Alexander Jardine

Narrative of the Overland Expedition of the Messrs. Jardine, from Rockhampton to Cape York, Northern Queensland (Illustrated Edition) (Dodo Press) Alexander Jardine Illustrated edition

Francis Lascelles (Frank) Jardine (1841-1919), and his younger brother, Alexander William Jardine (1843-1920), travelled 1200 miles from Rockhampton to Somerset (both in Queensland, Australia), in 1864. They started with 42 horses and 250 head of cattle. The trip took 10 months during which time the party was constantly harassed by the area's inhabitants as they forced their way through scrub and swamps and crossed at least six large rivers. They reached Somerset on 2 March 1865 with 12 horses and 50 cattle. Frank Jardine claimed to have personally killed 47 people and the total death toll was over 200. Both brothers were elected fellows of the Royal Geographical Society and received the Murchison Award. In 1866 Frank settled on a station near Somerset and was appointed Police Magistrate in 1868.