Part 22 (1/2)

We did not want them, and were just as well pleased they did not come on

Mr Gosse's track went North-North-East to the Hamilton River from Appatinna

26th

Got off early and followed the river about two miles, when it took a bend to the north, and as it was rather boggy near it we left it, and steered about east and East-North-East for twenty rass We caully with a little water in it, and sorass in a flat The horses were very tired, not having had anything to eat for the last two or three days, and so in; in fact, all weak and knocked-up, and we have to handle them very carefully For the first thirteen miles we passed many clay-pans full of water--water nearly everywhere--after which there was very little; and the rain does not appear to have been heavy to the east The river is about a mile and a half north of us, and we have not seen it for sorees 9 raph line to- East-North-East for two ht bank over many clay-pans ater, about east for twelve miles, and then East-North-East for three raph line between Adelaide and Port Darwin, and ca and continued cheers caoal to which we have been travelling for so long I felt rejoiced and relieved fro line of travel we had perforh an unknown country, alood Providence that had guarded and guided us so safely through it

The telegraph line is most substantially put up, and ired, and is very creditable at this spot; large poles of bush timber, often rather crooked, and iron ones here and there I now gave up keeping watch, having kept it regularly for the last six104th camp from Geraldton We had not much to refresh the inner man with, only damper and water, but we have been used to it now more than a month, and do not much feel it The horses are all very tired, and many of theht, where we shall be able to get so water reat irees 7 minutes 50 seconds south

28th

We travelled down the telegraph line for about twenty-one miles, and carass Level plains and small rocky rises all the way; very stony country;near the telegraph line We did not get on it till we had travelled along the line about fifteen a east of the line

29th

When ere nearly ready to start, police-horse Butcher lay down and died in a few seconds; he appeared all right e brought hie, very severe hard work, and continual travelling, is no doubt the cause of death: we took off his shoes, and left him where he died I was sorry for the poor old horse; he had been rather weak for a good while, but had borne up well to the very last We only had four horses to ride to-day, and Sweeney being still lame really made but three horses between five of us We travelled down the road for about thirty-three miles over stony plains; ully with sorees 49 rass all day, but plenty of water from recent rains everywhere Hope to reach the Peake by mid-day to-morrow Damper and water as usual

30th

Got off early as usual, all in high glee at the prospect ofthe road and saw cattle, and shortly afterwards reached the Peake, and rather surprised the people

Mr Bagot, the owner of the cattle station, was the first Ihim ere, he said he had surmised it was so He soon told us that Mr Giles had returned, and also Mr Ross, who had been despatched by the Honourable Thoood equipet over to Western Australia We were soon introduced to Mr Blood, the officer in charge of the telegraph station, and, after unloading, were soon engaged at dinner, the roast beef and plu contrast to our fare lately! Both Mr and Mrs Blood, as well as Mr

Bagot, did all they could toour four days'

rest

CONGRATULATORY TELEGRAMS

Irarave, Governor of South Australia, at Adelaide, infor hi reply from the private secretary:--

His Excellency has received your ratulates you heartily on your safe arrival

This telegram was accompanied by another from the Honourable Arthur Blyth, the Chief Secretary of the Colony:

Is there anything you want? Mail leaves on October 10th Shall be happy to facilitate any despatch you may wish forwarded to your Governiven instructions for every assistance to be rendered you at the various telegraph stations on your road down

The instructions sent by Mr Todd, the Superintendent of Telegraphs, to Mr Blood, the officer in charge at Peake station, were to the following effect:--

Please give ratulations to Mr Forrest on the successful coreat feat, which I have communicated to the Governratulations I shall be glad to have a few particulars as to route followed, if convenient to Mr Forrest to supply them Render his party every attention

Mr Ernest Giles, the explorer, also telegraphed, and I also received ister and Advertiser, Adelaide newspapers, congratulatingfor a few particulars for publication in their papers I co a brief narrative of the more remarkable incidents of our journey On the 15th of October, the day after our arrival at Peake, I wrote, for the inforrave, a short account of the journey, and this, accompanied by a more detailed narrative, addressed to the Honourable Malcolether with several private telegrae by the South Australian Govern we required for our journey to Adelaide

We left the Peake on the 4th of October, greatly refreshed by the rest and the kind treatment we had received froot, the owner of the cattle station

Before I record the details of our journey and the receptions given us at every place on the route, I will quote the concluding remarks of my journal relative to the expedition:--

THE COUNTRY TRAVERSED