Transcription and translation, by an unidentified person, of a letter written by Francis Barrallier to Governor King, 21 November 1802

MLMSS 6664

fonds

1802, transcribed 1965

148661

Microfilm : CY 906, frames 64-66

1 folder - 0.01 Meters

Francis Luis Barralier (1773-1853), engineer and explorer, was the son of a French naval surveyor. He began working for the British in 1793, and embarked for N.S.W. with Philip Gidley King, arriving in 1800. He was variously appointed within the military organisation of the colony and was most noted for his journeys of discovery. In 1802 he journey west of Sydney twice: firstly to establish a depot for an attempt to cross the Blue Mountains and secondly in the attempt. It was on these two journeys that he discovered the Nattai River, Byrnes' Gap and the Tonalli and Burragorang valleys. It was also on this trip that Barrallier discovered the word "coo-ee" which the Aborigines used as a bush call. Leaving the colony in 1803, Barrallier continued a successful military career and died in London on 11 June 1853.

Transcription and translation of letter written by Francis Barrallier to Governor King describing his failed attempt to cross the Blue Mountains in November 1802.

The original letter is in the King papers, Volume 8, Further papers: A1980/2, pp.67-70.

English, French

Transcript available online - acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/_transcript/2015/D00007/a938.html