The failure of Major Mitchell to prosecute the course of the Darling to its junction with the Murray, owing to his insufficient force, only rendered the Governor, Sir Richard Bourke, more resolute to have it done. The Major was apprised towards the end of the year 1835 that his Excellency proposed that he should, for this purpose, return to the extreme point of the Darling, at which his last journey had terminated, and trace the river into the Murray. That, crossing that river to the left bank, he should trace it upwards as far as practicable, and return to the colony somewhere about Yass Plains. The necessary preparations were at once made. The boats and boat-carriages of the last expedition were as useful as ever for this. A much stronger party than the last was appointed, consisting, with himself and Mr. Stapylton, his second in command, of twenty-five men, all well armed with muskets and bayonets, carbines and pistols. Amongst them he had several who had been both journeys with him, and some who had been one. Burnett, Muirhead, Palmer and Woods, had been both journeys, and had received their freedom, for their excellent conduct on these expeditions. Jones, the shepherd, and Brown, the cook, had also been on both expeditions. Hammond, Thomas, Johnston, King, and Grayton, had been the last journey. If they behaved well all, on their return, were to receive pardons.