Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M76, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 58.12.10

Preferred Citation:

Frederick Powlett to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1858-12-10. 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//letters/1850-9/1858/58-12-10-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

Crown Lands Office
Melbourne
Occupation Branch
10th Decr 1858
Sir
I have the honor to forward the accompanying letter from Mr Harris
1
On 10 December 1858, G. Harris wrote to Powlett: 'I have to complain of the conduct of Ranger Martin. For several successive nights I have had a quantity of wood pilfered from the stacks. Last night one of the men cutting for me on returning from his supper to keep watch discovered that during his absence a quantity of wood had been taken off one of his stacks he observed the track of a wheelbarrow which he followed and found the barrow loaded with his wood in Martins yard a panel of the fence being taken and left down to give him egress. As it is not pleasant after working hard all day to be compelled to watch all night, or else submit to be robbed of one's earnings especially by one in Martin's position I intend (unless I receive on Saturday by Mr Allen contrary instructions from you) to prosecute him'.
and to inform you that I have told Mr Harris that I think the best course to pursue in the matter will be to summon Mr Ranger Martin
2
Peter Martyn?
before the Police Court.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obd Servt
F. A. Powlett
Dr Mueller
Botanical Gardens
3
See also M to F. Powlett, 10 December 1858.