Ferdinand von Mueller

Melbourne,

9/6/85

This evening, dear Sir Edward, a meeting of the Victorian branch was held, when I moved a telegraphic farewell message, which the hon Secr Mr Macdonald will transmit to you on behalf of all of us here. You and your honored colleagues deserve the greatest praise for having so quickly completed the arrangements for so grand and responsible an enterprise,

1

New Guinea exploring expedition, 1885.

involving for its organisation so much toil, circumspectness and experience, as I know well from former occasions of forming geographic expeditions in Australia. The high ranges, mentioned in the new work of Mess Gill and Chalmers

2

Chalmers & Gill (1885).

as seen at the head of the great Papuan Bight far inland, hold out a hope of this expedition shedding also light on the mountain systems of New Guinea. Pray convey to Capt Averill

3

H. C. Everill.

my best salutation and my personal farewell, and assure the gallant Commander, that in my professional capacity also I shall do all I possibly can to make his expedition celebrated also in phytographic science should life and health be spared me

4

See also E. Strickland to M, 11 June 1885.

We here will endeavour to induce Government to continue the N.G. Expl. Vote also for next year.