THE LEICHHARDT EXPEDITION.

New Zealander, Volume XXII, Issue 2452, 10 June 1865, Page 3

THE LEICHHARDT EXPEDITION.

Wk {Auttralasian) have been favored with the following letter, addressed to Dr. Mueller by Mr Howitt, the well-known explorer:— “ I have faken a great interest in your movement, and sincerely trust that it will be carried out, and that it will be successful. “ It may perhaps be interesting to yon to know that while I was out, I took every opportunity of questioning the natives as to parties of white men in the interior, and this I did so far as lat. 25deg. SOmin. south. Speaking the languages of that part of the interior, I could be sure of understanding and making myself understood. I found that the natives were acquainted with Sturt’s party—they pointed out to me the line of his march, and sail that he had a cart with him : also that of Gregory, and showed me the tracks of his horses in one place; and of course, knew all about the latter explorers. But I could never gain the least intelligence of such a party as Leichhardt’s, and I feel confident, that their traces mns* be ■ought for considerably north of the latitude 1 have named, as information, as you well know, is carried to a considerable distance among the tribes.

“ Again with best wishes for the success of the expedition, believe me, my dear sir, very faithfully yours, “ A. W. Howitt. “ Dr. Mueller, F. 8.8., &c.”

THE SEARCH FOR LEICHHARDT.

The following letter from Dr. Moeller ap pears in the Riverine Herald of the 18 th Instant:

Sir,—“ A Murray Squatter,” writing from Kasima, while desiring to elicit information respecting the ladies’ intended arrangements for Leichhardt’s search, has deemed it not improper to assail both the Hon. Dr Wilkie and myself. Were the distrust he shows solely directed against myself, I should have abstained from

replying; but I feel boom! to shield Dr. Wilkie against «u attack which, had 'he Kasim* gentleman been acquainted with all the facts connected with the first Victorian expedition, he could never have ventured. Neither Dr. Wilkie nor myself were identified with the arrangement* which led to the disasters of the Burke and Wills expedition, and lienee we can in no way whatever be hold responsible for its melancholy fate. We were indeed both opposed to the momentous decision out ol which the subsequent miseries mainly arose. I can assure our assailant that Dr. Wi kie’s actions throughout the harassing former expedition affair can stand the test of the closest criticism, and that in any future coos illations, I shall ever attach groat value to his ideas and his judgment. Being once called into tne arena, I may likewise now repel the attacks of the Murray squatter against myself. I leave.it. to others to judge whether, after traversing Australia since 1848, in Hues of about 34,00 V miles, and these to a vast extent as an independent traveller, and after having practically served in the field for the promotion of natural science, even for a series of years before in Germany and Scandinavia, and after I have never lent myself to deviations from public duties for personal considorations-or otherwise, he is justified in his notions. The reputation of a name built on the field labours of science during nearly a quartet of a century, must be to me the most preciour treasure which I possess, a treasure which 1 shall never leave unguarded, and which I am not likely to risk in promoting the ladies’ elevated enterprise.A man who writes from a field of practical operations like that ofKasima, ought, however, to be himself aware that it would be mischievous to fetter any safe and tried explorer in the details of his operations. Or does the Kasiraa gentleman really think that a man like Mr. M'lntyre, or one of his stamp, would require any advice for this search, or any rules toi his equipment ? Or is the Murray squatter intending to impede the search by fixing a r»ute, while the movements of a search party most absolutely depend on the incidents of each day ? Of the scope of the enterprise, which so well has been entrusted to the ladies’ care, and so well sustained by their active and intelligent solicitude, sufficient has foen enunciated before an unrestrictedly invited public at St. George’s Hall as to enable anyone to comjire.hend its basis. Months ago it was there stated that when the fund was obtained, the ladies would, for any advice needed for the practical initiation of thpir enterprise, consult with gentlemen, and the fair promoters of this high cau<e arc not likely to choose advisers who do not carry public confidence with them. Of the means adopted by the ladies to secure the fund of this expedition a brief record has been given in the Economist. But alter all th t has been.done, it is sad to contemplate, that while every thoughtful, well-meaning, and disinterested man should give his to this national act of duty, we should sdll find those who spread diffidence and withhold aid. The Murray squatter will, I trust, reflect that while he discourages the ladies in their noble task, he incura a responsibility, and creates delay, and perhaps Injury, for which a resentful Nemesis on bis own path of life may yet retaliate ; and while unimformed obrruding his advice and psssing his opinion, he may extinguish in many into whose hands his letter may tall, that spark of sympathy, and that glimmering of hope, which tne ladies appeal for the abandoned explorer endeavors to kindle among the just, highminded, and charitable. I am, Mr. Editor, reverently yours, Fred. Mueller.