ll find some particulars on the subject in the Argus
that I have sent to Charles. I fancy we shall not be away so long
as was at first intended; probably not more than twelve or eighteen
months. I anticipate being able to send you a letter sometimes, as
well as to receive yours to me, as they propose keeping up a
communication with Cooper's Creek. Professor Neumayer will probably
accompany us as far as the Darling River, taking an opportunity, at
the same time, to prosecute the magnetic survey. This will make
matters very pleasant, as well as being of great advantage to me in
many respects. We shall be travelling through the country in the
most favourable and pleasant season, when there is plenty of water,
and everything fresh and green. It will take us about two months to
get to Cooper's Creek. I do not give up my position in the
Observatory, having obtained leave of absence for the time during
which we may be engaged in the exploration. I am sorry I cannot
give you more particulars respecting our projected tour, but you
will hear enough about it by-and-by. I received a letter from my
father a day or two since, in which he speaks of coming down before
I start. I do not expect to have time to go to Ballaarat before we
leave. I sent you by the last mail one or two small photographs of
myself, and a locket for Bessy, which she asked me for some time
ago. I hope they arrived safely. There was also a photograph of my
father on paper. I have to thank some one, name unknown, for the
Totnes papers that I received by the last mail. They appear to be
well edited, and are decidedly a credit to the town. I had heard of
the paper before, but did not expect to find it so good as it is. I
suppose you have had a favourable view of the comet that has made
its appearance lately. It was visible here for about a week: at
first it was of a good size, but being so low down in the west, at
sunset it could only be seen for a short time, and then it was
comparatively dim, owing to the twilight. Since then it has rapidly
disappeared, moving in an east-south-easterly direction. With you
it was probably very fine. With kind love, etc., etc.,

Believe me, my dear mother,

Your affectionate son,

WILLIAM J. WILLS.

CHAPTER 6.

THE EXPEDITION.

How the Expedition originated.
Appointment of the Leader, Officers, and Party.
Mr. Robert O'Hara Burke, Mr. G.J. Landells, Mr. W.J. Wills,
Dr. Herman Beckler, Dr. Ludwig Becker, etc.
The Expedition