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  After remaining on this Island for one night they proceeded along the coast to the point now known as Cairns

History of the Explorations organized and led
by Daniel Hart at present Selector on the Mossman River
About June 1874 Daniel Hart, a native of the
West Indies, organized a party consisting of seven
other men, viz W. Wilson, Borrell, W. Sutherland,
Cornish, Bob , and Jim, with himself
as leader, with the intention of Exploring for
Sugar Lands, Cedar and Minerals.
They started from Cooktown and commenced
operations at the Johnston [sic] River, where they saw a
number of "initialed" [sic] trees, which they supposed to be
the initials of Dalrymple, Hill and Inspector Johnston [sic]
Prior to starting for the Johnston [sic] River, Hart saw in
the newspapers, an account of Mr. Hill having
discovered a large cedar tree at the Johnston [sic], (out
of which he had taken a chip for Exhibition), on the
right branch from the Coast
Hart and his party went up this Branch, as far as
they could get with an open boat.
They discovered a lot of cedar up this Branch, and
magnificent sugar land.
Then went in search of the Cedar tree reported by
Hill, and found it
After prospecting the Right, they went up the Left
Branch and explored as far as they could, having
left the boat under the protection of some of their party,
at a deserted native camp on the left bank.
Camped at the extreme point for a few days.
Returned, and camped on Fitzroy Island for 2 days.
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On the left bank discovered good sugar land and cedar.
Crossed to the Mulgrave
Went up the right branch of that river for about 20 or 30 miles, leaving the boat about half way, under guard as usual
Found good land all the way, and plenty of cedar
Returned to the mouth of the river, and started up the left hand branch
Discovered a lot of Kauri pine close to the beach, and took specimens to exhibit in Cooktown
Followed this branch for six miles, when the boat was staved in, but it having been provided that a carpenter should form one of the party, the cargo was landed, they camped for the night, and the boat was repaired
The following morning at seven o'clock they were attacked by about 150 Aboriginals.
The party was fortunately well armed, and were on the left bank, the natives being on the right bank of the river which at this point was about twenty yards wide
The spears came in showers, but luckily all from one direction so that the explorers were able to watch and avoid them.
After about three quarters of an hours fighting the natives
dispersed.
Hart and his companions then breakfasted and went two miles further up the river. They then camped for two days, explored that part of the Country, and started back to Fitzroy Island.
After remaining on this Island for one night they proceeded along the coast to the point now known as Cairns