e 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 shall continue in full force and virtue; and you the
said Commissioners may, from time to time, and at every place or
places, proceed in the execution thereof, and of every matter or
thing therein contained, although the inquiry be not regularly
continued from time to time by adjournment: and lastly, that you do
report, as occasion may require, for the information of our
Governor of our said Colony, under your hands and seals, all
matters and things elicit