It must have driven Fyans nearly mad with rage to have to do it, but he sent the following letter to the Governor of New South Wales.
Commandants Office Moreton Bay
8th November 1836
Sir,
In obedience to the commands of His Excellency The Governor, I do myself the honor to enclose a list of the names and particulars of the party in search of the Shipwrecked crew of the Brig Stirling Castle.
With respect to John Graham he having only until next May to serve when he will become entirely free, I hope His Excellency will consider him entitled to a greater share of indulgence than the others, and direct his return to Head Quarters by the next Vessel. From the intelligence and firmness displayed by this man, I am certain should His Excellency at any future period think a survey of the North Coast advisable, Graham would be a most useful man in the undertaking.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obedient servant
FOSTER FYANS.
Captn. 4th Regt.
Comdt.
The Governor’s Aide replied as follows:
Colonial Secretary’s Office,
Sydney, 2d January, 1837.
John Graham
pr Hooghly
Sir,
The Commandant of Moreton Bay having brought under notice the meritorious conduct of the Prisoner named in the margin while employed in the Expedition sent under the Command of Lieutenant Otter in search of the shipwrecked crew of the Brig Sterling Castle I do myself the honor to inform you that Graham is to receive a Ticket of Leave and the sum of ten pounds to provide himself with the means of beginning, H.E. hopes, a new life and of hereafter maintaining himself by honest industry and I am directed by the Governor to request that you will prepare a Warrant for the issue of the above sum of ten pounds to Graham from the Military Chest. I have etc.
Signd. E. D. Thomson.