phy of New
South Wales, the Governor was pleased to appoint me to the command of
this expedition.

JOURNEY FROM SYDNEY TO EMU PLAINS.

In the month of September, 1828, I received his Excellency's commands
to prepare for my journey; and by the commencement of November, had
organised my party, and completed the necessary arrangements. On the
9th of that month, I waited on the Governor, at Parramatta, to receive
his definitive instructions. As the establishments at Sydney had been
unable to supply me with the necessary number of horses and oxen,
instructions had been forwarded to Mr. Maxwell, the superintendent of
Wellington Valley, to train a certain number for my use; and I was now
directed to push for that settlement without loss of time. I returned
to Sydney in the afternoon of the 9th, and on the 10th took leave of my
brother officers, to commence a journey of very dubious issue; and, in
company with my friend, Staff-surgeon M'Leod, who had obtained
permission to accompany me to the limits of the colony, followed my men
along the great western road. We moved leisurely over the level
country, between the coast and the Nepean River, and availed ourselves
of the kind hospitality of those of our friends whose property lay
along that line of road, to secure more comfortable places of rest than
the inns would have afforded.

We reached Sheane, the residence of Dr. Harris, on the 11th, and were
received by him with the characteristic kindness with which friends or
strangers are ever welcomed by that gentleman, He had accompanied Mr.
Oxley as a volunteer in 1818, and his name was then given to the mount
which formed the extreme point to which the main body of the first
expedition down the banks of the Macquarie penetrated, in a westerly
direction.

The general appearance of the property of Dr. Harris, showed how much
perseverance and labour had effected towards its improvement. Many
acres of ground bore a promising crop, over which a gloomy forest had
once waved. The Doctor's farming establishment was as complete as his
husbandry seemed to be prosperous; but he did not appear to be
satisfied with the extent of his dwelling, to which he was making
considerable additions, although I should have thought it large enough
for all ordinary purposes of residence or hospitality. The rewards of
successful industry were everywhere visible.

FROM EMU PLAINS TO WELLINGTON VALLEY.

On the 13th, we gained Regent's Ville, the more sp