tared at him without
the least approach to recognition. Badly wounded, and half starved, he
did, indeed, present a melancholy contrast to the vigorous and determined
enthusiast we had parted from a few months before at the Cape, to whom
danger seemed to have a charm, distinct from success.

No sooner had we ascertained the safety of the rest of the party, than,
as might be supposed, we fell into a long and animated conversation upon
the success of the expedition. They had discovered a river, called by
them the Glenelg, and a tract of fine country, which, from Lieutenant
Grey's description, I instantly recognised as being the same Mr. Helpman
had seen from Brecknock Harbour.

A spot, sixty miles in a South-South-East direction from Hanover Bay,
indicates their furthest distance towards the interior. The rugged nature
of the country in the neighbourhood of this coast, and its vast distance
from the interior, from whence it is further removed than any other part
of the continent, justify the expression of an opinion that this was an
ill-chosen spot for the debarkation of an expedition for inland research;
though unquestionably its proximity to our East Indian possessions, would
make it, if suitable in other respects, a most valuable spot for
colonization. I shall always regret that Lieutenant Grey and his
companions had not the advantage of starting from the Fitzroy, or
exploring yet further the unknown course of the Victoria, by which I am
now convinced, a most successful attempt to reach the interior might be
made.

Alas! while we cannot but regret the prodigal sacrifices of health and
energy made to acquire such a limited knowledge of a part of the
continent, hitherto utterly unknown, we must not forget to do justice to
the perseverance which opposing obstacles could defeat, but not daunt;
and in what it did accomplish, furnished additional motives to renewed
exertion, and useful suggestions by which more fortunate followers may
reap the success deserved by, though denied, to the first adventurers.

The worn and haggard aspect of Lieutenant Grey and all his companions,
spoke of itself how severe had been the hardships they were called on to
endure: I need not say that their wants were relieved with the utmost
eagerness of frank hospitality, and that their tales of hair-breadth
escapes and moving accidents awoke all ears, and stirred in every heart.
To meet with a countryman in a foreign land, is of itself generally a