Ferdinand von Mueller

8/6/79.

The "Northumberland" afforded me a few days ago, dear Sir Joseph, the earliest opportunity to write to you

1

M to J. Hooker, 27 May 1879.

and Sir Henry Barkly,

2

Letter not found.

to express my deep sense of gratitude to you for the very handsome and generous manner in which you brought about my promotion in the Order of St Michael & St George.

3

See C. Cox to M, 23 May 1879, and Lucas (2013a).

It is a glorious distinction, which since my undeserved departmental "dé cadence"

4

décadence? [= decline].

I never dreamt to attain. All my hopes for the future seem revived & I attach immense value to this high distinction, because also a Lady can share it. This ought also to lead to a resuscitation of my Department. I am still in a whirl of joyous excitement, kept up by felicitations from all sides, and my countrymen are particularly elated, so much so, that they intend to give me a grand banquet this week!

5

Melbourne's Deutscher Verein gave a celebratory banquet, chaired by the German Consul, W. A. Brahe, at Gunsler's Café on 12 June 1879 (Argus, 13 June 1879, p. 5).

I have my pleasure somewhat dimmed in seeing the venerable Bentham not share the honor yet to its full extent, but trust that it will be in store for him next birthday of her Majesty. Now, my dear Sir Joseph, how can I thank you? Tell me, ought I to move the four principal Australian Governments to grant to the venerable Bentham a monetary recognition? If so, will be £250 of each sufficient?

6

Bentham declined the offer. See notes to M to J. Hooker, 27 May 1879.

The exchequer of the Colonies is heavily taxed everywhere, and I should more likely succeed with a moderate sum — such as named —, (£1000 in toto) than with a larger amount. Pray guide me in this.

I am dreadful confused by so many things preying just now on my attention, so excuse my briefness, especially as I am not yet at all strong after my long illness.