d the deepest regard and
admiration for him; and the expedition in which he was engaged
therefore possessed an unusual interest for us.

I assure you I can hardly find words to express our feelings, at
the thought of his fate, and the base desertion of Burke and
himself by those who should have endeavoured to sustain them. I had
the most profound confidence in your son's ability as an explorer,
knowing well the varied nature of his scientific attainments, his
great practical knowledge of bush life, and the clear common sense
which was his leading characteristic. Many a time we have talked
about him; and every time we mentioned his name the same feeling of
assurance in his safe return was always expressed, even to the
last. Such was our confidence in him. A week before the sad tidings
of his death reached Melbourne, I had a conversation with Mr.
Byerly, whom I then met accidentally, and who had just returned
from Queensland. Our conversation reverted to your son, and Mr.
Byerly coincided with me in my faith in him, but remarked that all
his exertions could be of little avail if not properly supported.
Mr. Byerly had at first expressed a fear that the party HAD BEEN
ALLOWED TO PERISH through the remissness of those whose duty it
should have been to use every possible means to rescue them in the
proper time. His words were, unfortunately, prophetic.

I know, my dear sir, that almost anything like consolation for you
now must come from other than man, but I could not help saying
these few words to you; and I know that no persons unconnected by
blood with your family, and enjoying such brief personal
acquaintance with your son as myself; and mother and sisters, can
be more sincerely or deeply moved at the harrowing record of his
untimely fate. Indeed, it has cast a gloom over every one; and the
hardest heart could not but be affected by such a noble spectacle
as the last days of his glorious life present.

It is proposed here to erect an obelisk to his memory, and I am
about to get one of the streets named after him. I cannot commit
myself to write further on the subject, but will conclude by
subscribing myself,

Yours, ever faithfully,

P.A. JENNINGS.

W. Wills, Esquire, M.D.

. . .

FROM DR. MUELLER.

December 11th, 1861.

MY DEAR DOCTOR,

His Excellency informed me by note last night that Mr. Heales thinks
to leave the consideration of everything connected with the great
and glorious enterprise of your s