to write the letter of the 19th?--Yes.

Hodgkinson arrived at Menindie on the 9th of January, 1861, and
immediately placed in Wright's hands the following letter:--

Melbourne, December 31st.

SIR,

Your despatch of the 19th instant, forwarded per Mr. Hodgkinson, was
laid before a meeting of the members of the Exploration Committee
held this day, when the following resolutions were carried
unanimously:

1. That a letter be forwarded to Mr. Wright, informing him that his
appointment as third in command of the Victorian Expedition, by Mr.
Burke, has been approved of and confirmed by this committee.

2. That Mr. Wright, third officer of the Victorian Expedition, be
empowered to procure a number of horses (not more than ten), and
the necessary accoutrements; and also one hundred and fifty (say
150) sheep, and be authorized to draw on the treasurer, the
Honourable David E. Wilkie, M.D., M.L.C., for an amount not
exceeding four hundred (say 400) pounds sterling, for their
purchase, and other necessary incidental expenses.

I have further to inform you that Mr. Hodgkinson, who returns as
the bearer of this despatch, will hand you an order from Mr.
Superintendent Foster, of Swan Hill, to obtain from trooper Lyons
the despatches for the leader, now in the possession of that
officer, and which it is desired you should hand to Mr. Burke.

It is hoped by the committee, that trooper Lyons and saddler
Macpherson have safely returned to the camp, and you will kindly
report as to the manner in which the former has endeavoured to
carry out the duty committed to his charge.

The medal for Dick, the aboriginal guide, bearing a suitable
inscription, is forwarded with this despatch, and the committee
leave in your hands the bestowal of such additional reward as you
may deem proper--not exceeding five guineas (say 5 pounds 5
shillings.)

Captain Cadell informed the committee to-day that his store at
Menindie would be at your service for depositing any articles you
may find it inconvenient to remove to Cooper's Creek at present.

You will endeavour to secure, if possible, twelve pommel
pack-saddles, now arrived, it is believed, on the Darling. These
were forwarded via Adelaide, and will no doubt be of great use to
the main party.

The committee desire that on your meeting with Mr. Burke, you will
show him, and deposit with him, this despatch, as also a copy of
yours of the 19th instant, together with copies of all despatches