The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: 12/5/77. ¶ ¶ I write a few confidential lines, dear Mr Ramsay, to ask you, not to speak of my intentions of visiting New Guinea, ¶ as in the present political turmoil I must first see, how I can pro...

Document information

Physical location:

ML MSS.562, Letters to E. P. Ramsay, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, Sydney. 77.05.12a

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Edward Ramsay, 1877-05-12 [77.05.12a]. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id//letters/1870-9/1877/77-05-12a-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

12/5/77.

I write a few confidential lines, dear Mr Ramsay, to ask you, not to speak of my intentions of visiting New Guinea,

See M to E. Ramsay, 1 May 1877.

as in the present political turmoil I must first see, how I can protect my position during any absense of mine.

A general election for the Victorian Parliament was held on 11 May 1877, and M would have known that the early returns of results showed that 'the elections have resulted in the return of nearly all the members of the Opposition, and of a large number of new members' and that 'several prominent politicians have been defeated' (Argus, 12 May 1877, p. 4). A change of Ministry followed, Graham Berry replacing James McCulloch as Chief Secretary.

If it was known, that I intended to be away, the very fact would be now against my reconsolidating the Department.

I will however try to get away as soon as I can, possibly by next months steamer and take my chance to join Mr Goldie.

In such an event will you aid me in purchasing my outfit in Sydney for me, as you have now experience of my requisites.

Tell me kindly meanwhile what I ought to take with me.

Regardfully

Ferd. von Mueller.