AustLit

19th-Century Australian Travel Writing

William John Wills (1834-1861) was a surgeon, surveyor and explorer. He was a surveyor, astronomical and meteorological observer on the ill-fated 1860 Burke and Wills expedition. A Successful Exploration is described as coming "from the Journals and Letters of William John Wills (1834-1861). Edited by his father, William Wills (1804-1889)." It begins with a biographical sketch of Wills, detailing his youth, voyage to Australia, and employment. The text then moves to a description of his famous journeys of exploration, which are written in detailed diary form, recording the daily position of the expedition and the countryside as well as the temperature. The work also includes King's narrative of the expedition (after the final entry in Wills' journal), and letters of condolence received by Wills' father.