162 
TEAVELS IN CENTEAL AFEICA. 
myself, and in a manner far exceeding tlie instructions I had 
received, and before the arrival of Mr. Baker or his expedition 
at Grondokoro. 
“These facts are stated in my report of January, 1864, com- 
municated to the Council, and I respectfully request that this 
my protest against the reasons assigned may be recorded in the 
minutes of this meeting, and subsequently published in the 
‘ Proceedings ’ of the Society. 
“ (Signed) JOHN" PETHEEICK. 
“ LONDON, May, 1865.” 
Two days after the first meeting of the Society I had attended 
since my return from an eventful and disastrous journey, and no 
recognition in any way having been bestowed upon me, I addressed 
a note to the President to this effect : 
“ May 2ith, 1865. 
“Eeae Sie, 
“Will you kindly permit me an interview, at your own 
convenience, in order that I may justify myself in your estimation 
and good opinion ? 
“ That I shall obtain justice at your hands I am convinced, 
and 1 feel certain that knowingly you would never wrong any 
man, much less one who has exerted himself to the utmost of 
his power to carry out your own desires. All I ask is fair play 
and to be allowed an opportunity to defend myself. I have 
returned to England for the purpose of regaining my good name, 
which during my absence, as you are aware, has greatly suffered 
from gross misrepresentations. 
“I regret not having had an opportunity of seeing you when 
