AUSTRALIA (TERRA AUSTRALIS), 1804

By Captain M. Flinders

This reproduction is taken from an original document, held within the Archives of the UK Hydrographic Office, Taunton, Somerset.

Matthew Flinders (1774-1814), was arguably the finest surveyor of his day. Born in 1774, he served under Captain Bligh on the second `breadfruit' expedition, and later took part in the famous battle of `The Glorious First of June'. From 1796-98 Flinders and George Bass surveyed much of south-east Australia before returning to England in 1800 to be married. He was again sent to Australia in 1801 and began his circumnavigation which resulted in this chart. His return to England proved to be ardous, and after being shipwrecked twice, he was captured and imprisoned by the French in Mauritius. During his six and a half years confinement, he compiled most of his charts, and about 75 of these manuscripts are held in the Archives of the Hydrographic Office.

He was an intelligent, well read and amusing man who was well respected by all who sailed with him. His private life was marked by sadness and tragedy, but his name will always stand in the first rank in the annals of surveying and discovery.