1 August 1861, page 4.

A dispatch from Mr Howitt, the leader of the contingent exploration party, dated 'Balranald July 17' has been received.

It states that Mr Howitt arrived there the day previous, having been considerably delayed on his journey from Swan Hill, partly by the heavy state of the roads and partly from a difficulty experienced during the first two days in working the pack-horses.

14 August 1861, page 4.

The following despatch, dated the 17th of July, which had been received from Mr Howitt:

I have the honor to report the arrival of the contingent party at Balranald yesterday afternoon. I have been considerably delayed since leaving Swan Hill, partly from the very bad state of the roads, and partly from considerable, difficulty for the first two days in working the pack-horses. On leaving Swan Hill, I purchased an extra horse; I find I shall be now compelled to purchase another, making my number eighteen.