CHAPTER XIX - EXPEDITION FOR BRINGING DOWN THE REMAINS OF BURKE AND WILLS

Summary

One more enterprise and we have arrived at the close of this eventful history. When we commenced it, Australia was a terra incognita. It is now a populous land, boasting no less than five states or colonies, with its swarming cities and cultivated farms. It has become the greatest grazing and wool-growing country in the world. Its gold is poured into Europe with a Pactolian profusion, and already it is planning the foundation of new colonies. The swarm which fled the paternal hive but the other day is now casting off new swarms of its own. But all this marvellous developement of energy and life has been produced by the labours of self-sacrificing explorers and bold adventurers on sea and land, in discovery and commerce, many of whom have laid down their lives in the desert. It was decreed, however, that the remains of the last martyrs to discovery should be brought from their far off graves to receive the public honours of a great funeral and a monument. The same leader who had so successfully conducted the expedition, which sought and found the remains of this brave but unfortunate party, was again selected for this melancholy duty.

Mr. Alfred Howitt quitted Melbourne on this service on the 9th of December, 1861. His party this time consisted of twelve persons, including Messrs. W. F. Welch, surveyor, Dr. Murray, who volunteered to go as surgeon to the party, and for which purpose the Melbourne Hospital Committee had freely allowed him six months' absence; Weston Phillips and A. Aitkin, both of whom had been with Howitt not only on the last journey to Cooper's Creek, but also in the Gippsland mountains ; Henry Burrell; and H. L. Galbraith.