe we do, that gift of provident nature, "more precious than silver, more valuable than gold," the food of the mighty steam engine - coal. Then with an unequalled climate, a fertile soil, abundant and most valuable mineral products, safe and convenient harbors, it needs no prophetic vision to foresee that this district - the fortunate discovery of our honored guest must ere long hold a most important rank among the settlements of Australia. But I trust, should we live to see Gipps Land rise from her present obscure to her future proud position, we may never see her people lose those characteristics that mark them now; the hospitality that welcomes everywhere the stranger and the traveller, the honesty that renders a locked door at night a rarity in the district, the energy that first led the way across the Alps, and has signalised both squatter and farmer in their struggles ever since; the unity and friendly feeling that will never let a Gipps Lander stand by and see a neighbour beat for want of a helping hand, either here at home, or, as I often experienced myself, on the distant gold-fields. Let us continue to cherish these feelings, and we may, with the resources and blessings providence has scattered abundantly around us, rejoice in the present, and trust with confidence in the future of the "Land we live in," while our children's children shall learn to honor, as we do, the name of 'McMillan its discoverer.'"

Mr. McMillan then delivered the following response:—

Chairman and Gentlemen, you have by your unexpected and unlooked-for kindness this evening, placed me in a position that nearly deprives me of the power of utterance. Little did I think when, in the performance of my duty to my employer, so many years ago, in forcing my way inch by inch, through the wilds and fastnesses that bound this now fertile district, that my humble efforts would be thus so signally honored by the inhabitants of this favored territory, and I can assure you Chairman and Gentlemen, that the proceedings of this evening and the kindand handsome manner in which my health has been proposed, and received, will remain engraven on my memory until the last period of my existence. (Cheers.)

The honor conferred on me, Gentlemen, by your approbation and appreciation of my humble efforts in discovering this, even at present terra incognita, more than compensates me for the toils and privations then encountered. (Repeated cheers.) There are others, gentlemen, who nobly supported me in search of this then undiscovered land, to them I am deeply indebted for their perseverance and patience under so many severe trials. It was a happy day to me when I found my way to the Old Port, but this indeed is the happiest hour of my life, when the inhabitants of this flourishing district countenance me as the true discoverer. (Cheers.)

I will now encroach on your patience and bring under your notice a few facts in relation to the discovery of Gipps Land and Port Albert, although I have in some measure been forestalled by the last number of the Guardian. In February 1839, I arrived at Carravong [Currawong], Maneroo, having received instructions from Mr. McAlister to look out for stations. I heard from the natives that there was to the south west of Buchan (a place discovered by Mr. Bayliss) a fine country. I got Jemmy Gibber, chief of the Maneroo tribe, to obtain all the information he could from the old black who affirmed he was once there, and on the 20th May 1839 Jemmy volunteered to accompany me. I provided myself with arms, and also provisions for four weeks; in four days reached a hill which I named Mount McLeod, now called the Hay Stack, from the summit of which I had a bird's eye view of the country lying between me and Corner Inlet and of the long beach stretching to the south west. My friend was beginning to get alarmed and wished to return, but seeing me determined to proceed he threatened to leave me. On this night I was nearly paying dearly for placing so much confidence in my companion.

Whilst lying at the camp fire I was aroused by the circumstance of his raising his club to strike me, I had just time to present my pistol to his breast. He begged hard for his life, saying he dreamt a black fellow was taking away his gin and he wanted to kill him. I was satisfied that he intended to kill me and report that I had been killed by the blacks of the district.

Next morning we started for Omeo, arrived there in six days. It was a very rough journey. I was more determined than ever to explore the country and form a station as near to it as possible. While at Omeo I gleaned the intelligence that Mr. Walter Mitchell, a nephew of Mr. McFarlane, had been as far as Bruthen but had discovered no country worth occupying. I then started for Clifton, the station of Mr. McAlister, and received from that gentleman every encouragement to explore the country and find my way to Corner Inlet. After many unsuccessful attempts I again, on the 9th February 1841, formed a party with instructions from Mr. McAlister to abandon the country unless I could find a road to the Inlet, and started from our station, which we had formed on the Avon; this time with the determination to accomplish it or die in the attempt.

