Pamomaroo Camp, Darling River,
Oct. 29, 1861.

Sir.

I have the honour to report my arrival here with the contingent party last night. I am now awaiting instructions, which, I trust, will be forwarded without delay.

Should the party proceed to Melbourne, I believe, that in three weeks from this time the horses will be quite fit for work, being in very fair order, though rather fagged with the journey down. After leaving Poria Creek I was obliged to make longer stages than I had intended, in consequence of many of the waters having dried up, and, with the exception of some channels between Carriapundy and Canilta, some at Wanaminta Creek, Nundorungee Creek, and the Daubuney Range, I do not think that any could be depended upon for more than a month longer.

In the eighty miles between the Daubeney Range and this place we only obtained twenty buckets of water at Kokerika, which entirely exhausted the supply there. Fortunately, a shower passed over during the night, which gave our horses a small supply on the road before making the Pamomaroo Lake.

King I shall send down after a few days' rest, as probably the committee will desire to see him without delay.

I have the honour to be, sir,
your most obedient servant,
A W Howitt,
Leader of contingent party.

To the Hon John Macadam, MD Hon Sec to the Exploration Committee, Melbourne.