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Oct 7 1807
Sir
The ship not sailing so soon as was reported, when writing my two former letters, enabled me to send a third, as at that time being rather hurried, some things escaped me which ought to have been communicated. When I fixed on going the journey to the Cataract, I likewise intended setting off on another in a few days after my return, with an intent of finding out the junctions of the Nepean & Dryander with the Hawkesbury; and if possible, to discover a passage to the Border. I proposed for the party to be six in number, [indecipherable] of a native and myself. My reason for having a greater number, than I had ever before had, was this. The same fire-arms that will protect two, will protect six. The same cooking utensils that two require, will nearly answer the purpose of six. This being the depths of winter, and consequently the nights very cold, a larger party could secure themselves with greater care and expedition against the inclemency of the weather, and lastly, that this number would exempt me from carrying a load [indecipherable and would make me to be more accurate in making observations, or what by carrying a load upon me back, the compass in my hands, and a continually stooping for plants, added double fatigue to me, than what the rest underwent. And frequently I have been so overcome, as to be unable to make any remarks. Besides what I have said, you will clearly perceive, that a greater quantity of provisions could be taken; and the journey executed at a Season without taxing the constitution, as would be the case when the weather became warmer.
His Excellency having promised to give me his assistance, I accordingly presented a list in your name, stating my plants, and that such as the Stores could not furnish, I would provide at my own expense, rather than the intent should be defeated. However, I found such difficulty after the list was signed, that obliged me to curtail my plans. And after my return, on waiting on His Excellency, I did not meet with that encouragement I thought myself entitled to, I relinquished the other journey, which might have been almost done with only the additional expense of provisions. It was not flattery, or the hope of gain, that I wanted, but that assistance and liberality, which I conceive my ardor merited, whereby a greater knowledge of the country might be gained. I may safely say, that I am the only one in the Colony who strives at gaining a knowledge of the interior, but what little encouragement I have had, during the time I have been in it! However, I flatter myself, that I can give as good an account of the Colony, on the whole, that is, respecting Natural History, Geography, and politics as any on it. And the serious matters I have furnished you with, must certainly extend your