delaide in 1870, and afterwards accompanied me in 1874 from
the west coast through the centre of the western part of Australia to the
telegraph line between Adelaide and Port Darwin.

He received great credit from the Government for the energy and
perseverance displayed on this expedition--a character borne out by
future services as second in command with me.

In July, 1872, I addressed the following letter to the Honourable Malcolm
Fraser, the Surveyor-General:--

Western Australia, Perth,

July 12th, 1872.

SIR,

I have the honour to lay before you, for the consideration of his
Excellency the Governor, a project I have in view for the further
exploration of Western Australia.

My wish is to undertake an expedition, to start early next year from
Champion Bay, follow the Murchison to its source, and then continue in an
east and north-east direction to the telegraph line now nearly completed
between Adelaide and Port Darwin; after this we would either proceed
north to Port Darwin or south to Adelaide.

The party would consist of four white and two black men, with twenty
horses, well armed and provisioned for at least six months.

The total cost of the expedition would be about 600 pounds, of which sum
I hope to be able to raise, by subscriptions, about 200 pounds.

The horses will be furnished by the settlers, many having already been
promised me.

The geographical results of such an expedition would necessarily be very
great; it would be the finishing stroke of Australian discovery; would be
sure to open new pastoral country; and, if we are to place any weight in
the opinions of geographers (among whom I may mention the Reverend
Tenison Woods), the existence of a large river running inland from the
watershed of the Murchison is nearly certain.

Referring to the map of Australia you will observe that the proposed
route is a very gigantic, hazardous, and long one; but, after careful
consideration, I have every confidence that, should I be allowed to
undertake it, there are reasonable hopes of my being able to succeed.

Minor details are purposely omitted; but, should his Excellency
favourably entertain this proposition, I will be too glad, as far as I am
able, to give further information on the subject.

Trusting you will be able to concur in the foregoing suggestions.

I have, etc.,

JOHN FORREST.

To this letter the Governor appended the following memorandum:--

Mr. J. Forrest, in a most public sp