Friday 31 August 1860
Page 5.

The following extract from a letter written on the 26th of August from Mia Mia, by Mr Wills, third in command of the Exploring Expedition, to his father, Dr Wills, of Ballarat, is published in The Star:

We are now at Mia Mia, and all has gone on well, with the exception of some necessary breakdowns and wet weather.

We have to travel very slowly, on account of the camels. I have been agreeably disappointed as to them, as they are far from unpleasant to ride upon; in fact, it is much less tiresome than riding on horseback, and, even with the little practice that I have yet had, it shakes me less.

We start to-morrow morning early to proceed by the Campaspe, then strike off towards the Loddon, by way of Mount Hope. I will write you again from Swan Hill, if not before.

 

Mia Mia,
26th August 1860.

My dear Father

We are now at the Mia-Mia (a roadside public-house), lying between McIvor and Castlemaine. We are all right enough, except as regards cleanliness, and everything has gone well, barring the necessary break-downs, and wet weather. We have to travel slowly, on account of the camels. I suppose Professor Neumayer will overtake us in a day or two. I have been agreeably disappointed in my idea of the camels. They are far from unpleasant to ride; in fact, it is much less fatiguing than riding on horseback, and even with the little practice I have yet had, I find it shakes me less.

I shall write to you from Swan Hill, if not before.

Your affectionate son,
William J Wills