Document information

Physical location:

ML MSS. 3608 Clarke papers, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, Sydney. 61.08.19

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to William Branwhite Clarke, 1861-08-19. 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/1860-9/1861/61-08-19-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

1
MS annotation: 'Recd 22nd'.
Melbourne bot. & zool Garden
19. Aug. 1861
Reverend & dear Sir.
I have duely received your kind letter, dated 13. Aug. 1861,
2
Letter not found.
as also the voluminous fascicle of printings in evidence of the claims which you have on Australian acknowledgement & which gives only an official form to what we all know is so fully due to your genius & your long & successful geologic labours.
3
See 'Progress report from the Select Committee on the claims of Reverend W. B. Clarke, together with the the Proceedings of the Committee and minutes of evidence and Appendix', 3 May 1861, Votes and proceedings of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales (1861). Clarke claimed to be the scientific discoverer of gold in NSW. In 1861 the NSW Government accepted his claim and awarded him £3,000 [ADB]. M had lobbied on Clarke’s behalf while the claim was being considered; see M to C. Cowper, 25 April 1861 (in this edition as 61-04-25a).
I trust to have an opportunity of seeing Mr Cowper
4
Charles Cowper, Colonial Secretary of NSW.
previous to his leaving and would have seen that Gentleman already, had I not been chained for several weeks past to my house in consequence of some bronchial inflammation, which however is now fast subsiding and let me assure you, that what little influence I may possibly possess, shall always be excercised for your benefit or rather for doing justice to you.
Perhaps as a kind friend you will be pleased to learn, that I have been honored with being elected this year into the R. S of L.
5
Royal Society of London.
With deep feelings for your constant prosperity & health
I remain,
Dear Mr Clarke
your very attached
Ferd. Mueller
My letter was adressed to the C.S.
6
Colonial Secretary.
without specified name.
7
See note 3.