On the 10th I crossed the Thompson, and the Glengarry on the 11th; on the 14th we discovered the Old Port and marked a road from thence to the Plains. In May following came I down from the Avon with a dray, [and] great credit is due to the driver James Lawrence; in fact to all my companions, who, whenever, an expedition was talked of were always eager to accompany me. I am proud and happy to see one of them here present, who share with me many hard ships and privations. For 16 months during two years we never slept on a bed and [were] deprived of many comforts of life, not even the luxury of a tent.

In my expeditions I had no other guide than a pocket compass and a copy of Flinder's chart of the coast. With regard to the natives, who, at that time were numerous, I will mention that at first they were very terrified at the sight of whitemen; on one occasion some of them approached our party, and as I dismounted to salute them they all set up yelling and ran away. Since then I have learnt that they imagined that the horse and rider were one. On another occasion after saluting us by a shake of the hand they conferred the same honor on the horse by shaking his bridle. After we had been at the station which we formed on the Avon sometime, they attacked us in a body compelling us to leave the district. We, however, by force of arms, again regained our station and kept possession.

Count Strzelecki, a Pole, has also claimed the discovery of Gipps Land, but I leave it to the public to decide. On the 7th March, 1840 he called at my station [Welaregang], where he was supplied with provisions and a camp kettle. Mr. M. McAlister went a days journey with him, told him the name I gave the country (Caledonia Australis) and described where he might cross the rivers. So soon as I had discovered the country I gave information of it shewing thereby that I did not wish to conceal it from the world.

On a future occasion we hope to give our readers a fuller description from Mr. McMillan's pen.

The toast, Vice Chairman and Stewards, proposed by the chairman was acknowledged by Mr. McKenzie on behalf of those gentlemen.

The next toast in honor of the Clergy and Education was proposed by Mr. McAlpine, who said he hoped the Clergy would use their utmost exertions in the furtherance of education. The system he considered the best fitted to meet the wants of the district was the Denominational. The Rev. McAnliss then rose and said : —

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, Mr. McAlpine has coupled together the Clergy and Education. I am glad it is your opinion that they are the friends and promoters of education. There was a time when education was almost confined to them, when even noblemen thought they were not expected to possess its simplest elements, when few of them could read or write. But happily a brighter and better era has dawned upon us, and clergy and laity unite heart and hand in the promotion of education. I am glad to see that it is receiving in this district that attention and prominence to which it is entitled. Education is a public duty; it is more, it is a public good. The next generation will soon be taking our place on the platform of life. Let us see that they are prepared to occupy it. We will soon be leaving them the benefit of our guest's discovery; and here, let me say a word, in regard to this discovery - we owe much to Mr. McMillan. It is rather ungenerous to settle down unceremoniously without some acknowledgment of his services. If we honor the navigator we ought to honor the explorer also.

The Rev. Gentleman then said he had great pleasure in proposing the Press ; he spoke for some time of the advantages the world was reaping from its influence, and when he resumed his seat Mr. Ferris in few words acknowledged the compliment.

The Rev. P. Verling being called on to speak, to the toast The Land we live in said;—

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen it is to me an unexpected pleasure to witness, in this new land, so large and respectable an assemblage of the inhabitants of Gipps Land, as are now before me. The happy and contented countenances of all around me have almost induced me to the belief that I was once more in the Land of my Birth, enjoying the social hospitality of my countrymen in Old Ireland, when she was in an happier and prouder position than when I left her shores in 1853. (Loud cheers.) The interesting detail of the discovery of this fine Country as given by our distinguished guest Mr. McMillan, has greatly added to the happiness of our social party this evening, and I do hope Gentlemen, that you will take measures to have an annual commemoration of this great event. (Hear, hear.) Mr. McMillan has undergone great hardships and sustained great privations in the discovery of this fine country, but I am happy to perceive that he has still vigor and youth about him, and from his noble bearing one would imagine he just came down from his native hills in Scotland. (Loud cheers.) I have said Gentlemen this fine country — it is truly so from its mild and healthy climate, though having seen a good deal of the world, I consider it by far the healthiest place I have ever been in. (Hear, hear.) I have repeatedly travelled all over this fine country, and I can have no hesitation in foretelling that it will yet, and that soon, turn out to be the Garden of Victoria, the rich Agricultural portion of the land of my adoption. (Loud and repeated cheers.) The Rev. Gentleman having made many other observations on the benefits conferred on the people at large, by the discovery of Gipps Land by Mr. McMillan, concluded by saying there was in this new country, a noble and remunerative field open for the perseveringly, industrious, sober and honest man, and none else could succeed. (The Rev. Gentleman resumed his seat amidst loud cheers.)

