From James Murray to Ferdinand von Mueller   21 July 1865

21st July, 1865,

Balranald,

Murrumbidgee.¹

Having found a bend of the river containing an abundance of good feed (rather an extraordinary thing just now), I left my party there under the charge of Mr M'Donald, a most trusty man, and rode on to Balranald (six miles) this morning. My intention is to examine the state of the back country for 50 or 100 miles, in order to satisfy myself as to the feed and water on the route. The accounts are so conflicting that² it is utterly impossible to place any reliance upon them, so I thought it more prudent to go and see for myself. By adopting this course the horses will have a spell of two or three days on excellent feed, and the danger of making an impassible route will be avoided. Everything is getting on to my greatest satisfaction. I cannot speak too highly of the kindness manifested by the New South Wales squatters and people generally to myself and party. Even the poorer classes show a most lively interest in the success of the party, and contribute their aid freely when required. As an example of this I may mention the good taste displayed by the punt owner at this township, by name Dennis Hannan, Balranald. He has promised to cross the entire party free of expense, whereas the punt expenses at Swan Hill³ and on the Wakool⁴ amounted to upwards of £12. He said he had not contributed, but he hoped this would be looked upon in the light of a contribution. I shall write to you again when I return from the back country. Things look promising so far, but the rain-fall has been but little up here, and the ground is very sandy, soaking the moisture rapidly.⁵