Ferdinand von Mueller

Queenscliff

1

Vic.

8 Aug. 1867

It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you, dear Sir Roderick, the Gentleman who lately was attached to the party searching for Dr Leichhardt.

2

Dr James White, surgeon with the Ladies’ Leichhardt Search Expedition, 1866-7. MS is part of a small collection of White’s papers held by the State Library of Victoria. Its presence there suggests that White may never have used it

Altho’ circumstances, quite unforseen, have brought the last movements of the Expedition early to a close and altho’ thus but limited facilities were offered to Dr White to observe new features of Australia, I feel still certain that in your always lively interest for geography, for which you have so long been the centre of information, you will be glad of questioning conversationally my intelligent friend in reference to the Carpentaria Country.

3

Gulf of Carpentaria, Qld.

I have also briefly explained to Dr White my views regarding the future of the expedition, though these views and their realisation must or may be modified by the state of my health.

4

M was convalescing at Queenscliff at the time.

This however I would like to express, that should providence grant me still a longer life and renewed vigor, I shall not allow an enterprise to sink, on which the highest patronage and encouragement have been lavished.