Pierre Bernard Milius owes his fame to the Nicolas Baudin expedition of 18001804. On 19 October 1800, Baudin and his large group of scientists left Le Havre in two ships, the Gographe and the Naturaliste to survey the coast of New Holland and the southern part of New Guinea and conduct scientific investigations as well as collect living and preserved specimens of plants and animals. Milius was promoted to commander of the ship Naturaliste following the death of Baudin. The journal of Pierre Bernard Milius is a rare opportunity to bring to life an important but lesser-known chapter in the history of the discovery and exploration of Australia.
Milius fascinating and detailed journal entries for his 'Sojourn at Port Jackson from 25 April to 22 July 1802 can be read here in English for the first time. Milius includes vivid descriptions of Sydney Town, Parramatta, and the Hawkesbury region, and his journal includes accomplished pencil images and watercolours. He records meetings with Governor King, Colonel Paterson, Captain Flinders and the infamous George Barrington.
