(From Tuesday's' Government Gazette.)

Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, 8th May, 1848. His Excellency the Governor directs the publication of a letter from Captain Owen Stanley, recommending that in the event of any vessel being unfortunately wrecked in attempting the outer passage through Tomes' Straits in the present season, the crew should join her Majesty's ship Rattlesnake, at Princess Charlotte's Bay, or Cape York, rather than attempt to cross the Gulf of Carpentaria to Port Essington.

H. M. Sg. Ship Rattlesnake,

Sydney, 29th April, 1846.

Sir,- Having landed Mr. Kennedy and his party, I shall commence the survey of the inner passage at Rockingham Bay, and work to the northward ; I expect to be in the neighbourhood of Princess Charlotte's Bay the end of July ; and at Cape York the beginning of October, so that in the event of any ships being unfortunately wrecked in attempting the outer passage this season ; it would be better for the crew to join this vessel than to attempt to cross the Gulf of Carpentaria to Port Essington.

I am, Sir,
Your very obedient servant.
Owen Stanley,
Captain and Surveyor.

Honorable E. Deas Thomson. Colonial Secretary, &c.

SG & SGTL Vol 5 ; page 109

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