decision as to where the fertile land was, and where the capital should be. To that end they appointed John McKinlay to lead a party of twelve, to receive all support from the Finniss party, but to go where they might. Their ship also carried instructions to Finniss to return to Adelaide to answer criticisms of his administration. McKinlay did not receive the support he expected from Finniss's successor Manton, and did not commence exploration until 20 January, when rain interfered with his travels. They never reached Cape Hawkesbury, the Roper or the Victoria. Their lowest point came in June 1866 (not the Wet Season as sometimes reported) when McKinlay, Edmunds and party, having one by one slaughtered their horses for food, were trapped in boggy land by the East Alligator River. Weak and malnourished with no chance of making it back to camp alive, they killed their two remaining horses for jerky and built a raft of horses' hides around a structure of green branches, and on 29 June started paddling down to the sea, and arrived back at Escape Cliffs on 5 July 1866. After recovering from their ordeal they made several coastal expeditions, visiting Anson Bay, the Daly River and Port Darwin. He returned to Adelaide to a hero's welcome, despite having achieved nothing, though he did report having seen some good land near Anson Bay, and thought Port Darwin had many advantages, but lacked fresh water. Personnel Legend Leaving SA Henry Ellis April 1864 Henry Ellis, ship, 412 tons; Capt. Phillips left Port Adelaide 23 April 1864, arrived Adam Bay 20 June 1864 Government schooner Yatala, Humbert, left Port Adelaide 18 May 1864. Capt. Humbert was dismissed by Finniss October 1864.South Australian October 1864 steamer South Australian, 435 tons, J. Pain, left Port Adelaide 29 October 1864 arrived Adam Bay December 1864 with 47 passengers, including 40 Government appointees. Surveying schooner Beatrice 93 tons, Hutchinson R.N., left Port Adelaide 9 April 1864 for Northern Territory. Arrived Adam Bay. Returned from Koepang with supplies 1 October 1864, returned Port Adelaide 14 December 1864. Lt. Frederick Howard R.N. succeeded Commander Hutchison as officer in charge January 1865; left Port Adelaide 18 February 1865 arrived Adam Bay 8 April 1865 with pay for men, took Auld to Port Darwin for brief exploration. explored Adelaide River May 1865, September 1865 exploring Victoria River, then to Koepang for provisions; Sourabaya for