Document information
Physical location:
Letter book 4, p. 45, Melbourne General Cemetery. 82.09.23aPreferred Citation:
Ferdinand von Mueller to Albert Purchas, 1882-09-23 [82.09.23a]. 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/1880-9/1882/82-09-23a-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
1
MS annotation by Purchas: 'Recd 26-9-82 AP'.
Pray, dear Major Purchas, convey to the trustees
my best thanks for the friendly consideration, which my suggestions received in reference
to the desirability of having decorous dresses for the men, who sink coffins into
burial places.
In one respect I may have not clearly expressed myself; I ventured to suggest, that
for the
few minutes
only of the funeral service the men might be provided with a black-Calico short Mantle;
if such mourning Over-dress of the simplest and cheapest style was provided, it would
serve for many years each man, so engaged in mournful moments, without recurrent expense
of early renewal of the dress.
2
i.e. of the Melbourne General Cemetery, namely Robert Pohlman (Chairman), Charles
McCarthy, David Ogilvy, Robert Smith, Frederick Cooper and Isaac Hart.
3
See M to R. Pohlman, 22 August 1882.
With best respects
dear Major,
your
Ferd. von Mueller.