CHAPTER X - EXPEDITION IN QUEST OF THAT OF MESSRS. BURKE AND WILLS, UNDER THE COMMAND OF MR. ALFRED WILLIAM HOWITT, 1861-2

Summary

In introducing the leader of the contingent exploration expedition, it may be as well to notice the preparatory steps by which he had become fitted for so reponsible a command. My son Alfred accompanied myself and his younger and only living brother, Herbert Charlton Howitt–who has since lost his life in New Zealand, whilst employed in making a road over the mountains from Christchurch to the western coast of the middle island. During my two years' travel through the colony of Victoria, and life in its forests and at its different diggings, my eldest son, Mr. Alfred Howitt, became familiar with bush life, and by the active management of the concerns of the party, acquired the tact and experience necessary for more extended duties. After my return in 1854, he was for several years engaged on different squatting stations, and in conveying flocks and herds to distant parts of the colony. In 1859, the accounts published by McDouall Stuart of the country discovered by him to the N.W. of Lake Torrens, induced a wealthy squatter of Victoria to engage my son to make a journey thither to ascertain whether it was really good grazing country, and whether cattle and sheep might be driven thither from Adelaide. Sailing for that port, Mr. Howitt there purchased a number of horses for riding and pack horses, and a light spring waggon also to carry part of the necessary supplies.