Document information
Physical location:
Y83/9026, unit 13A, VPRS 1163/P1 inward correspondence files, VA 672 Premier's Office, Public Record Office, Victoria. 83.09.18Preferred Citation:
Ferdinand von Mueller to Graham Berry, 1883-09-18. 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/1880-9/1883/83-09-18-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
Melbourne,
18/9/83.
To the honorable Graham Berry, M.L.A,
Chief Secretary.
Sir
I have the honor to transmit herewith a richly illustrated volume on plants collected
by Dr Wawra von Fernsee, who accompanied their Royal Highnesses the Princes of Coburg
Gotha around the world as medical companion.
1
Wawra von Fersee (1883).
I would suggest, that the volume be transmitted to the trustees of the public Library,
with a view of being added to the collections of works of that great institution.
In the letter from Staffsurgeon Dr Wawra von Fernsee, accompanying this sending by
post and arriving yesterday,
he begs to be provided for the botanic Museum of Vienna with the publications, mentioned
on the next page, to complete thereby the series of bot. works issued here at the
expense of the Victorian Government.
2
Letter not found.
3
M's letter was referred from the Chief Secretary's Department to the Premier's Office
on 27 September 1883. On 1 October 1883, the Premier's Secretary, E. Thomas, minuted,
presumably for the benefit of the Premier, J. Service: 'Baron von Mueller forwards
a richly illustrated Volume on Plants collected by Dr Wawra who attended the Princes
Coburg Gotha in their travels | The volume has been placed in the Public Library.
| Dr Wawra asks in return for certain of the Baron's Works for the Botanic Museum
Vienna | 1. Supply the works? | 2. Should the works be handed over to the Baron for
presentation — or presented by the Premier direct?' The next day, 2 October 1883,
Thomas wrote to T. Wilson, Under Secretary in the Chief Secretary's Office: 'The Hon.
the Premier approves of the presentation being made, and will cause the Books to be
forwarded accordingly. Will the Under Secretary please inform the Governt Botanist
to this effect, and at the same time obtain from Baron von Mueller, the correct address
of Dr Wawra von Fernsee in order that the parcel may be forwarded?' Wilson on the
same day forwarded the file to M, who returned it on 3 October minuted: 'With expression
of thanks for approval of this reciprocative sending, I beg to give the address: Chevalier
Heinrich Wawra Von Fernsee, M.D. Surgeon-Major of the Imperial Navy of Austria, Vienne'.
On 5 October, Thomas asked the Government Printer, J. Ferres, to forward to him the
books M had listed, and this Ferres did on 10 October except for Decade I of 'Vegetable Fossils' which Thomas had to obtain instead from the Mines Department. On 24 October, Thomas wrote to Wawra von Fernsee on behalf of the Premier, thanking
him for his donation and informing him of the collection of M's works that was being
forwarded to him in reciprocation through Victoria's Agent-General in London. The
whole of the earlier file was returned to Thomas on 30 October 'For the information
of the Secretary to the Premier'.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
your obed. servant
Ferd. von Mueller
Eucalyptographia, Decades VI, VII, VIII.
4
B80.13.14, B82.13.17.
Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae vol. XI.
5
B82.05.22.
Vegetable fossils of the auriferous drifts, Decades I and II.
6
B74.13.07, B83.13.04.
Systematic Census of Australian Plants.
7
B83.03.04.