e course
of south-south-east to 20 degrees south to its head, when, in thirty
miles, he picked up the head of the Thomson and followed it down to
Cooper's Creek, making his way into the settled districts by following up
that creek to its head, and then following the Warrego River to this
point, from whence he goes into the Barwon. He speaks of the country to
the head of the Thomson, and from thence along the whole course of the
Flinders to the Gulf, as magnificent, consisting of rich basaltic plains,
very thickly grassed, one of the most conspicuous grasses being greatly
in appearance to sorghum. Horses are so fond of it that the party could
scarcely drive them along with whips. The party has met no casualty, and
look very well, notwithstanding experiencing a shortness of rations on
the journey. The horses are looking well. Landsborough was quite
surprised at hearing that Burke's remains had been found. They found no
track nor tidings of his party. I have given Mr. Landsborough an account
of our trip in July and August last towards Cooper's Creek. He considers
it a connecting link in the overland route from the Darling to the Gulf,
and one that will be used in taking stock to that point. I consider that
the route as now found will be the one adopted by the eastern colonies,
South Australia availing itself of Stuart's route.

...

The following letter has been addressed to the Colonial Secretary of
Queensland by Mr. Landsborough:

Mount Murchison, Darling River, July 5 1862.

Sir,

Having learned from the Queensland news, in the Sydney Weekly Mail of the
24th May, that the Honourable the Colonial Treasurer said that he had no
doubt the parties in search of Burke's tracks were making tracks for
themselves, I have now the honour to inform you that, so far as I am
concerned, I have no immediate intention to apply for country discovered
by me while searching for Burke's tracks; that my previous correspondence
with you gave you a true description of the country I had seen in my
expedition to the south-west from the Albert River depot; that I will
send you, when I reach Melbourne or sooner, a copy of my journal, which I
hope will give a satisfactory description of the country I have seen in
my last expedition; and further that it is satisfactory to me in the
meantime to state that the country I saw near the Gulf of Carpentaria I
consider to be exceedingly well adapted for sheep runs, and that I am of
opinion that the mos