Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS black-edged; M's sister Bertha died on 7 September 1861.

Attached to this letter is a receipt (GL M50(2) att) from the Australasian Steam Navigation Company, for W. P. White & Co., Agents, dated Melbourne, 2 June 1862, acknowledging receipt from M of 'one paper [package]' for Sir Geo. Grey, New Zealand, freight paid to Sydney 3/-, by the steamer City of Sydney, and a letter, C. Rafn to M, 27 March 1862.

The back of the letter has been endorsed with a summary: ' Melbourne 30th May/62 | Dr. Mueller | desires to propose Sir G. Gray as a Foundation fellow of the Royal Danish Archaeological Society.'

Melbourne botanic Garden

30/5/62.

Sir George.

From the enclosed copy of a letter, received from Prof. Dr Rafn of Copenhagen your Excellency will be pleased to observe, that the Royal Danish Archaeological Society

2

Error for Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries?

is desirous to enrol as members such Australian residents as are patrons or cultivators of philological studies. After consulting with Sir Henry Barkly, my illustrious Chief has approved of my inviting your Excellency as preeminent for rank and learning to give your support to the Society by becoming one of its membres fondateurs. Our Governor will feel himself honored in proposing you, one of his vice regal colleagues in these colonies, for membership.

The volumes, which the Society gratuitously issues to its members are so valuable and in part so [costly] illustrated, that irrespective of aiding the issue of these publications gradually an equivalent is obtained for the fondateurs contribution. The Danish Consul of this city, J. B. Were Esq, a member of the Society, acts in Australia as its treasurer. The life composition of a membre-fondateur amounts to £11.11/- (eleven guineas)

Simultaneously with this letter I have the honor of submitting to your Excellency a few brief papers and catalogues of the Society.

His Excellency

Sir Geo. Gray, K.C.B.,

Governor of New Zealand etc etc