My black female messengers it appears did not go back at once to our camp
with the note I gave them, and consequently they did not get here till
Sunday.

Friday, October 25.

At camp very much the appearance of rain but none has fallen. Clearing
off any heavy trees round our camp that could be used by natives as
places of concealment. Have made up my mind to send a party into the
settled districts as far as Blanchewater with such information regarding
the object of my search and as much general information as is in my
power, with copy of journal and tracing showing our route, which Mr.
Hodgkinson will be better able to do neatly at Blanchewater than here in
the tents; although he has made here on the spot such a one as would give
a very good idea of all that is necessary. No part of this country has
had any rain for very many months; the grasses and herbage generally on
the hilly ground being like tinder. If it had an ordinary share it would
be an excellent healthy stock country. From the numbers of natives and
their excellent condition I am satisfied that many lakes and creeks in
this part are permanent; and as I mean to give it a good look over I have
come to the conclusion that I will require a further supply of flour,
tea, sugar, and a few little et ceteras, and will therefore send horses
with the party that goes to Blanchewater under the guidance of Mr.
Hodgkinson to bring up additional supplies, trusting to get them there,
and at the same time hoping this course may meet the approbation of the
Government; for in so doing I adopt the course I would pursue on my own
account and therefore do it on theirs. The men are in excellent health
and good spirits, and the animals except the camels (they cannot stand
the heavy hills of sand if at all hot, which it was on our last trip) are
all in good condition--many of them much better than when we left