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Bringing Horrocks Home
The story so far...
The Horrocks Expedition members left Adelaide on Saturday 11 July.
On Monday July 29, they left Penwortham Village at 12 noon travelling north.
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Thursday 27 August
Horrocks: – Ascended the mount (by Lake Dutton) too late to take my bearings.
Before starting I saw four hills bearing 32 to 35 degrees north of east distant about 60 miles, which I immediately determined to explore previous to going on to the west coast of the lake.
It was while exploring the 4 hills bearing north-east that the accident occurred on 1st September.
Horrocks' Letter
dictated at Depot Creek
Getting 'Harry'
In a letter to Mr. E. Platts, Hon. Secretary, Northern Expedition, dictated and signed at Depot Creek on 8th September, Horrocks states:
Horrocks: It is with the greatest regret I have to inform the Committee and my fellow-colonists who subscribed towards the expenses of the expedition of its untimely and unfortunate termination.
Having made an excursion, accompanied by Mr. Gill, to the table land on the west of Lake Torrens to ascertain if it were practicable to form a depot in that neighbourhood, and not succeeding in finding either
water or grass,
I returned to Depot Creek, determined to make an excursion with the camel, as it was impracticable to take horses sufficiently far from what I saw of the desolate and barren country.
Over to Headland
Horrocks: Having ascertained the morning previous to our departure from the summit of the range behind Depot Creek, the bearings of the high land seen by Messrs Eyre and Darke to be 32 degrees north of west by compass, and the distance I considered about eight miles, I determined to make straight for that land.
With this view I started on the 28th August accompanied by Mr. Gill and Bernard Kilroy, with provisions sufficient for three weeks and ten gallons of water, the camel being loaded with about 356 lb.
Our first days journey (29 th August) brought us to one of the creeks running from Lake Torrens into the Gulf, distance about ten miles. The last six miles was over red sand hills, partially covered with oaten grass.
Stony Country
Horrocks: The second day’s journey (30 th August,) we camped on the west side of the table land, distance fifteen miles.
The first eight miles over a continuation of sand hills, the last seven miles over a country covered with stones and salsolaceous plants.
The next day (31 st August) we entered a light scrub and very heavy sand hills, fifteen miles. The following day, scrub and very heavy sand hills and plain all covered with salsolaceous plants.
![S.L. [i.e. salt lake] looking SW Sept. 1st.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/117a93_2b05df5a107341958cd8723873055a31~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_607,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/117a93_2b05df5a107341958cd8723873055a31~mv2.jpg)
To Lake Gill
Now Lake Dutton
Horrocks: The day after, (1 st September) having made six miles we reached a large saltwater lake about ten miles long and five miles broad.
The land we were making for we distinctly saw I suppose about twenty-five miles distant.
In rounding this lake which I named Lake Gill, Bernard Kilroy, who was walking ahead of the party stopped, saying he saw a beautiful bird which he recommended me to shoot to add to the collection.
The 'Lurch'
Horrocks: My gun being loaded with slugs in one barrel and ball in the other, I stopped the camel to get at the shot belt, which I could not get without his laying down.
While Mr. Gill was unfastening it, I was screwing the ramrod into the wad over the slugs, standing close alongside the camel.
At this moment the camel gave a lurch to one side, and caught his pack in the cock of my gun which discharged the barrel I was unloading, the contents of which first took off the middle fingers of my right hand between the second and third joints, and entered my left cheek by my lower jaw, knocking out a row of teeth from my upper jaw”.
In this dilemma I was fortunate in having two most excellent companions.
From S.T. Gill's Diary:
Tuesday 1 st September – Moved at half past eight and continued walking up to twelve o’clock when we came on a large lake with a little water in it, the drainage of the country round.
Stopped to test the quality of the water, but found it very salt. I sketched the lake and we went on intending to round the north end before camping. Had walked about one hour when Kilroy, the man, called Mr. H.’s attention to a bird which he saw in some scrub just before us.
We stopped for Mr. H to prepare to shoot it. The camel knelt down for me to get at the shot-belt while Mr. H drew his charge of slugs close by.
