The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: I feel that I discharge a duty in recommending to the favorable consideration of the Patrons and Directors of the Royal Literary Fund Mr James Rennie, who is well known in every civilized part of the ...

Document information

Physical location:

British Library, Western Manuscripts, Loan 96 RLF 1/628/20 59.05.10a

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Royal Literary Fund, 1859-05-10 [59.05.10a]. 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/1850-9/1859/59-05-10a-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

The testimonial is written on the back of an application form for support from the Royal Literary Fund completed, signed and dated 3 May 1859 by James Rennie. The form includes details of Rennie’s life and publications, and is an appeal for support from the fund. M’s testimonial is preceded by one from Henry Barkly, Governor of Victoria, and followed by testimonials from John McAdam, Hon Secretary of the Philosophical Institute of Victoria, and James Darling, incumbent of St John’s Melbourne. An annotation on p. 1 of the form shows that Rennie was granted £30 from the fund on 9 November 1859. See also M to Royal Literary Fund, 17 December 1858 and 24 March 1862, and notes thereto.

I feel that I discharge a duty in recommending to the favorable consideration of the Patrons and Directors of the Royal Literary Fund Mr James Rennie, who is well known in every civilized part of the globe as a meritorious contributor towards the natural sciences. Highly advanced in age

Rennie was aged 72.

he solicitously hopes, that he may share in the aid, by which the Royal Literary Fund Committee relieves always so nobly authors undeservedly in distress.

Melbourne botanic and zoologic Gardens

10 May 1859

Ferd Mueller

M.D., Ph.D., F.R.G & L.S.

President of the Philosophical Institute of Victoria