FINAL REPORT. 
305 
the committee, and the colonists, by whom the expedition was 
fitted out, I return my most sincere acknowledgments for the 
very great honour done me in appointing me to the command of 
an undertaking at once so interesting and important — for the 
liberal and kind way in which I have been supported, and my 
wishes complied with ; and, above all, for the flattering and 
encouraging confidence expressed in my abilities and perse- 
verance. To a conviction of the existence of this confidence in 
the minds of those by whom I was appointed, I feel that I owe 
much of the stimulus that has sustained and encouraged me 
under difficulties and disappointments of no ordinary kind. 
Deeply as I lament the unsuccessful and unsatisfactory result of 
an undertaking from which so much was expected, I have the 
cheering consciousness of having endeavoured faithfully to dis- 
charge the trust confided to me ; and although from a con- 
currence of most unfortunate circumstances which no human 
prudence could foresee or guard against, and which the most 
untiring perseverance has been unable to surmount, I have not 
succeeded in effecting the great objects for which this expedition 
was fitted out, I would fain hope that our labours have not been 
altogether in vain, but that hereafter, some future and more 
fortunate traveller, judging from the considerable extent of 
country we have examined, and the features it has developed, 
may, by knowing where the interior is not practicable, be 
directed to where it is. 
“ In concluding my report of our endeavours to penetrate 
the northern interior, I beg to express to all who have been 
connected with the expedition, my sincere thanks for their zeal 
and good conduct. In my young friend, Mr. Scott, I have had 
a cheerful companion and useful assistant ; whilst in my overseer 
and men, I have met with a most praiseworthy readiness and 
steadiness of conduct, under circumstances and disappointments 
that have at once been trying and disheartening. 
“ I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, 
“ EDWARD JOHN EYRE. 
“ The Chairman of the Committee for 'pro- \ 
moting the Northern Expedition.” ji 
VOL. I. 
X 
