him for more than twenty when
he left Melbourne.

During the whole journey, and through all their trials, King said
that not an approach to altercation, or a word of difference, ever
took place between my poor boy and his leader. When I claimed the
pistol above alluded to, it was considered of too much consequence
to be surrendered without minute investigation. To my first
application I received the following diplomatic reply:

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 unostent