Worldwide Stamps and Postal History

The South Australia Northern Territory Exploration Expedition. 1867 (Mar 28) Cover to England "via Panama" bearing NSW 6d tied by Sydney duplex, red "1d" accountancy mark, carried on the "Rakaia" to Panama, the "Tamar" from Colon to St. Thomas and then by the "Douro", with enclosed letter from John Creed, which includes "I left the Infirmary on Monday having been that day appointed surgeon to the South Australian Northern Territory Exploration Expedition at a salary of £400 per annum and all expenses. We are going to find a site for a new settlement on the North Coast of Australia and if a new settlement is made I am to be appointed Colonial Surgeon to it at a salary of £600 per annum with private practice besides. I think I have been very lucky getting it. We shall be back in about 11 months. Tell Betty I am going amongst a lot of people who have never seen a white man yet and who are reputed to be cannibals. Tell her if she comes out quickly I could get her a berth not as cook but to be cooked. We are each armed with a rifle which shoots eight times without reloading and with a revolver each. I think we shall have great fun. Tell Charles that I expect some Alligator and Buffalo shooting. I intend to keep a precise journal of the expedition which if I find sufficiently interesting to the general public I shall publish it in England". Also another cover of June 27th from Preston bearing Victoria 6d, with enclosed letter from Creeds mother Mary mentioning the expedition which sailed in the Eagle Steamer on April 1st, its Commander being the old explorer Capt. Cadell. The expedition was financed by the South Australian Government; it recommended a sight for a new settlement but this proved to be unviable due to the great distances involved. Two scarce early references to exploration in the Northern Territories. (2). Photo on Page 143.
Suggested price: £ 600-800