“ The body was then placed in a gobang and brought
down with all despatch to Elopura.
“ On Sunday last, the 4th instant, the inquest was
opened, and on the same day the body was buried in
the Christian burial-ground here. ■
“ This morning, the remaining three boats haying
arrived, the inquest was resumed, and a verdict returned
with which I fully concur.
“ Mr. Hatton’s diary includes, as far as I have been
able to see, full observations and notes of the course
of the Kinabatangan up to and beyond Pinungah.
They will be most valuable, and I will take care to
have them worked out.
“ I propose to reward the men who specially exerted
themselves, and also on account of their general behaviour
and feeling, with one month’s extra pay, while I
would propose that your Excellency sanction the payment
to Mr. Beveridge of three months’ extra pay on
account of his great exertions on the occasion.
“ In the above narrative I notice I have omitted
to mention that Mr. Hatton had got back to within
about 160 yards of the boats when the accident
happened. I may also mention that Mr. Hatton
having shot himself with his own rifle appearing
almost incredible to Mr. Beveridge, he took special
pains, and within a very few minutes of the occurrence,
to inquire into and satisfy himself of the truth of the
matter.
“ I cannot refrain from expressing my sorrow, which
is shared in by all those here, down to the lowest
native who knew him, at this untimely close to a career
which, brilliantly begun, was full of so much promise
in the future. His geographical notes will, however,