Journal of Edward Dowsett [Transcript]

Journal of the government schooner 'Yatala' 6 May 1852 - 31 May 1852 by the master Edward Dowsett - refers to the naming of Port Augusta. Includes an 1848 indenture between John Newman, and Dowsett and Charles Parrington regarding the sale of the ship 'Midge'.

Alexander Lang Elder (brother of Sir Thomas Elder and co-founder of Elder Smith and Co.) together with John Grainger set sail in May 1852 with Captain Edward Dowsett in the government schooner Yatala, initially to survey the known site of Port Ferguson as a potential port. (Port Ferguson is not shown on modern maps but is shown as Yatala harbour.) This site was found to be too shallow. The Yatala sailed a further 15 miles to a place called Curlew Point (where the Port Augusta Power station is now situated) but this site was found to be "low and boggy".

The party proceeded a further 3 miles above Curlew Point and found a site which was acceptable.

Captain Dowsett's log indicates that on the 24 May 1852 Port Augusta was proclaimed after erecting a flagstaff on the beach and they all "gave three cheers three times three and named it Port Augusta" .

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