Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Leichhardt search expedition. Journal of the late Mr M'Intyre', Age, 23 November 1866, p. 5 (B66.11.05).

A long extract from McIntyre's journal accompanied M's letter in print and was continued in the issues for 24 and 26 November (on p. 6 in each case). Cuttings of the article, including M's letter, have been assembled as a booklet that is preserved at the Royal Geographical Society, London, Archives, Journal MS, 1867, Mueller, F.

M evidentially sent his letter, or a version of it, to a number of newspapers that subsequently printed McIntyre's journal, or significant extracts from it, not always acknowledging M as the source. See, for example, Herald (Melbourne), 23 November 1866, p. 4; Sydney morning herald, 3 December 1866, p. 6; Australasian (Melbourne), 8 December 1866, p. 6; Mount Alexander mail, 24 November 1866, p. 2; and Launceston examiner (Tas), 21 December 1866, p. 2. M also sent a copy to August Petermann, who published a German-language narrative of the expedition; see M to A. Petermann, 24 November 1866.

Sir,

I have been desired by the ladies of the Leichhardt Search Committee to submit to you a copy of the journal of the late Duncan M‘Intyre, compiled by Mr Sloman from the diary and field-books of the lamented explorer, and very recently received through Donald Campbell, Esq., of Glengower.

2

Vic.

The committee trust that, with your usual courtesy and readiness, you will give publicity to these documents, to which, as the last records of a most promising geographer, so much melancholy interest is attached. These papers are, moreover, of special importance as bringing under notice a large tract of most fertile country in and adjacent to the tracks of M‘Kinlay and Landsborough, a tract of country formerly not described or mapped. Some explanatory geographical and phytographical remarks I have ventured to add in foot notes.

Melbourne, 22nd November, 1866.