Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS accompanied by an envelope inscribed on the front: 'Dr. Mueller &c &c &c Director of the Botanic Gardens Melbourne'. Envelope stamped Daylesford, 21 February 1860, and Melbourne, 22 February 1860.

Feby 19th 1860

Dear Sir

In the supposition that all the arrangements for the intended exploring expedition

2

The expedition of which Robert O'Hara Burke was appointed leader on 30 June and which became known as the Burke & Willis Exploring Expedition, 1860-1.

may not be yet completed, I take the liberty of writing to ask you whether or not it is contemplated that a Draughtsman & Collector in Natural History should accompany it? — Should this be considered desirable by the Committee, I beg to say that the services of my brother

3

Brother's name not known.

and myself (or either) are at their disposal for the purpose of collecting and preserving all the objects of Natural History that may be met with in the course of the journey, and of making on the spot drawings of such as would be necessary, and I cannot but think that the result could not fail to prove highly interesting and valuable to Science. Should this proposal be taken into consideration you would greatly oblige me by communicating any particulars concerning terms &c.

With respect to qualifications, allow me to state that to Natural History and its Draughtsmanship, my whole time has been devoted previous to my arrival in this Colony (7 years ago); that I have served some time as Draughtsman to the Melbourne University, under Professor M'Coy, who, I believe, would be not unwilling to speak to my capacity; and that the Testimonials I possess from the Linnean Society, the East India Company, Geological Society, and from numerous well known Naturalists, testify not only to my practical knowledge of several of its branches, and zeal in their pursuit, but also to my skill in depicting its various objects.

My brother also possesses zeal, industry and perseverance in collecting, and the highest Testimonials as to character, and we believe that the seven years mining and bush experience we have both had, would render our services of some value in many respects.

I should have enclosed the Testimonials to which I have referred, but they are in the care of a friend at Ballaarat

4

Now Ballarat, Vic.

(50 miles from where I am camped) but should you so advise me, they shall be sent as soon as possible. It is but right to add that having been unsuccessful for the past year, I am utterly out of funds, and should it be necessary to put in an appearance at Melbourne, I shall have to request the advance of some money for that purpose.

Relying upon your kindness for an early answer and advice

Dr. Mueller

&c. &c. &c.

Please address to me (under cover)

Messrs Chapman & Easton

care of Vincent & Co.

Campbell's Creek

5

Vic. Neither Sowerby was appointed by Burke to the Expedition party; see M et al. to the Royal Society of Victoria, December 1860 (in this edition as 60-12-00).