The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: 21/9/81 ¶ ¶ It affords me much pleasure, dear Sir Joseph, to introduce to you Mr Howitz, a Danish Gentleman, who for a series of years lived in Melbourne, but returned to Europe with his family last ...

Document information

Physical location:

RBG Kew, Kew correspondence, Australia, Mueller, 1871-81, f. 326. 81.09.21

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Joseph Hooker, 1881-09-21. 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/81-09-21>, accessed September 11, 2025

21/9/81

MS annotation by Hooker: ' And' [Answered].

It affords me much pleasure, dear Sir Joseph, to introduce to you Mr Howitz, a Danish Gentleman, who for a series of years lived in Melbourne, but returned to Europe with his family last year.

Mr Howitz is an accomplished mathematician, a splendid draughtsman, and he went also through a forestral education; irrespective of this he is a good linguist. Perhaps it is within your power to advance the interest of this deserving Gentleman. His Lady, a native of Melbourne, is very accomplished in vocal music, and a young family is dependent on their exertions. I was quite befriended with Mr Howitz, when he was here.

Regardfully your

Ferd. von Mueller

Sir Joseph Hooker,

C.B., K.C.S.L, V.P.R.S & L.S,

Director of the Royal

botanic Garden of

Kew

D. Howitz did not use the letter of introduction until 18 October 1882, when he wrote to J. Hooker from 58 Guilford St. Russell Square London W.C. (f. 327):

Sir Joseph Hooker

C. B. &c &c

Sir!

I beg to enclose letter of introduction from Baron von Mueller, which I have had no occasion to present before now, and to beg You to grant me an interview.

I remain Sir,

Your most obedient servant

D Howitz

Forest conservator.

MS annotation by Hooker: 'Asked to fix a day | called Nov 8/82'.

There is a subsequent undated letter from D. Howitz to Hooker (f. 328):

Dear Sir!

I beg to thank you for your kind note and to state that I will take the liberty of calling on you on Wednesday between 2 and 2 1/2 at Kew if you should not prefer seeing me in town on Thursday

I have the honor to remain

Dear Sir

Your most obedient servant

D Howitz | F.C.

MS annotation by Hooker: Called Wanted [temporary] employment as artist'.

See M to J. Hooker, 1 January 1883 (in this edition as 83-01-01c).