Matthew Flinders: The death of a cat daddy (part 2)

Annabel Crabb0:00

Why do we collect things, and how much is too much? Join me, Annabelle Crabb, as I venture into the secret stacks of the State Library of New South Wales and discover that most of the collection isn't books at all. Search for the History or Hoarding podcast on ABC Listen. ABC Listen. [upbeat music] Podcasts, radio, news, music, and more.

Alecia Simmonds· Host0:20

[upbeat music] On a deserted shoreline in South Australia in 1802, two ships are facing off. One bears a Union Jack flag, the other, the French Tricolore. These two nations have spent the last century bickering, and the Napoleonic Wars are on the horizon. It seems like a battle is on, but then a white flag of truce rises from the British ship. A few moments later, a British flag is hoisted up a pole on the French ship. This is how Nicolas Baudin and Matthew Flinders, two commanders and navigators, say, "Hail fellow. Well met." Or I guess as we'd say today, "Hi there. No hard feelings. Don't worry about the fact that our countries don't like each other very much." But when Flinders boards Baudin's vessel, he finds him less than pleased. He's lost nine of his best crew while sailing around the Bass Strait, and he's blaming Flinders. Well, specifically the map that Flinders created with ship surgeon/best