Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here is from'Exploration', Inquirer and commercial news (Perth, WA), 24 November 1869, p. 3 (B69.11.01). It is introduced by 'The following letter is addressed to Mr. J. Forrest by Dr. Mueller:'

Botanic Garden, Melbourne,

8th November, 1869.

Dear Sir, —

It is very pleasing to me, that you gallantly acquiesce in the proposition to take the field of exploration again.

2

See M to J. Roe, 6 September 1869 (in this edition as 69-09-06d). Forrest's letter to M not found.

It will be impossible for me to state by this mail whether I shall be able to collect in Victoria the necessary subsidy for this new enterprise; but I will give you decisive information by next post.

In a lecture which I delivered four years ago,

3

B65.02.01.

I advanced as you now also suggest, to follow Leichhardt's vestiges from the North-East. This was the object of the late expedition by the late Mr. MacIntyre.

4

Duncan McIntyre.

But with very slender means, such as at best now only would be available, no real search movements could be made. All that could be accomplished would be to pass on a direct line through the Continent as speedily as possible, to gain a track of communication, while interrogations of the natives, and other inquiries after Leichhardt would go on as circumstances arose. The chances of gaining intelligence of the fate of the lost explorer would nevertheless be good, and the geographical results would be grand. Indeed, it would be the main finishing-stroke for Australian geography.

In preferring as a starting point this line

5

time?

the sources of the Murchison River, I have been actuated by a desire to see your talents rendered available. I do not know of any traveller in the East whose services could be called into the field. A good leadership is the main stronghold of an expedition; and all that you have done entitles you to our greatest trust. Indeed, your caution and perseverance, blended with the necessary courage, are beyond praise; and you have gained already so much field experience in your former survey work, that you enter on the stage of exploration now with full prestige of authority.

To place camels at your disposal is at present an utter impossibility. To bring any of these useful desert animals to West Australia from the eastern part of the Continent would be an expedition in itself. I suggested years ago that the mail steamers might bring one at the time to King George's Sound.

6

WA.

As it is, you must do without them; but should you accomplish your task, and should you prefer to return on your own track, than you might easily get a pair of dromedaries from the Queensland Government. The bearing power of the dromedary is usually overrated. On a well-known, open road, with regular feeding places, and for a limited period, these wonderful creatures will carry enormous burdens; but all that could not be expected in a scrubby country. Still, the value of them is far greater than the best horses in desert countries. If the new expedition can be organised I will send the fire-arms you specify.

I wrote immediately after the receipt of your letter to Queensland for tracings of the remotest Carpentaria country hitherto settled.

7

Letter not found.

If, however, you are over near Carpentaria, you will find no end of tracks leading to established stations.