Exploration committee,

Royal Society of Victoria,

Victoria Street, Melbourne, January 28th, 1862.

Sir,

I have the honour to inform you that, at a committee meeting held 27th instant, the Honourable Dr. Wilkie in the chair, the subject of delivering the “Burke” pistol to you, which you claim as your late son’s property, was discussed.  The report of the Assistant-Secretary was to the effect that, as the tradesmen who supplied the fire-arms did not register the numbers, the identity of this particular pistol could not be traced as one supplied to the expedition; but that as there were several “Colt’s” revolvers furnished, there is room for doubt as to whether this may not be one of them.

As the committee merely wishes to be fully satisfied of the validity of your claim before parting with such a melancholy and interesting relic, instructions have been given to apply to Mr. King for any information he may be able to supply, to guide the committee to a right decision.

I have the honour to be, sir,

Your most obedient servant,

John Macadam, M.D.,

Hon. Secretary.

W. Wills, ESQ.  M.D.

. . .

Finally, and with much trouble, after I know not how many meetings, and what amount of discussion, the pistol was handed over to me, and is now in my possession.  So much for my claims on the Committee, who are the only parties acquainted with the merits of my poor son from whom I have received anything like coldness or offence.  On the day of King’s arrival, as the mail was leaving for England, I was anxious to obtain at once the letter which I knew was in his possession.  My earnestness interrupted an arrangement they had made for receiving him, and my unseasonable importunity, as it was considered, drew on me something bearing a close resemblance to a vote of censure.

King, who although only a common soldier, has a heart and feelings which would do no dishonour to a gentleman of education, would have preferred coming into Melbourne, after the loss of his officers, at least unostentatiously, if not in sackcloth and ashes.  But he was greeted with a howling and shouting more suitable to the reception of some notorious bush-ranger recently captured.  Many, in common with myself, considered the ovation out of place and character; while others, and apparently the more numerous party, were of a different opinion.  Perhaps it was well meant, and chacun a son gout.  Public enthusiasm is not always gaugeable by the standard of reason or good taste.  The following account was printed:—­