Mr. H. B. Thomas then rose and said:—

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, the toast I have the honor to propose is the Grazing interest, this is so closely connected with the object of the discovery of Gipps Land, that I am sure you will respond to it with enthusiasm. The toil and difficulties the early settlers had in penetrating into the interior of Victoria, particularly Gipps Land, can only be appreciated by those who have travelled over a country never previously visited by civilised man. Mr. McMillan was the first to face these difficulties in Gipps Land, and by his industry and perseverance, paved the way to the most beautiful grazing country in Victoria. The present prosperity of the settlers can testify to the fattening, capabilities of their runs, and, gentlemen, when I look round this company and cannot see one of those present who are so much indebted to Mr. McMillan for their success, I can hardly believe my eyesight. I was one of the first squatters to the westward, and, gentlemen, if I was placed in their circumstances, I should consider it a disgrace.

The following remarks are from Mr. Howden:—

"Mr. Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Gentlemen, the toast I have the honor to propose, is, The Agricultural Interests. Agriculture, Gentlemen, in all ages has been the true pioneer of civilisation, and although we have, met our honored guest here this evening to celebrate his discovery of this splendid country, still, when he made public his success, it was only to invite others to follow in his track, and reclaim from the wilderness this magnificent land. Let us profit by this discovery and not sit down in idleness in a country so highly gifted. The sturdy yeoman and the honest peasant have here a splendid and unbounded field for their enterprise and skill. Let, those then who devote their capital and energies to the cultivation of the soil, bring all the modern discoveries of chemical science to bear upon the subject, and the time may not be far distant when the much neglected terra incognita may raise herself to a proud preeminence among the agricultural districts of Victoria. And now Gentlemen, let us drink, every success and prosperity to the Agriculturists of Gipps Land. Two other toasts, viz., Commerce and Shipping and The Ladies were also proposed, the former by Mr. W. A. Moore the latter by Mr. Hood, time and space, prevent our giving their speeches.

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4. Macarthur's letter in response

A letter to the editor was written by James Macarthur (1798-1867) on 8 March 1856, in response to the article published the previous day in the Gippsland Guardian. The present writer located a copy from the following source: Exploration of Gippsland, Stratford Sentinel and Briagolong Express, Victoria, 17 July 1914. The Macarthur letter is important because it contains precise information on the Strzelecki expedition not to be found elsewhere.

Exploration of Gippsland.

By A'llah.

A dinner was given in honor of Mr Angus McMillan, at Yarram, Gippsland, in 1856. at which he was proclaimed the discoverer of Gippsland, this was reported on in the ARGUS the day after, and resulted in Mr James McArthur writing the following letter explanatory of the part he, in conjunction with the Polish Count Strezlecki, took in the discovery. The letter was as follows:

Sir, I observe in your valuable journal of yesterday an account of the entertainment lately given to Mr McMillan as the discoverer of Gippsland.

Without wishing in the slightest degree to detract from or diminish the credit due to that gentleman for his exertions as one of the first explorers, I feel that I have some right to claim a share, at least, in the exploration which led to the successful occupation of that fine district.

In the winter of the year 1839 I accompanied my friend, Captain Hording, then in command of H.M.S. Pelorus, to Van Dieman's Land. Returning from Hobart Town to Sydney, our party on board was increased by the addition of my friend the late John Blaxland, jun., Esq., of Newington, New South Wales.

Passing the eastern end of Bass Strait we encountered a very heavy N.E. gale, which lasted several days. The bright, beautiful weather that succeeded the gale found us driven far to the west of Cape Howe.

When running along the coast Mr Blaxland and I both observed that the mountains receded considerably inland towards Wilson's Promontory, and we both agreed that it was likely that a valuable grazing country existed between the mountains and the coast.

I then determined to form an expedition from Sydney to explore the country between Omeo and Port Phillip.

Arriving in Sydney I met Count Strezlecki, a scientific explorer of considerable experience in other parts of the world (and whose name has since been so honorably associated in the gratuitous distribution of the Irish relief fund). I mentioned my intention to him, and he promised to join me whenever I was prepared.

