Question of honour

An accomplished artist, botanist and poet, Mitchell is also remembered for his 'hot-headed' temper. It is speculated that he is the last person in Australia to challenge anyone to a duel.

At dawn on 27 September 1851, Mitchell confronted Sir Stuart Alexander Donaldson in Sydney. He had issued the challenge because Donaldson had publicly criticised the over-expenditure of the Surveyor General's Department.

Both duellists missed their mark — only Donaldson's hat was damaged in the altercation. Their seconds stepped in to declare that honour had been satisfied and the duel was abandoned.

The Royal Australian Historical Society records that these were the pistols used in the duel. They are French 50 calibre pistols, with percussion locks and walnut butts. The National Museum of Australia purchased the pistols from the society in 1983.