We came back and settled that there were no remains--that, in fact, the reports of the natives were unfounded, and that they referred to the remains of horses lost by an explorer of our colony, Mr.Austin, not many miles to the eastward.

This was the first attempt at exploration I had made, and, although I had been brought up to bush life, I knew very little about exploration, as I found when I went out.

I was made aware of many things that I did not know about before, and I must say that I was a much better second than a commander.

After this I undertook to conduct an exploration north-east from our colony to Sturt's Creek, where Mr.A.
Gregory came down about 1855, and down the Victoria River.

This fell to the ground; but our present Governor, Mr.Weld, had a great idea that we should organize an expedition to come to this colony overland along the coast--along the course which was previously taken by Mr.Eyre, I think in 1841--and he requested me to take command.