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The search for Bryan
Title : The search for Bryan The search for Bryan
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Creator : Sturt, Charles, 1795-1869
Source : South Australian Register, 4 January 1840, p. 4, col. a-b
Place Of Creation : Adelaide, S. Aust.
Publisher : Robert Thomas and Co.
Date of creation : 1839
Format : Newspaper
Catalogue record
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Description :

In 1839 Governor George Gawler and Charles Sturt led an expedition up the River Murray to the North West Bend, then to explore across country in search of good grazing and potential mineral resources.

Having established a base camp they set out on the explorations; in the heat and with their water supply having run out, Governor George Gawler decided the expedition should return to its camp on the river. Gawler and Henry Bryan left ahead of the main party under Sturt. When Gawler's horse collapsed from the heat and thirst, Bryan went on alone to fetch help, Gawler confident that he was able to use a compass and follow the course he was given. Bryan however never reached the camp. When Gawler reached the camp and discovered Bryan had not arrived extensive searches were made for him, but after eight days these were reluctantly called off as provisions were running out. The expedition returned to Adelaide.

In his report of the expedition Charles Sturt detailed the searches that were made over those eight days. Even the Aboriginal man with the party was unable to find more than a trace of Bryan's footsteps, particularly after his horse wandered off. A note was found, together with the horse's saddle and bridle, Gawler's telescope and some clothing. This note indicated that Bryan was exhausted, and that he had travelled SSE. Following this course the searchers were still unable to find him, or further traces of him. Mount Bryan is named for Henry Bryan.
Subjects
Related names :

Sturt, Charles, 1795-1869

Gawler, George, 1795-1869

Bryan, Henry, d. 1839

Period : 1836-1851
Region : Flinders Ranges and Far North - Outback
Further reading :

Sturt, Charles, The Mount Bryan expedition 1839 Adelaide: Sullivan's Cove, 1982

Borrow, K. T. Lieutenant-Colonel George Gawler, K.H. Governor and Commander-in-Chief of South Australia 1838-1841 Adelaide : Pioneers' Association of South Australia, 1955

Williams, Gwenneth South Australian exploration to 1856 Adelaide: Board of Governors of the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery of South Australia, 1919

Internet links :
Exhibitions and events :

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing. Taking it to the edge August 2004-


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