The beast lurched with his load on the near side on which we stood when the saddle hove down on the hammers of the gun; on its slipping off, the right had barrel with the ramrod in it went off taking off the middle finger of Mr. H’s right hand and lodging the charge in his left cheek.
He instantly fell back bleeding copiously. We succeeded in staunching the blood with our handkerchiefs and after cutting off a part of the finger which hung slightly on, managed to dress it with such stuff as we had brought in case of spear wounds, treating the face in the same way.
We laid him down and fixed the tent. After getting him in, Kilroy started back to the Depot the same evening leaving me in charge of Mr. H until relief arrived.
Soon after Kilroy had left, Mr. H rallied sufficiently to speak and convinced me that his brain was not affected. We had, of course, a wretched night of it.
Nursed by Gill
Horrocks: We were now 65 miles from the Depot or any water that we knew of, and all the water remaining was about 5 gallons.
With very great reluctance I consented to Bernard Kilroy’s entreaty for him to return back and fetch Mr. Theakstone and two horses, as I knew part of the country was inhabited by a fierce lot of natives, as
they had attacked Mr. Gill and myself on my previous excursion.
He said he was not afraid. Therefore he left and reached the Depot the next morning by about 9 o’clock. Having missed the tracks during the night.
He could not have walked less than 100 miles from the morning of the accident to the time he reached the Depot, having most bravely accomplished his task.
Mr. Gill stopped to nurse me, and his attention and kindness were not to be surpassed.
From S.T. Gill's Diary:
Wednesday 2 nd September -
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Mr. H appears still better. Through the night I kept his lips constantly moistened, and he swallowed a little cold water which I got into his mouth by squeezing it from the end of a towel; this morning he took some lukewarm tea in the same way.
I continue to bathe his forehead and face in warm water and about eleven o’clock he slept a little. I am cheered by the prospect of his recovery. In the evening he sat up supported for a few minutes, but passed a very restless night.
Thursday 3 rd September -
Went to where Kilroy had supped some rain water, but not finding any fetched some salt-water from the lake, which may be useful.
Mr. H is certainly better and more composed this morning. I feel much fatigued from anxiety and want of rest. Shall expect relief from tomorrow morning.
Mr. H expresses great concern lest Kilroy should not reach back – the distance being near seventy miles and through a scrub without any likelihood of finding water.
Transient Water
Horrocks: Considering the distance we were away and the uncertainty of Kilroy reaching the Depot, Mr. Gill showed himself to be a brave and steady companion by remaining with me.
He had taken several sketches of this country, which will show to those interested how very improbable it is that any stations can be made to the west of Lake Torrens.
All the drainage is into fresh water ponds and salt lakes. The ponds are apparently dry in a very few days after rain and the water which is in them being a dark red ochrous colour, the size of them varying from half an acre to five acres, and when full not more than 6 inches in depth.
From S.T. Gill's Diary:
Friday 4 th September -
​Mr. H slept well towards morning. I got him some tea and after bathing his eye and cheek, left him composed and went about two miles to the northward to look for water; not finding any, returned and found him calling me.
Soon after at his urgent request managed to dress him and remove him from the tent to walk a little in the open air. Was out of bed about half an hour when he again laid down and I applied the third poultice to his cheek, after which he sat up supported for some time.
About half past one in the afternoon, Mr. Theakstone and Kilroy arrived on horse back which was a great relief to Mr. H and myself. We prepared some arrowroot which Mr. H partook of and in half an hour were on our way back. Rode five miles and camped the night after shaving Mr. H and dressing his wounds.
Termination
Horrocks: The hill we were making from is table topped, with precipitous sides, about seven miles in length.
To the NNE are three more smaller hills and continuing on from them is a low land, gradually diminishing in height until it gains the land running from Lake Torrens.
I did not find a spot where there was any probability of finding a spring.
Grass there is none except a little wild oaten grass, which grows in the sands here and there and that not sufficient to feed a horse.
