Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. For the text given here, see Herald (Melbourne), 13 September 1870, p. 2. The passage is headed ‘Leichhardt relics’ and is introduced as follows: ‘Some further information has reached town respecting the man said to be wandering among the tribes in the far north.’ The same information appeared in other newspapers, for example Australian town and country journal, 24 September 1870, p. 24, and Brisbane courier, 29 September 1870, p. 3.

[Dr. Von Mueller has received a letter from Mr. Edward Schneider, of Tambo,

2

Qld.

stating that about six months ago a black fellow found on a tributary of the Aramak,

3

Aramak Creek, Qld.

near its junction with the Thomson River, a spirit flask marked by a knife or other sharp instrument, “Leichhardt, ’54.” This flask is now in possession of Messrs. M’Whannel and Johnson, Rodney Downs, Thomson River. It is a matter of doubt as to whether the figures 54 referred to the year 1854 or to the number of a camp. In his communication, Mr. Schneider further states that the white man spoken of before as wandering with the tribes beyond the River Thomson is walking on crutches, and is provided with food by the natives.]