Poole, Sturt's second in command, resembling Mitchell in figure and appearance, the Darling blacks addressed him as Major, and evinced marked hostility towards him.

From Williora, or Laidley's Ponds, Sturt intended to strike north-west, hoping thus to avoid the gloomy environs of Lake Torrens, and the treacherous surface of its bed.

At Moorundi, on the Murray, where Eyre was then stationed as Resident Magistrate, the party was mustered and the start made.
In addition to Poole, Sturt was accompanied by Dr.Browne, a thorough bushman and an excellent surgeon, who went as a volunteer and personal friend.

With the party as surveyor's draftsman, went McDouall Stuart, whose fame as explorer was afterwards destined nearly to equal that of his leader.

In addition there were twelve men, eleven horses, one spring-cart, three bullock-drays, thirty bullocks, one horse-dray, two hundred sheep, four kangaroo dogs, and two sheep dogs.
Eyre accompanied the expedition as far as Lake Victoria, which they reached on the 10th of September, 1844.