It is with extreme sorrow I am obliged to terminate the expedition as the two that were with me, the camel and myself were in excellent working condition, and had it not been for this accident, it was my intention to have followed down this low land running to the north-north-east, and return by Lake Torrens;
From S.T. Gill's Diary:
Saturday 5 th September -
Started at seven and walked about 25 miles in three rapid stages, resting half an hour at each halt to recruit the invalid with arrowroot.
Arrived to where we expected to find water and found just sufficient to serve us. Camped at dark, the horses very jaded not having had water since they passed up on their way to the salt lake and scarcely any food.
Mr. H was very exhausted but slept at intervals through the night. We were all nearly knocked up for want of water and rest but a good night’s sleep with half a gallon of tea quite recruited me.
Sunday 6 th September -
Rose at daylight and started soon after for the depot. Halted at eleven and again at three, and made the depot at eight in the evening, all very tired and sore.
Mr. H bore the journey well. Mr. K and myself rode and drove the camel in turns travelling at the rate of four miles an hour over the sand ridges and through the scrub, which made the supper and bed a very desirable termination to our trying tramp.
Return to Depot Creek
Horrocks: (If I had to) return by Lake Torrens, a distance of between 300 and 400 miles (then I) would then have been able to have given a more accurate account;
although I am convinced we should not have found one acre of ground to make a station on,
judging from the land I have gone over and what I could discern with my eye, there being a sterile sameness throughout.
Had it been earlier in the season and my wounds healed up, I should have started again.
On Sunday last I returned to the Depot; horses, myself and party all completely knocked up.
From S.T. Gill's Diary:
Monday 7 th September –
Mr. H continues to improve but feels anxious on account of his finger.
Its possible Dr. Brown may arrive tomorrow; he was sent to on Kilroy’s return to the depot.
I bathed this morning which has much refreshed me, not having washed for seven days from the scarcity of water.
Tuesday 8 th September -
Yesterday it was discovered that one of the horses was missing. Mr. Theakstone, Jimmy and I have been looking for it today but without success.
Kilroy has been shoeing. We expect to leave this and be on our route back on Thursday.
Wednesday 9 th September -
The horse came home this morning. I went to the top of the range sketching.
Mr. H gets stronger.
From S.T. Gill's Diary:
Thursday 10 th September - Left the creek about half past nine and reached the large creek five miles north of Mount Brown; walked about 19 miles; camped the night. The weather was very showery through the day.
Friday 11 th September - Mr. H and Kilroy left the camp for Campbell’s station; on their way to the village; no surgeon having come up it is very important to go to where he can have attendance.
We left the creek at eight and went on to Stoney Creek where we got plenty of water and feed. Camped at 5 o’clock.
This day we saw a great many kangaroo and emu; I ran the dogs to no purpose, they would not kill.
Saturday 12 th September - Left the camp after filling the barrels. At three o’clock saw numbers of emu and kangaroo; I again tried the dogs without any better effect. Halted at a fine creek one hour; sketched and went on to the next creek which was very rough to pass over.
Camped on the south side; missed the goats which I saw cross when I returned to bring in my pony; all hands searched until dark, but could not find them nor a clue of their route.
From S.T. Gill's diary:
Sunday 13 th September -
Rose early, and again scoured the country in search of the goats; I shot a kangaroo by the way, and returned without the goats at twelve o’clock; they had not been seen by any of the rest of the party in search.
I took a horse and fetched home the kangaroo; have since given up hopes of the goats. Jimmy can’t get a clue to them.
In the evening the cook returned with another kangaroo he had shot. We leave in the morning.
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Monday 14 th September -
Mr. T and Jimmy went out and got on the horses after some little trouble. Left the creek at eight o’clock and crossed about three miles of country; found more water for our horses and camped in good feed one hour before sunset; a good part of the way was thick
brush and rather heavy pulling.
Tuesday 15 th September - Moved at half past seven and reached Ferguson’s Station at half past five. I am completely knocked up in the left foot with all this walking. The pony has a very bad back and not fit to ride so I shall use the light cart tomorrow.
Wednesday 16 th September - Struck the tent at half past seven. Crossed the brook and met Mr. Ferguson about 10 miles from the station; heard of Mr. Horrocks through him and reached Hope’s Station at sunset. Heavy rain this night.
