A review of Hamilton Hume Sketch Maps: Origins and Modern Treatment
by Martin Williams

Following Hamilton Hume and William Hovell’s first overland journey of exploration from southern New South Wales into Victoria in 1824 a number of important primary and secondary source documents were produced. These accounts included original journals and writings by Hume and Hovell, two journals edited by William Bland (first edition 1831), and three sketch maps attributed to Hamilton Hume.

In June 2021 the historian Martin Williams published a forensic analysis of the three sketch maps in the Victorian Historical Journal . Williams’ re-evaluation of these maps offers new insights into the journey. His evidence details how Hamilton Hume changed the original of the maps to indicate that he had reached Port Phillip rather than the original Western Port and he likewise asserts that William Hovell was more than ready to change the facts to suite his audience.

Martin Williams’ article goes on to show how Hume and Hovell records were misquoted or ignored in the nineteenth century, and even misinterpreted once again in 2015. His article provides a fascinating glimpse into the records and the science behind the cartographical techniques and conventions of the day.

You can read Martin Williams’ article online in the Victorian Historical Journal (pages 5-31 Vol 92 No 1 2021):