1848 Trans Australia Expedition Attempt 2.

Leichhardt returned in September 1847 from the preliminary Darling Downs 2 month exploration west to Fitzroy Downs looking for Mitchells tracks and set about re equiping and finding new team members. None of the previous trans Australia members except the Stroud Aboriginals (Jemmy and Billy) were invited. Daniel Bunce still hopeful of a position was left disappointed. Leichhardt determined Bunce “bore very bad character” as reported by “others” from Port Phillip a totally unfair observation but not surprising as Leichhardt either used team members to near death or should any team member be of strong ability, position, education or character and perceived as a threat to Leichhardts authority they were discarded. (Frederick Mann for example).

Departing on the 3rd March 1848 from Frederick John Henry Bracker (1798–1870) property Rosenthal Cottage, Canning Downs, (Warwick Qld) Leichhardt went slowly down the Condamine stopping 4 days at Henry Stuart Russells station at Cecil Plains and then onto Birrels Station “Jimbour” or (Jimba).