business, I gave up my intention of forming one of the party. Mr.
McKinlay was a fine fellow, well adapted to the work; his
companions strong and lively, and of a proper age, neither too old
nor too young. Having seen him off, I determined to remain for a
time in Adelaide, a delightful place, where I found some of the
kindest and most agreeable acquaintances I have ever had the good
fortune to meet with.

The South Australian Register, of the 24th of August, 1861, gave
the following summary of the measures in progress:--

Our readers will perhaps be surprised to learn that a new
exploring expedition has just been sent to the northern interior. To
explore is clearly one of the missions of South Australia; but this
time the object is less one of curiosity than humanity. With Mr.
Stuart and his party still engaged in the work of opening a route
to the north-west coast, no one would have thought it desirable,
under ordinary circumstances, to undertake fresh explorations. But
the whole colony has been moved by the dreadful doubt which hangs
over the fate of Mr. Burke, the Victorian explorer, who, with three
men, left Cooper's Creek at the beginning of the year; having only
a few months' provisions with him. They have not been heard of
since, and there is not much hope entertained of their safety. But
all that can be done to assist them or to ascertain their fate is
being done. The three adjacent provinces have sent in search of the
lost explorers, and this colony has also despatched its expedition
for the same good purpose. Mr. McKinlay, an experienced bushman,
has left Adelaide upon this chivalric task, taking with him six
men, twenty-four horses, and four camels. His first duty is to seek
for Burke, and in the next place to obtain a knowledge of
unexplored country in the north.

. . .

After general instructions, Mr. McKinlay's duties were
more specifically defined:--

You will in all matters keep the following objects in full view:--

Firstly. The relief of the expedition under the command of Mr.
Burke, or the acquiring a knowledge of its fate. This is the great
object of the expedition under your command.

When you may have accomplished the foregoing, or may have deemed it
necessary to abandon the search for Mr. Burke, then,

Secondly. The acquiring a knowledge of the country between Eyre's
Creek and Central Mount Stuart.

Thirdly. The acquiring a knowledge of the western shores of Lake
Eyre. A separate le