Albert River, 15th November 1861.
Sir,
After the unexpected delay of this expedition, from circumstances and
accidents over which we had no control, on the 4th instant, in
consultation on board the Victoria, I informed you that my stock of
provisions for the crew of that vessel would only permit my remaining in
the Gulf for 115 days, and that in accordance with the spirit of my
instructions you ought to start so soon as possible for Central Mount
Stuart, or as near thereto as the nature of the country will admit of
your approaching it, and returning to this depot within ninety days from
this date.
You having reported yourself ready for starting tomorrow, and that you
have ninety days provisions at full allowance, with all the other stores
complete for the same time, it therefore only remains for me to fulfil
the wishes of the committee, and to inform you that they expect, on your
return to Queensland, to be furnished with a copy of your journal and
surveys; and that, as Mr. Walker has not arrived so as to enable me to
make arrangements for meeting him at the Limmon Bight River, you are to
consider that no such arrangement will be made, and that I shall look for
your return to this depot within the time specified. And as you have full
instructions for your guidance, the same as myself, I feel well assured
you will do all in your power to fulfil them, and will make such
deviations as the country will admit of in order to find any track of the
missing explorers, as well as to meet the wishes of the Exploration
Committee.
With reference to your suggestion of starting on a south-easterly
exploration after you return to this depot, rest assured I will do all in
my power to assist you in anything that may be likely to lead to the
discovery of the tracks of the missing explorers.
In conclusion, if any unforeseen accident should delay your return here
before my departure, I will bury one of the iron tanks and mark on the
large tree at the smithy where you will find it.
I will also take other precautions to ensure your getting the same
information by marking other trees, and sinking bottles with letters in
the ground. In the tank I will secure all the best stores, and if
necessary sink two to hold them.
With every good wish for your safe conduct, and speedy return before I am
compelled to depart,