rse of a day or two. I have taken every precaution with regard to
the health of the men, in preparing them for the country into which
they are going; and I have to request that you will inform the governor
that the conduct of the whole party merits my approbation, and that I
have no fault to find. The men from Sydney are not so sharp as those
from Wellington Valley, but are equally well disposed. The animals,
both horses and bullocks, are in good order, and I find the two
soldiers of infinite service to me. The boat has received some damage
from exposure to intense heat, but is otherwise uninjured. We still
retain the carriage and have every prospect of dragging it on with us.

His Excellency, having been good enough to order a fresh supply of
provisions to Wellington Valley, I have to beg they may be forwarded to
Mount Harris, and that the person in charge thereof be instructed to
remain at that station for one month. We shall, during the interval,
have examined the country to the north-west; and, in case we are forced
back, shall require a supply to enable us to proceed to the northward,
in furtherance of the views I have already had the honor to submit for
the Governor's approval.

I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obedient and humble Servant,
CHARLES STURT,
Captain, 39th Regt.

THE HONOURABLE THE COLONIAL SECRETARY

* * * * *

GOVERNMENT ORDER.

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE, 6TH APRIL, 1829.

His Excellency the Governor is pleased to direct that the following
interesting Report which has been received from Captain Sturt, 39th
Regiment, who has been employed for some months past, (as will be seen
on reference to the Government Order, No. 4, published with Captain
Sturt's First Report in the Sydney Gazette, of the 24th of January
last) in exploring the interior, be communicated for the information of
the public.

It appears that the river Macquarie ceases to exist near the spot where
the expedition under the late Mr. Oxley terminated, which, from the
state of country at the time, being then flooded, could not be
ascertained; and that another river of no inconsiderable magnitude, fed
by salt springs, was discovered by Captain Sturt on the 2nd February
last, about 100 miles to the westward of the Macquarie, running to the
southward and westward.

By His Excellency's Command,
ALEXANDER M'LEAY.

* * * * *

MOUNT HARRIS, 4TH MARCH, 1829.

SIR,--I do myself the honor to acquaint you,