VI.
HOW THE LAST EXPEDITION ENDED.
Letter from Governor Treacher—Mr. Resident Pryer’s Report—Opening
of the Inqnest—The evidence—Adjourned for the arrival of
the last expeditionary boats—Verdict of the jury.
fi Sandahan, March 19th, 1883.
“ S ir ,—I t is with the greatest possible regret that I
enclose copy of a letter from Mr. Resident Pryer, in
which he reports the sad intelligence of the death from
the accidental discharge of his own gun of Mr. F.
Hatton on the 1st instant, of which I only heard on
my arrival here on the 16th instant.
“ The melancholy details are carefully described in
Mr. Pryer’s letter; and the evidence given at the
coroner’s inquest, of which I enclose a copy, is conclusive
that Mr. Hatton met with his death by shooting
himself, by accident, in the jungle, whilst returning,
after shooting at an elephant on the banks of the
Segama River on the east coast, which he was engaged
in prospecting for gold and other minerals.
“ On the 4th instant he was buried at Elopura, being
followed to the grave by the Resident, all the Europeans,
and many inhabitants, Chinese and native, of
Sandakan.
“ In Mr. Hatton’s death the Company has lost a
valuable officer,' whose rep o rts• of journeys in the
interior, and of metalliferous researches amidst circumstances
of much difficulty, and oftentimes of personal
danger, will remain as reliable records in the
annals of the North Borneo Company.
“ Mr. Hatton was devoted to the work he had in
hand, and his scientific attainments made him enthusiastic
in his interesting pursuits.
“ Personally his amiability endeared him to all who
came in contact with him. He was as popular amongst
his brother officers as he was trusted amongdhe natives
who followed him so faithfully, to his death, in his
inland journeys.
“ To me he was always loyal, performing his duties
with great zeal and intelligence, and I sincerely deplore
the early loss of a scientific officer whose future was
so full of promise, and for whom I entertained a personal
feeling of friendship and esteem.
“ Mr. Beveridge, who had accompanied the deceased
on nearly all his travels in Borneo, and who was with
him at the last, tells me that he had never seen him in
better health and spirits, looking forward as he was to
his approaching return to England and reunion with
his family, his deep affection for whom was apparent
to any one long in his company.
“ I would add that the Winchester carbine which
caused the fatal accident, appears to be a dangerous
weapon to carry in the jungle, the trigger being, so
very sensitive that a sharp tap on the ground would
set it off when at full cock.
“ I have requested Mr. Resident Pryer to see that
the deceased’s personal effects are carefully collected
and forwarded to the London office by the first oppor