Her Majesty's Government are, however, fully aware that such projects,
especially where they involve so much combination, can only be submitted
generally to the leader of such an expedition, to whom great latitude
must be left as to the mode of carrying his instructions into execution.
They have now come to the determination of offering the command of the
land expedition to Mr. A.C. Gregory, Assistant Surveyor, in Western
Australia. They have been induced to take this course both by the very
high testimonials which have been given to the abilities and fitness of
this gentleman for the purpose by such authorities as they have been able
to consult in England, and also by your own reports concerning him,
particularly that contained in your despatch of the 6th January, 1852.
Should Mr. Gregory accept the charge, which I trust, notwithstanding its
arduous and responsible nature, you will find him ready to do, it is the
wish of Her Majesty's Government that without waiting for further
instructions he should proceed immediately to Sydney, where he will find
such instructions awaiting him, and where his party will be organised.
You are authorised to supply Mr. Gregory with the necessary funds for
this purpose, which will be repaid to the Local Government, from the
Commissariat chest.
If you are aware of any persons in your Government well qualified and
willing to serve under Mr. Gregory in subordinate capacities, or if he
has himself any assistants whom he would be anxious to engage, you are at
liberty to place them at his disposal; but it must be understood that
this permission does not apply to persons who are to take charge of
scientific departments of the Expedition, as there are already gentlemen
of this class with whom her Majesty's Government have been in
correspondence; any such person who may wish to join the Expedition can
do so only as a volunteer.
Copy of this despatch has been transmitted by the same mail to Sir
Charles Fitzroy, and likewise to the other Australian Governors. Sir
Charles Fitzroy will therefore be fully prepared to receive Mr. Gregory,
and to render him all assistance in his power; and I have every reason to
hope for the zealous co-operation of the several local Legislatures and
Governments in a scheme intended for the development of the vast and
unknown resources of their common Continent.
You will, on receiving this despatch, immediately communicate with Mr.
Gregory, and if he should accept the command of the Expedition, inform
both the Secretary of State for the Colonies and Sir Charles Fitzroy, and
the other Australian Governments, immediately of his having done so, and
of his intended movements.