of Walker’s party the channel was about 120 yards wide, with a sandy bed and a shallow stream flowing along the surface; lower down and higher up the river we saw the fresh tracks of a steer or cow, and on Bowen Downs saw similar tracks.  We had so little meat that we would have tried hard to have found the beast to kill it for provisions if I had not thought, from seeing the tracks of a dray in the same locality, that we were near a station.

The point where we reached the Barcoo River, in latitude 24 degrees 37 minutes, is nearly south from where we left the Flinders River.

Several times in the course of our journey from the Gulf of Carpentaria Gleeson, Jemmy, and Fisherman were unwell.  This was owing, I have no doubt, in a great measure if not altogether, to the rations I issued being insufficient.  Our usual ration was a pint of flour, in bad condition, and barely half a pound of spoiled meat per day, without tea or sugar.  The annexed list of rations will show that the quantity obtained on starting would not admit of my issuing a larger supply.  The remainder of us, namely, Mr. Bourne, Jackey, and myself, did not lose our health on this meagre fare.

After reaching the Warrego River Jemmy unfortunately lay so near the fire on a frosty night that his shirt caught fire and burned him severely; so much so that he exhibited great pluck in continuing his journey here.

Last night I learned from the newspapers that Mr. Howitt had received instructions to wait for us at the depot at Cooper’s Creek.  If I had known that there was to be a depot there I would have gladly gone to it from the Thomson River.  Now I intend proceeding down the river to Menindie, where I purpose if necessary to take the most advisable mode to let Mr. Howitt know of our return from the Gulf of Carpentaria.

I might have sent a letter off yesterday to the neighbouring station if I had only known that the postman had been delayed from starting until this morning.  There is a camel on this run which I will endeavour to get and take to Menindie.

Mr. Bourne, who is an experienced bushman, has read this letter and thinks I have not given too favourable an account of the country along our route from the Gulf of Carpentaria.

When I reach town I will make a return of the money I received of Messrs. Williams for the expedition stores, a copy of my journal, and a sketch showing our route.

I have the honour to be Sir,

Your obedient servant,

W. Landsborough,

Commander of the Victorian and Queensland Exploring Expedition from
Brisbane.

To the Honourable Secretary Exploration Committee of Royal Society
Victoria.

List of provisions received at the depot, Gulf of Carpentaria, on the 8th
February 1862: 

40 pounds of peas. 96 pounds of salt beef. 40 pounds of rice. 268 pounds of damaged beef, jerked. 27 pounds of damaged bacon. 650 pounds of damaged flour. 10 pounds of broken biscuits. 18 pounds of tobacco.  Left from previous expedition to south-west. 90 pounds of flour. 40 pounds of sugar.