I mentioned also my intention to my old friend, Mr Lachlan McAlister, and from his withholding all information from me, I have hitherto assumed that at that time he was really ignorant of the fine grazing country that his friend, Mr McMillan, subsequently occupied with his (Mr McAlister's) stock.

Mr McMillan's actual dates, as published in your journal, and which I now learn for the first time, will leave our respective steps in the discovery of Gippsland recorded beyond any further dispute.

My party consisted of Count Strezlecki, James Riley, Esq., now of Geelong, and myself, accompanied by two servants, and my aboriginal named Charles Tarra, from Taralga, near Goulburn Plains.

The entire outfit of the expedition was born principally by me, and cost me upwards of £500.

Mr Riley and I left Parramatta on the 17th January 1840, Count Strezlecki and his servant, with one pack-horse, joined us at Gunong, near Goulburn Plains, on the 5th February.

We reached my stations near the Tumut on the 11th February, from thence I despatched a party overland to meet me in Melbourne, under the charge of Mr Hector McKay, now residing at Bacchus Marsh. We started from Ellerslie on the afternoon of the 2nd March, 1840, and on the 26th March passed Mr McAlister's Station beyond Omeo plains. Here we found Mr McMillan absent, but received much kind attention and aid from young Mr McAlister.

From here we learned that Mr McMillan had penetrated to a fine grazing country about a week previously (in the direction we intended travelling), but the party had been obliged to return for want of provisions.

Thus far Mr McMillan has ascertained the existence of a grazing country. We occasionally saw his tracks up to our fording of the river Riley, on the 6th April, beyond this point we saw no further trace of any party having preceded us.

On the 20th April, we entered the beautiful plains called by Count Strezlecki after our mutual friend, Colonel Barney. On the 15th April, we left the open and entered densely wooded country, and struggled on till the 27th, when we were compelled to abandon our horses.

We then proceeded on our way, without provisions, except the Kolas (native bear) [Cholah, or Native Bear, a species of sloth] we shot, till the 12th May, on that day we reached the old settlement at Westernport. We were there kindly entertained by a resident named Berry, Mr Ross, now of Heidelberg, and Messrs. Massie and Anderson, then occupying that country. We remained some days at Westernport, regaining our exhausted strength, and then travelled on foot to Melbourne.

The result of our journey was immediately published, and a party started from Melbourne by sea to connect our exploration with Corner Inlet. I allowed Charles Tarra to accompany this expedition, and he subsequently returned through Gipps-land with Mr Surveyor Townsend.

Mr McMillan's dates are:—

First exploration reached Mount McLeod, now the Haystack, on the 30th May, 1839. After many subsequent unsuccessful attempts, he started on the 9th February, 1841, and reached the old port on the 14th February. In the May following he succeeded in taking down a dray. A reference to the files of the PORT PHILLIP PATRIOT will afford you any further information.

I furnish you with these particulars without the slightest wish to detract from the energy and perseverance displayed by Mr McMillan. At the same time I feel that I have the right of at least participating in the honor of exploration, and of having been the first, by publication of our discoveries, to open the immediate occupation of the important district of Gippsland to the enterprise of the then infant Colony of Victoria.

I remain Sir, Yours faithfully, JAMES McARTHUR.

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5. References

Exploration of Gippsland, Stratford Sentinel and Briagolong Express, Victoria, 17 July 1914.

Gipps Land Anniversary Dinner, Gippsland Guardian, Friday, 7 March 1856.

James Macarthur, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Australian National University, volume 2, 1967.

Macarthur, James, The Discovery of Gipp's Land, The Argus, Melbourne, 14 March 1856.

McKay, Hector, Scab in Sheep, The Argus, Melbourne, 1 December 1851.

Organ, Michael, Paul Edmund Strzelecki in Australia, 1839-1843, blogger.com, 6 November 2019.

The Progress of Discovery, The Cornwall Chronicle, Launceston, Tasmania, 20 June 1840. From the Port Phillip Herald, 3 June 1840.

Wikipedia, Angus McMillan, Wikipedia, accessed 14 March 2026.

-----, Pawel Strzelecki, Wikipedia, accessed 14 March 2026.

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Paul Edmund Strzelecki : Adelong 1840 | In Australia 1839-43 | Stamps & Covers | In Australia (video) | W.B. Clarke | Eugene von Guerard print 1866 |

Last updated: 2 April 2026

Michael Organ, Australia