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65.02.00a

Preferred Citation:

Stitt Jenkins to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1865-02 [65.02.00a]. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id/65-02-00a>, accessed June 23, 2025

1
Letter not found. For the text given here, see the report of the St David's Day dinner in Melbourne, 1 March 1865 (Argus, 2 March 1865, p. 5).
[An eloquent speech was made by Dr. Mueller, who read some verses which he had received from Mr. W. Stitt Jenkins, on the fate of Leichardt.
2
Error for Leichhardt. Verses not found. Melbourne Punch, 9 March 1865, p. 2 in 'Recognition of real genius' commented:
DR. MUELLER appears to have just found out what Mr. PUNCH discovered years ago—the greatness of Geelong's lyric poet. The doctor describes Mr. STITT JENKINS "as a truly great man—a person of noble mind, and one whose poetry he compares with that of SCHILLER." Surely, after this, Geelong must give its poet a statue, and send for MUELLER to inaugurate it. With regard to the comparison, it is no doubt a just one, as many persons have likened Geelongese to German.
Jenkins responded in a letter to the Editor of the Age, 14 March 1865, p. 7, ending it with:
Having long borne, as best I might, the yelping of curs and snarls of souls debased, it was with heart felt gratitude that I read the kind things the good doctor was pleased to say of verses of which none better than myself know the ruggedness. And, although his face I have never seen, and peradventure never may, the knowledge that I have been deemed worthy of the friendship of a man so worthily world-renowned, will enable me to bear up against the trials Providence may still have in store for me, and so enduring until the grave shall shut me out from earthly cares for ever. Yet do I feel that after death justice will be done me, and that my name will live in the grateful remembrance of millions when that of
Mr Punch, and all his worthless kin,
Are buried dark and deep
The earth's great womb within.
And in such assurance of hope, I remain, Sir,
Your faithful servant,
W. STITT JENKINS
]