Truth to tell, his claim as a leading explorer rests solely on his first and undoubtedly fruitful expedition.

But for his mysterious fate mention of his name would not stir the hearts of men as it does.

Had he returned from his final venture beaten, it must have been to live through the remainder of his life a disappointed and embittered man.

Far better for one of his temperament to rest in the wilderness, his grave unknown, but his memory revered.
Leichhardt was born at Beskow, near Berlin, and studied at Berlin.
Through an oversight he was omitted from the list of those liable to the one year of military service, and the sweets of exemption tempted him to evade the three-year military course.

The consequence was that he was prosecuted as a deserter, and sentenced in contumaciam.