I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

(Signed) John Macadam, M.D.,

Honorary Secretary, E.C., R.S.V.

Robert O’Hara Burke, Esquire.

Leader, Victorian Exploring Expedition.

. . .

APPENDIX B.

Victoria:  By the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith.

To our trusty and well-beloved The Honourable sir Thomas Simson
Pratt, K.C.B., The Honourable sir Francis Murphy, Speaker of our
Legislative Assembly, The Honourable Matthew Hervey, M.P., The
Honourable James Forester Sullivan, M.P., and Evelyn Pitfield
Shirley sturt, Esquire, all of Melbourne, in the Colony of
Victoria, greeting.

Whereas the Governor of our Colony of Victoria, with the advice of the Executive Council thereof, has deemed it expedient that a Commission should forthwith issue for the purpose of inquiring into all the circumstances connected with the sufferings and death of Robert O’HARA Burke and William John Wills, the Victorian Explorers:  and whereas it is desirable to ascertain the true causes of this lamentable result of the Expedition to the said Robert O’HARA Burke and his companions; and especially to investigate the circumstances under which the depot at Cooper’s Creek was abandoned by William brahe and his party on the twenty-first day of April last; and to determine upon whom rests the grave responsibility of there not having been a sufficient supply of provisions and clothing secured for the recruiting of the Explorers on their return, and for their support until they could reach the settlements; and generally to inquire into the organization and conduct of the Expedition:  also, with regard to the claims upon the Colony of the surviving members thereof, and of the relatives (if any) of the deceased members:  Now know Ye that we, reposing great trust and confidence in your integrity, knowledge, and ability, have authorized and appointed, and by these presents do authorize and appoint you, sir Thomas Simson Pratt, sir Francis Murphy, Matthew Hervey, James Forester Sullivan, and Evelyn Pitfield Shirley sturt, to be Commissioners for the purpose aforesaid:  and for the better effecting the purpose of this Commission, we do give and grant you power and authority to call before you such persons as you shall judge likely to afford you any information upon the subject of this Commission:  and to inquire of and concerning the premises by all other lawful means and ways whatsoever:  and this Commission