that I had been with him, for his
qualities as an explorer were perfect in my humble opinion. The
news of his sad death has been a great blow to all of us, and we
sincerely feel for you in your affliction. But though dead in the
flesh, the brave spirit of your son will stand emblazoned on the
pages of our country's history as one of those heroes who have died
for the cause in which he was engaged, in the flush of victory,
cheerfully fulfilling his duties to the last.

I cannot believe that Wright and Brahe ever returned to Cooper's
Creek. If they had done so a stockman so well experienced in
tracking as Wright must be, would have detected the presence of
signs that might escape the eye of one less practised; for it is
ascertained now that the stores had been removed about the time
that Brahe left, and before, as they say, they returned in company.

I also believe that, had Burke taken his companions' advice, and
followed down Brahe's tracks, they would have been saved, for it is
well known to all travellers that animals will feel cheered in
following the footsteps of their late associates; but to attempt to
force his party to explore new country when a well-known route was
open to him was little short of madness. I have not patience to
criticize Wright and Brahe's conduct. If Brahe had even left more
stores, clothing especially, we should have had the pleasure of
welcoming the explorers home.

But God's wise providence knows what is best, and in saying, His
will be done, I pray that He may comfort you and yours in this
great bereavement. Mrs. B. and my daughter unite with me in kindest
regards, and believe me to be as ever,

My dear sir,

Your sincere friend,

ARTHUR JOHN BAKER.

. . .

FROM P.A. JENNINGS, ESQUIRE, ST. ARNAUD, VICTORIA.

St. Arnaud, December 15th, 1861.

MY DEAR SIR,

I did not like to intrude upon your sorrow before; but I
feel desirous of now testifying the sympathy of myself and friends
at St. Arnaud with you under your heavy affliction. I had the
pleasure of forming an intimacy with your lamented and gallant son
during his stay here; an intimacy which soon ripened into a true
friendship.

It was in the year 1858, from March to July, that your son stopped
in this vicinity, as the promoter of the survey of this town. I was
thrown much into his company, and soon learned to appreciate his
amiable and noble disposition. My mother and sisters, who also
found pleasure in his society, ha