Depot Creek
Recorded in Horrocks' Diary by Mr. Gill:
This noble, clear and most unselfish letter was dictated by John and signed.
No medical man coming to the Depot, Kilroy accompanied him towards home, passing the different stations in his wounded state. All gave him what assistance they could.
The rain came on and he at length reached his village.
The native boy went on foot all night for help from Adelaide. Green washed him and changed his poor master’s dress and made him comfortable.
Mr. Robinson gave up his cottage to him and all the villagers came to see him. He related little laughable anecdotes to them and they went away comforted, saying he would surely live.
From S.T. Gill's Diary:
Thursday 17 th September -
Weather very wet; stopped the day. I dressed my foot with marshmallow and rested it the day; felt much ease towards night.
Friday 18 th September - Moved early and passed Whites and Hawkers Stations and stopped at our old camp at Magpie Flat.
Saturday 19 th September - Started at eight o’clock halted at Mr. Gleeson’s and reached the village at 12 o’clock. Camped at the back of the mill. Found Mr. H at Mr Robinson’s very ill. Mr. T. went up to see him but could not speak to him. Dr. Knott arrived in the evening from town with Mr. A Horrocks who slept at the camp.
Sunday 20 th September - Mr. H much the same. Mr. Oakland (Oakden?), Robinson and Dr. Knott came to the tent and would overhawl (sic) my sketches in the afternoon. A favourable night with Mr. H and he slept well.
Mr. A. Horrocks and Mr. Green went to Dr. Campbell’s at Dr. Knott’s request to be present at the operation on Mr. H’s finger. Dr. C. was not at home; sent man on to
request his attendance early in the morning.
Mr. H had a relapse in the early part of the night.
At Penwortham
Recorded in Horrocks' Diary by Mr. Gill:
Next day, Dr. Nott, his old friend came and poor Arthur, whose affectionate heart was most deeply grieved; and he wrote to his mother after all was over and the hope and pride of the family laid low in his grave.
Green then went to England to see them, and finding all had gone to Baden Baden, followed them there.
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The meeting was too sad. Green, who had nursed his master to the last, related every incident, and poor John’s grief and prayers for God to protect his beloved mother and sisters, when their hope and support was gone.
From S.T. Gill's Diary:
Monday 21 st September -
At dawn, Kilroy, the man attending Mr. H. came to the tent to arouse Mr. A Horrocks to relieve him of his watch; he was with his brother all day.
In the afternoon, Mr. Theakstone rode to Dr. Campbell’s and brought him over; Mr. H dangerously ill; struck the tent and collected the stores, slept in the mill.
Tuesday 22 nd September – Mr. H still worse, his life now despaired of; Mr. Theakstone and Jimmy were to leave for town today, but will defer it till a change takes place.
Mr. T admitted to his room for the first time today. Dr. Knott left for Adelaide in the afternoon. Mr. H was not expected to survive till morning.
Wednesday 23 rd September – Mr. H in the same state this morning; ten o’clock, Mr. H gets worse, is sinking fast; he died about half past seven in the evening.
Thursday 24 th September – Mr. H was carried to his grave by the villagers, followed by his bereaved brother, friends and the party he had command of in the wilds and with whom he was a general favourite.
His funeral took place about half past five o’clock in the ground set apart for a
burial place to be connected with the church which was about to be erected at Penwortham and which, in all probability, would have been commenced on his return from the expedition had not this fearful accident occurred.
Recorded in Horrocks' Diary by Mr. Gill:
He died peacefully as a child, and resigned to God’s will.
His sufferings were agonising, but he was easy between this fearful convulsions and
at the end of the third day after he had reached his village he died without a struggle at last,
having given orders for his grave to be bricked in, and asked Theakstone to carve his name on a stone, telling him what he wanted written on it. Mr. Jacob was with him also.
Read more:
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John Ainsworth Horrocks - Australian Dictionary of Biography​
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1846. The Camel, Horrocks's Expedition, Gill's Parting Supper and a Newspaper Reporter
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