rolonged blunder throughout; and it is to be hoped that the
rescuing party may not be mismanaged and retarded in the same way
as the unfortunate original expedition was. The savans have made a
sad mess of the whole affair; let them, if possible, retrieve
themselves in this its last sad phase.

. . .

I returned immediately to Melbourne, and found the committee
in earnest at last, the Government aiding them in every possible
way. Mr. Heales offered all the assistance he could give. The
Victoria, which I thought had been made ready, was now put under
immediate repair. Proceedings were reported in the Herald as
follows:--

The adjourned meeting of the Exploration Committee was
held yesterday afternoon, in the Hall of the Royal Society, Victoria
Street. Dr. Mueller occupied the chair, in the unavoidable absence
of Sir William Stawell.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

The Chairman said the honorary treasurer would lay before the
committee the result of the interview the deputation had the honour
to hold with the Chief Secretary that day. Unfortunately they had
not had the advantage of Dr. Macadam's assistance, but he was glad
that gentleman was now present, and that they had one member of the
Government.

The Honourable Dr. Wilkie, M.L.C., said that Dr. Mueller, himself,
and Dr. Wills, father of Mr. Wills, a member of the expedition,
waited on the Chief Secretary and communicated to him the
resolution passed by the Exploration Committee, strongly
recommending the Government to give the Victoria steamer for the
purpose of proceeding to the Gulf of Carpentaria in aid of Mr.
Burke's party. He might state that the deputation entered fully
into the whole question, and that the Chief Secretary very
cordially promised that the Victoria should be given, and that at
the same time he (the Chief Secretary) said it was the desire of
the Government to promote the wishes of the Exploration Committee,
as far as possible, in rendering assistance to Mr. Burke. Further
discussion took place with reference to other matters, which would
immediately come under the consideration of the committee;--as to
the sending a land party from Rockhampton; and the Government had
promised every possible assistance that they could render.

. . .

Mr. Howitt, who returned the next day, was soon despatched
again with increased means, to follow up his work in aid. A
communication was immediately opened with the Queensla