You will probably have been rendered aware by the reports of the
Parliamentary Debates of last session, and from other sources, that Her
Majesty's Government have been long considering the project of
despatching an exploring expedition to lay open, if favoured with
success, more of the interior of the great Australian Continent than the
many energetic but partial attempts hitherto made have succeeded in
developing.
This scheme originated with the Council of the Royal Geographical
Society, who corresponded with the Colonial Department on the subject of
it during last winter. But it was ultimately considered by Her Majesty's
Government that the importance of the subject rendered it more advisable
that the expedition should be undertaken under their own
superintendence, and as a matter of public concern; and Parliament has
now placed at their disposal a sum of 5000 pounds for the purpose, and
will undoubtedly give further assistance should it be requisite.
Great difficulties have, however, presented themselves as to the
necessary arrangements. The hostilities in which the country is involved
have necessarily directed the time and thoughts, not of Her Majesty's
Government only, but also of many of those whose professional knowledge
and experience might have been of the greatest assistance, in another
direction. Of the distinguished Australian explorers now in this country
some are incapacitated by reason of health, and others by the
circumstance of their services being required in other directions, from
taking the command.
It would, however, be a matter of regret if, now that the money has been
voted and the preparations partially made, the Expedition was not able to
start at the best period for commencing operations next year, which on
the northern coast of Australia seems generally thought to be from
February to April.
I enclose copies of certain portions of the correspondence which took
place early in the present year between the Colonial Department and
Captain Stokes and Mr. Sturt, who were consulted in order to obtain the
benefit of their advice, and the former of whom I had at one time the
hope to secure for the command of the Expedition.
You will collect from these documents that the general view of those who
have considered the subject appears to be that Moreton Bay would be a
convenient rendezvous for the land portion of the Expedition; that they
might be conveyed by sea to the mouth of the Victoria River, on the
north-west coast; that it would be advantageous, if possible, that they
should act in concert with a Government vessel, which might be employed
in surveying operations in the Gulf of Carpentaria and neighbourhood,
while the land explorers were engaged in the interior.