From William Tietkens¹    24 November 1887

Adelaide

Novr 24th 87.

My dear Baron

I thank you very much for your kindly expressions of congratulation² upon my appointment to the charge of the Lake Amadeus Expedition and with regard to Mr Giles I would wish to point out that I have never at any time put myself forward in this matter I was asked a year ago as to who would be the best man to take the party & I unhesitatingly said Giles and Giles was applied to and for a while it was an understood thing that he was to take it but as there seemed no immediate prospect of Funds being collected he entered into an engagement to go to the Kimberly & I feel much hurt that he did not write to me before he started, for I know nothing whatever of his whereabouts this is certain, Giles knew perfectly well that I wished to go and very generously withdrew his name from the undertaking but I hope sincerely hope that he has not expressed feelings of disappointment to you for I assure you my dear Baron that I have not once put myself forward, the Geograph Sec wrote to Giles repeatedly without receiving any reply and then they appealed to me, So that I am somewhat puzzled when you tell me of his telegram from Port Darwin expressing disappointment for it [...]³ agree with his generously with drawing his name a few months previous:

I would wish for an opportunity to write to him but his Sister in a letter to a friend of hers said that he had gone to Hong Kong & from there he was going to Kimberly it seems to be a fairly goodseason in the Interior & we may hope that not more than the usual amount of difficulties may present themselves during the trip

With every expression of kindliest regard

I remain dear Baron

yours Sincerely

W H Tietkens