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[office stamp]
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE
QUEENSLAND
650
JAN 20
1884

[written at top] A.L. Morisset reporting his arrival at Dunbar Station on the 5 Inst. State of the
country from drought, the partial stocking of country recently by Hungerford,
& the finding of (and disposal) the supposed remains of the late Walter Clarke
advising that he proceeds North to the Archer River upon finishing his inspection of the country.

Dunbar Station

Lower Mitchell River

6th November 1883

Sir

I have the honour to report my
arrival here on the 3rd instant.

The Country through which I have
passsed is still suffering severely from the
prolonged Drought and ravages by fire,
excepting odd patches about 50 miles
from here where a few Thunder Storms
have fallen. A fine Storm of Rain
fell over my camp North of this and
coming from the North and Westward
four (4) days ago, and I am in hopes
that we shall find good grass ahead.

The Horses have suffered
from want of feed, but by travelling
by Short Stages and careful nursing
they are I am happy to say in fair
condition.

Every member of my party
is in good health and spirits.

I found on reaching here
the country comprised in the Holding known
as "Dunbar" and in the name of the
Messrs Hungerford had been lately
partly Stocked with Cattle, and I am
now employed in ascertaining the
number of same on the Run; from
whence they came, – and the date
of their arrival here. Up to the present
I have only seen about one thousand (1000)

[written in left margin] I would respectfully suggest that this letter be
forwarded to the Hon. Colonial Secretary and
his attention directed to the paragraphs marked
with blue pencil in order that he may decide
as to further action – [initialled] 20/12/83

[written under that] BC The Under Colonial Secretary
[initialled] 31/12/83

[written under that] Justices[?] to be given to P.M. Cooktown
to take Davies' Depostion on arrival [initialled] SWG 24/1/84