APPENDIX A. 
185 
February Mli, 18G1. 
“ GtEIsTLEMEN, 
“ My instructions not having been read at the last meet- 
ing of the Society, and the allusion to the proceedings in the 
‘ Times,’ stating my expedition to extend to the discovery of the 
source of the Nile, I fear many of the subscribers may be under 
a false impression respecting the real object thereof, and, at a 
future time, may express disappointment at my proceeding no 
farther in the interior than it wall be possible for me to accom- 
plish in the time agreed upon, viz., November, 1861, to July, 
1862. 
“ With the greatest desire to carry out the instructions of the 
Eoyal Greographical Society and to satisfy every subscriber, I 
shall consider it a favour if the Council will publish a brief 
statement of my approaching expedition, with an explanation 
that the programme, as put forward in the printed circular, has 
necessarily been curtailed owing to the amount therein stated 
not having been subscribed. Wishing to start fair, and on a 
satisfactory understanding with one and all of my supporters, 
“ (Signed) JOHN PETHEEICK.” 
That I went as far as I possibly could, and, notwithstanding 
unforeseen difficulties, such as the unprecedented overflow of the 
Nile, did eventually carry out to the letter my engagement with 
Speke and the Eoyal Geographical Society, I venture to presume 
will be admitted. 
While the Society, in its Proceedings,^^ admit that from heavy 
rains and flooded rivers Speke might be unable to get forward, no 
allowance is made for me, who had not only an unprecedented 
early monsoon, with its contrary winds, &c., to surmount, but vast 
floods to overcome — which he had not. 
