Ferdinand von Mueller

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Letter not found. The text given here is from 'The Leichhardt expedition', Australasian, 27 May 1865, p. 9. It is introduced by 'We have been favoured with the following letter, addressed to Dr. Mueller by Mr. Howitt, the well-known explorer:—'.

I have taken a great interest in your movement,

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The Ladies’ Leichhardt Search Expedition, 1865-6.

and sincerely trust that it will be carried out, and that it will be successful.

It may perhaps be interesting to you to know that while I was out

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Howitt led the expedition to Cooper’s Creek in search of the missing explorers Burke and Wills.

I took every opportunity of questioning the natives as to parties of white men in the interior, and this I did so far as lat. 25deg. 30min. south. Speaking the language of that part of the interior, I could be sure of understanding and making myself understood. I found that the natives were acquainted with Sturt's party—they pointed out to me the line of his march, and said that he had a cart with him; also that of Gregory, and showed me the tracks of his horses in one place; and of course knew all about the later explorers. But I could never gain the least intelligence of such a party as Leichhardt's, and I feel confident that their traces must be sought for considerably north of the latitude I have named, as information, as you well know, is carried to a considerable distance among the tribes.

Again with best wishes for the success of the expedition, believe me, my dear sir, very faithfully yours,

Dr. Mueller, F.R.S. &c.