Document information

Physical location:

A38 Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (Vic. Branch) papers, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, Sydney. 85.12.14

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Alexander Macdonald, 1885-12-14. 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/1880-9/1885/85-12-14-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

14/12/85.
This morning, dear Mr McDonald, I received the consent of Col. Disney,
1
No letter from Disney has been found.
for our Council
2
i.e. of the Victorian Branch of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia.
to join bodily the procession in poor General Scratchleys funeral.
3
Scratchley contracted malaria while in New Guinea as special commissioner for the new British protectorate. He died at sea between Cooktown and Townsville, Qld, on 2 December 1885. His body lay in state in his Melbourne home before his funeral on 16 December.
We will need 2 two-horse Broughams, as all the corporate bodies are sure to have all fine carriages, drawn by two horses. This I explained also yesterday to the Rev. W. Potter, who will bring this morning the adress to lady Scratchley for your approval; it seems to me best, that all members of Council should sign it.
4
Address not found.
Perhaps you will kindly telegraph to Capt Pascoe,
5
C. Pasco.
to come to your office for early signature.
With regardful remembrance
your
Ferd. von Mueller.
6
MS annotation: 'Baron Von Mueller Dr Bride F. Scarr J. McD. Larnach A. C. Macdonald W. Potter'.
Will you kindly draw for me, when the pictures are raffled.
Just received your letter of Saturday.
7
Letter not found.
Will be happy to make an hour or two free for spending at your friendly home with the French geographer
8
Not identified.
on Tuesday evening after 8.