had not been there?--We opine not." None would have regretted
these invidious observations more than the generous, free-hearted
Burke, and my gallant son, had they lived to see them. They had no
petty jealousies. Each knew his position, and they acted throughout
with unswerving confidence as friends as well as associated
explorers.

It was asserted by Burke's enemies that he was violent, and not
having sufficient command over himself, was therefore unfitted to
command others. This conclusion, sound enough in the abstract, is
more easily made than proved, and in the present instance receives
direct contradiction from the undeviating cordiality between the
leader and his second. In the cases of Landells and Dr. Beckler,
universal opinion pronounced Burke to be in the right.

. . .

FROM MAJOR EGERTON WARBURTON.

Adelaide.

MY DEAR DR. WILLS,

Vain as must be any consolation that can be offered to you under the
circumstances of almost unparalleled distress attending the loss of
your son, I cannot but avail myself of our acquaintanceship to
express my most humble and hearty sympathy in the terrible
catastrophe.

Anger and horror combine to drive us away from the contemplation of
the causes of this tragic termination of a feat of heroism and
endurance such as has been rarely before achieved; and we turn with
deep sorrow and admiration to dwell upon that noble display of
faithful, patient courage which calmly awaited an early and
unbefriended grave on the spot where the foot-prints of triumph
were reasonably to have been expected.

We all share in your grief; and would fain hope that this may
somewhat lessen its bitterness to you; but it must be a source of
pride and comfort to you to remember that your son died having DONE
his duty to his country and his companions. More than this no man
can do, live he ever so long, and few there are who do so much.

Permit me to subscribe myself a deep sympathiser with you in your
affliction,

J. EGERTON WARBURTON.

The Major had been a candidate for the office of leader, but his
conditions as to his second were objected to. The next letter is
from a gentleman who had accompanied Major Warburton as second on
some explorations from Adelaide. At Totnes I knew him when a boy.

. . .

Dorset Terrace, Adelaide.

MY DEAR SIR,

I truly sympathize with you in the loss you have met with in
so heroic and superb a fellow as your son. I cannot read his
journals without wishing