Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Dr. Mueller and the Exploration Committee', Argus, 18 July 1861, p. 5 (B61.07.02).

Sir —

Permit me to state that some error occurs in the columns of your valued paper,

2

Argus, 17 July 1861, p. 6, col. b.

referring to a statement said to be made my myself at the meeting of the Exploration Committee on the 16th inst.

On the occasion I did not offer any opinion in reference to the tender price of coals to be delivered at the Gulf of Carpentaria, not having had any opportunity of ascertaining by direct inquiry the cost of coals and of their shipment.

What I stated in reference to the two small vessels chartered for the conveyance of coals was to the effect, that perhaps an extension of the contract might be rendered possible, either to convey some horses in each of these vessels, or to substitute for them one ship, calculated to convey, in addition to the coals, all the horses requisite for a small land party intended to afford relief to Mr. Burke's party.

It appeared to me that, with the additional means so considerately offered by the Queensland Government for the formation of a second land party at the Gulf of Carpentaria, it might possibly be carried into effect, if some alteration of the coal tender was admissible.

Melbourne Botanical and Zoological Gardens, July 17.