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Journal of Edward Dowsett (pages 1-8)
Title : Journal of Edward Dowsett (pages 1-8) Journal of Edward Dowsett (pages 1-8) View More Images
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Creator : Dowsett, Edward, Capt.
Source : D 4221/1
Date of creation : 1848, 1852
Format : Manuscript
Contributor : State Library of South Australia
Catalogue record
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Copyright : This item is reproduced courtesy of Rick Dowsett. It may be printed or saved for research or study. Use for any other purpose requires written permission from Rick Dowsett and the State Library of South Australia. To request approval, complete the Permission to publish form.
Description :

Journal of the government schooner 'Yatala' 6 May 1852 - 31 May 1852 by the master Edward Dowsett - refers to the naming of Port Augusta. Includes an 1848 indenture between John Newman, and Dowsett and Charles Parrington regarding the sale of the ship 'Midge'.


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Alexander Lang Elder (brother of Sir Thomas Elder and co-founder of Elder Smith and Co.) together with John Grainger set sail in May 1852 with Captain Edward Dowsett in the government schooner Yatala, initially to survey the known site of Port Ferguson as a potential port. (Port Ferguson is not shown on modern maps but is shown as Yatala harbour.) This site was found to be too shallow. The Yatala sailed a further 15 miles to a place called Curlew Point (where the Port Augusta Power station is now situated) but this site was found to be "low and boggy".

The party proceeded a further 3 miles above Curlew Point and found a site which was acceptable.

Captain Dowsett's log indicates that on the 24 May 1852 Port Augusta was proclaimed after erecting a flagstaff on the beach and they all "gave three cheers three times three and named it Port Augusta" (Excerpt from Dowsett's log).

Subjects
Related names :

Yatala (ship)

Port Augusta (S. Aust)

Edward Dowsett

Coverage year : 1852
Period : 1852-1883
Place : Port Augusta
Region : Flinders Ranges and Far North - Outback
Further reading :

Anderson, R. J, Solid town: the history of Port Augusta, Port Augusta: RJ Anderson, 1988

Mincham, Hans, The story of the Flinders Ranges, Rigby: Adelaide, 1964

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