Ferdinand von Mueller

17/1/82.

That was a sad intelligence, dear Sir Joseph, that of poor Dr Sonder's death!

1

Sonder died on 21 November 1881.

So he is gone before me , the friend of my youth, the genial and disinterested promotor of my researches through 33 years, over which my regular correspondence from Australia with him has extended. O! How shall I miss such a friend, so dear, so disinterested, so willing to aid and encourage! One of the strongest threads, which tied me to scientific life, is torn asunder!

He died after only 4 days illness from a severe form of influenza; his last letter, on the first day of his ailing, was written to me.

2

Letter not found.

I telegraphed to the mournful widow my condolence,

3

Telegram not found.

who writes a distressing letter,

4

Letter not found.

that in the fever-dreams of his last days he was much speaking about the few Algs he had recently from me. How shall I miss his kind letters, which always encouraged me in my troubles and alleviated so much the sadness of my later years.