AU22 – Captain Cadell

Stitchers: Marion Oates, Doreen Rushbrook, Katharine Davies, Jennifer Kelsey & Lyn Clayson – Goolwa

Francis Cadell (1822–1879) was born in Cockenzie, East Lothian, and after adventures including expeditions on the Amazon travelled to Australia, where he became enchanted by the possibilities of trade on the Murray River. A prize was on offer to any steamer which could navigate from Goolwa to the Murray Darling river junction. After commissioning the steamer Lady Augusta to be built, Cadell explored the river in the canvas boat Forerunner in 1852. The following year he successfully won the bounty, and proving it navigable he had opened the Murray River up for trade. William Randell of the Mary Ann was on the river at the same time, but his smaller vessel was ineligible for the prize, but received a small government donation and the proceeds of a collection by an appreciative public.

AU22 An Caiptean Cadell
Rugadh Prainnseas Cadell (1822–1879) ann an Cùil Choinnich ann an Lodainn an Ear, agus an dèidh dàn’thursan a bha a’ gabhail a-steach mòr-thursan air an Abhainn Amazon, shiubhail e a dh’Astràilia, far an robh e air a bheòghlacadh le comas malairt air Abhainn Mhoireach. Bha duais ga thairgsinn do bhàta-smùid sam bith a b’ urrainn an slighe a dhèanamh bho Goolwa gu comar aibhne Murray Darling. An dèidh am bàta-smùid Lady Augusta a bhith ri a togail a choimiseanadh, thòisich Cadell a’ rannsachadh na h-aibhne anns a’ bhàta chanbhais Forerunner ann an 1852. A’ bhliadhna às dèidh sin, bha e soirbheachail ann am buannachadh na duaise, agus le bhith ga dearbhadh comasach air a seòladh, bha e air an Abhainn Mhoireach fhosgladh a-mach gu malairt. Bha Uilleam Randell air an abhainn aig an aon àm leis am Mary Ann, ach cha robh an tsoitheach aigesan a bha na bu lugha airidh air an duais, ach fhuair e tabhartas beag bhon riaghaltas agus na chaidh a chruinneachadh de dh’airgead leis a’ phoball a bha na chomain.