APPENDIX A, 
173 
“3. If Captain Speke shall arrive at Gondokoro before June, 
1862, Consul Petberick promises to assist Captain Speke in 
making any explorations which Captain Speke may deem desir- 
able. 
‘‘ 4. It being further understood that in the event of Captain 
Speke not having arrived by that time at Gondokoro, Consul 
Petherick shall not be bound to remain beyond June, 1862.” 
By the above verdiet of the Expedition Committee, opposed as 
it was to common justice, impartiality, and the ^^fair play^^ that 
the President of the Society had encouraged me to anticipate in 
his letter of the 24th May, I felt myself temporarily constrained 
to abide. 
That the tribunal by which I was judged was not fairly con- 
stituted, nor one, as emanating from the Royal Geographical So- 
ciety, I had every right to expect, the public will admit when I 
state that my only living accuser. Captain Grant, was allowed to 
be present during my trial, whilst I was not accorded a similar 
privilege. 
I had been attacked by unfounded statements and worse insinu- 
ations when too far away to defend myself; and now prejudice and 
preconceived opinions had so far prevailed as to induce a committee 
of gentlemen to deal me this unfair and overpowering blow at a 
time when, if permitted, I was fully capable of defending myself. 
I protest against this verdict, and although the odds of the pres- 
tige and power of a Committee of a highly popular, and one of the 
leading societies in the world are opposed to me, there is still a 
higher power — that of public opinion — to which, in the fullest 
confidence of its impartiality and justice, I unhesitatingly venture 
to appeal. I feel that an apology is due to my friends and the 
