But, notwithstanding the propositions made to the Government of Western Australia by the York Agricultural Society for equipping an exploring party, nothing was done until the beginning of 1870, when the Governor determined on equipping an overland party intended to make its way, keeping as far inland as possible, to Eucla, where assistance and supplies would await them.

It was this expedition which I was selected to command.

The following copy of official instructions will show the object of the exploration and the preparations made to insure a fair prospect of a successful result:-- OFFICIAL INSTRUCTIONS.
Colonial Secretary's Office, Perth, March 29th, 1870.
SIR, His Excellency the Governor, confiding in your experience, ability, and discretion, has been pleased to entrust to your charge and leadership an overland expedition, which has been organized for the purpose of exploring the country between the settled portions of this colony and the Port of Eucla, situated near its east boundary.
Your party will consist of the following six persons, well armed, and provisioned for two months, namely, yourself as leader; Mr.Alexander Forrest, your brother, as second in command; H.McLarty, a police-constable, third in command; W.H.Osborne, farrier, etc.; and two reliable natives, one of whom will be your former well-tried companion, Windich.

An agreement to serve under you on the expedition in the above capacities will be signed by each European named previous to starting.
Ample stores and supply of provisions have been prepared for your use, and a suitable coasting vessel (the schooner Adur) is engaged, under an experienced commander, to convey them where required, and to be at your disposal in aiding the operations of the expedition.
It is desirable the party should start from Perth as soon as all arrangements have been completed, and take the most convenient route to Esperance Bay, where men and horses can be recruited, further supplies from the coaster laid in, and a fresh start made for Eucla so soon as the first winter rains may lead to a prospect of the country being sufficiently watered.
About 120 miles to the eastward of the station of Messrs.

Dempster, at the west end of Esperance Bay, lies Israelite Bay, under some islands, in front of which there is said to be anchorage.