After several delays, on 16 August 1853 his steamer "Lady Augusta" (named for the wife of Sir Henry Young), commanded by Captain Davidson, successfully passed through the breakers at the mouth of the Murray, and on 25 August left Goolwa, South Australia on a voyage up the Murray with Cadell in command. Among the passengers were the governor, Sir Henry Young and Lady Young, after whom the steamer was named. They returned on 14 October having reached a point up the river, a feat for which the South Australian Government awarded him 500 pounds for bringing his boat in through the Murray Mouth, 500 pounds for reaching the Darling and a further 1,000 pounds to be paid at 250 pounds per quarter that he successfully operated his boat(s) on the river. This was a separate agreement made by Cadell with the SA Government. The original prize moneys were rescinded by the Government, but Cadell did later receive 4,000 pounds for bringing extra vessels to the Murray and operating them on the river.