[Explorations in Australia by John Forrest]@TWC D-Link bookExplorations in Australia CHAPTER 5 232/237
He soon told us that Mr.Giles had returned, and also Mr.Ross, who had been despatched by the Honourable Thomas Elder with camels and a good equipment to find an overland route to Perth, but was unable to get over to Western Australia.
We were soon introduced to Mr.Blood, the officer in charge of the telegraph station, and, after unloading, were soon engaged at dinner, the roast beef and plum pudding being a striking contrast to our fare lately! Both Mr.and Mrs.Blood, as well as Mr. Bagot, did all they could to make us comfortable during our four days' rest. CONGRATULATORY TELEGRAMS. Immediately on reaching Peake, I despatched a telegram to his Excellency Mr.Musgrave, Governor of South Australia, at Adelaide, informing him of the safe arrival of the party, and received the following reply from the private secretary:-- His Excellency has received your message with great satisfaction, and congratulates you heartily on your safe arrival. This telegram was accompanied by another from the Honourable Arthur Blyth, the Chief Secretary of the Colony: Is there anything you want? Mail leaves on October 10th.
Shall be happy to facilitate any despatch you may wish forwarded to your Government. Superintendent of Telegraphs has given instructions for every assistance to be rendered you at the various telegraph stations on your road down. The instructions sent by Mr.Todd, the Superintendent of Telegraphs, to Mr.Blood, the officer in charge at Peake station, were to the following effect:-- Please give my hearty congratulations to Mr.Forrest on the successful completion of his great feat, which I have communicated to the Government and press; also Baron Von Mueller, who sends his congratulations.
I shall be glad to have a few particulars as to route followed, if convenient to Mr.Forrest to supply them.
Render his party every attention. Mr.Ernest Giles, the explorer, also telegraphed, and I also received messages from the editors of the Register and Advertiser, Adelaide newspapers, congratulating me, and asking for a few particulars for publication in their papers.
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