Document information

Physical location:

ML MSS.562, Letters to E. P. Ramsay 1862-91, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, Sydney. 78.08.22

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Edward Ramsay, 1878-08-22. 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/78-08-22>, accessed September 11, 2025

22/8/78.
I was aware, dear Mr Ramsay, that I missed my chance for going to New Guinea in the War-Ship. But even, had I been in time, I could not have gone, because I underwent an operation for haemorroides,
1
M had undergone two operations in 1859 for a similar complaint; see Darragh (2001), p. 393.
& as my health had suffered so much in "the struggle for existence"
2
The title of ch. 3 of Darwin (1859).
I suffered very greatly & was kept on the bed for two weeks and shall not be able for several days yet, to move about
Moreover the rainy season will just have set in by the time I came there or perhaps soon. My estimates are also not yet passed, and if I do not watch the still trifling votes and counteract the constant traducing misrepresentations concerning my administrative ability, I might drift into the debt of ruin so it will be best, to wait to the commencement of the next dry season.
I have interchanged letters with Baron Micklucho-Maclay
3
N. Miklouho-Maclay.
since he is in Sydney
4
Letters not found.
Many thanks for your kindness to offer me shelter under your roof. I am glad you can manage to procure some
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. I am still excessively weak, I have not slept for 12 nights
Your letter came only this day
Regardfully
Ferd. von Mueller
5
The file contains an envelope addressed by M to 'Edw. Ramsay Esqr FLS, CMZS., &c &c Director of the Museum Sydney '.