Ferdinand von Mueller

Melbourne bot Garden

19/2/73

Allow me, honored Sir, to send you, a copy of Mr Giles journal, as printed in extract.

1

Not found; possibly a copy of the extracts of Ernest Giles's journal published in the Age (Melbourne), 8 February 1873, p. 4, and 15 February 1873, p. 7, although these are based on the version in the Advertiser (Adelaide), that Ayers would already have seen.

It will be pleasing to you to learn, that the few geologic specimens brought by Mr Giles from M'Donnells Range

2

MacDonnell Range, NT.

indicate a rock formation holding out hope for gold. This is an entirely new fact for central Australia, and as likely far more water exists on the northern side of Macdonells Range than on the South was found by Mr Giles, I feel sure Colonel Warburton and Mr Gosse will on their way follow up these important indications. Your honorable colleague, Mr Reynolds, whose friendship I enjoy for many years, has personally already conferred with Mr Giles, who had to come all the way to Adelaide, to obtain supplies not to be got in the interior. The proposition is, to ask you Government for some Horses and stores, but not for any cash means.

3

In the event, the SA Government contributed £250 towards Giles's new expedition.

If this can be generously granted, Mr Giles can set out again at once, as the cash necessary will be provided by several of my friends here. I am anxious, that Mr Giles should be at his remotest last point in April, so as to have for his new trying line the whole cool season before him. Thus time becomes for him very precious indeed. His line being straight West in about latitude 25°, will not interfere with that of any of your own explorers

With high regards I remain, dear Sir Henry, your

Perhaps the Hon Mr Barrow

4

John Barrow.

has not yet seen the print of the journal.

5

MS annotation probably by Ayers: '19th February 1873 Baron Von Mueller Recd & Ansd same day'. Letter to M not found.