COPY OF DESPATCH. 263 
George’s Sound, occasionally radiating inland whenever circum- 
stances may admit of it. 
“ The very severe loss the expedition has sustained in the 
death of four of its best horses since leaving Adelaide in June 
last, added to the unfavourable season of the year, and the em- 
barrassing nature of the country, have rendered it impossible for 
me to carry provisions for the whole party for a length of time 
sufficient to enable me to prosecute the undertaking I am en- 
gaged in with any prospect of success; whilst the wild and 
fearful nature of this breaker-beaten coast wholly precludes me 
from making use of the assistance and co-operation of the 
Waterwitch. I have consequently been under the necessity of 
reducing the strength of my already small party, and have sent 
two men back in the cutter ; retaining only my overseer and 
one man, exclusive of Mr. Scott and two native boys. Upon 
leaving the depot at Fowler’s Bay, it is my intention to proceed 
with only a single dray to carry our provisions, instead of (as 
formerly) with two drays and a cart. 
“ From the reduced state of our horses, it will be absolutely 
necessary for us to remain in depot five or six weeks to rest 
them. Such, however, is the dry and withered state of the little 
grass we have, and so destitute is it of all nutritive qualities, 
that I much fear that even at the expiration of this long respite 
from their labours, our horses will not have improved much in 
strength or condition. I have therefore unhesitatingly taken 
advantage of the very kind permission of his Excellency the 
Governor, to request that a supply of oats and bran may be sent 
to us, should his Excellency not require the services of the 
Waterwitch for more important employment. For ourselves we 
require no additional provisions, the most liberal and abundant 
supply we formerly received being fully sufficient to last us for 
six months longer. 
“ I have much 'pleasure in recording the continued steadiness 
and good conduct of my men, and I regret extremely the neces- 
sity which has compelled me to dispense with the services of 
