f men must
necessarily increase the consumption of food. In order to meet this
difficulty it has been proposed to establish depots upon which an
expedition could fall back to recruit its supplies, and in ordinary
cases this plan might answer; but I am decidedly of opinion that no
party could long remain stationary in the distant interior without some
fatal collision with the natives, which would be attended with the most
deplorable consequences; and I do think, considering all things, that
the experiment is too dangerous to be tried; for when I reached Mount
Harris, on my first retreat from the Darling, I found the party who
were awaiting me, with a supply of provisions, under very great alarm,
in consequence of the hostile proceedings of the Mount Harris tribe.
The men had been obliged to put the camp into a state of defence. The
blacks had attempted to surprise them, and would, had I not returned,
have combined in some general attack. It appears to me that the most
judicious plan would be to send a supply of provisions, with an
expedition, to a distant point, under the charge of a minor party.
These provisions could replace those already expended, and the animals
that carried them could be taken back.

SELECTION OF SUBORDINATES.

The number of individuals of which the expedition down the banks of the
Macquarie was composed, was fourteen: that is to say, myself, Mr. Hume,
two soldiers, one free man, and seven prisoners of the crown. The
latter behaved, on all occasions, as steadily as it was possible for
men to do. Yet the circumstance of the two soldiers being with me
increased my confidence in the whole, for I was aware that their
example would influence the rest. However well disposed the prisoners
of the crown may be, (as in this instance they certainly were,) the
beneficial example of steady discipline cannot be denied. I should not
have considered myself justified in leaving the camp as I did for a
week, and in detaching Mr. Hume at the same time when at the bottom of
the marshes, or in making the last effort to maintain our position on
the banks of the Darling, if I had not reposed every confidence in the
man to whom I entrusted the safety of the camp during my absence.

Experience, therefore, of the value of the two soldiers, whom General
Darling was good enough to permit me to take on the strength of the
party, fully bears me out in recommending that one man, at least, of
general responsibility shall be at