The Journal Of Gregory Blaxland
Gregory Blaxland's Journal is a unique and fascinating account of the first successful crossing of the Blue Mountains by a European explorer. In 1813, Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth set out to find a way across the Blue Mountains, a formidable barrier to the west of Sydney. After weeks of exploration, they succeeded in finding a route across the mountains, opening up the vast interior of Australia to European settlement. Gregory Blaxland's Journal is a vivid and detailed account of the expedition, written by Blaxland himself. It includes descriptions of the terrain, the flora and fauna, and the Aboriginal people they encountered. It also provides insight into the hardships and dangers they faced, and the courage and determination that enabled them to succeed. Gregory Blaxland's Journal is an important historical document, and a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of Australia.
By Gregory Blaxland · First published 1813 · Genre: Autobiography, Memoir, Historical Fiction · 5,200 words
First lines
On Tuesday, May 11, 1813, Mr. Gregory Blaxland, Mr. William Went worth, and Lieutenant Lawson, attended by four servants, with five dogs, and four horses laden with provisions, ammunition, and other necessaries, left Mr. Blaxland's farm at the South Creek [Note 5], for the purpose of endeavouring to effect a passage over the Blue Mountains, between the Western River, and the River Grose. They crossed the Nepean, or Hawkesbury River, at the ford, on to Emu Island [Note 6], at four o'clock p.m., and having proceeded, according to their calculation, two miles in a south-west direction, through forest land and good pasture, encamped at five o'clock at the foot of the first ridge. The distance travelled on this and on the subsequent days was computed by time, the rate being estimated at about two miles per hour. Thus far they were accompanied by two other gentlemen. [Note 7]
What this Textopian page supports
The Journal Of Gregory Blaxland is listed on Textopian as a historical account by Gregory Blaxland, dated 1813 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Historical account
- Author: Gregory Blaxland
- Date: 1813 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Autobiography, Memoir, Historical Fiction, Biography
- Length: 5,200 words
- Structure: 1 section, 156 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Journal Of Gregory Blaxland by Gregory Blaxland
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Journal Of Gregory Blaxland?
- How does this historical account by Gregory Blaxland fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Autobiography first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Narrative Of An Expedition Undertaken By E B Kennedy by William Carron
- Journal Of Expedition In Search Of Burke And Wills by Frederick Walker
- Pioneering Days Thrilling Incidents by George Sutherland
- Walks Abroad by Rolf Boldrewood
- Moreton Bay by F. W. Mole
- Up The Country A Saga Of Pioneering Days by Miles Franklin
Genres
- Autobiography — The title suggests that the book is a journal written by Gregory Blaxland, which is a form of autobiography.
- Memoir — The book is likely to be a collection of memories and experiences written by Gregory Blaxland, which is a form of memoir.
- Historical Fiction — The book may contain elements of historical fiction, as it is likely to be based on the life and experiences of Gregory Blaxland.
- Biography — The book may contain elements of biography, as it is likely to be based on the life and experiences of Gregory Blaxland.
Tags
exploration · Australia · colonial history · journals · adventure · landscape · settlement · nature · expedition · survival · 19th century · travel writing