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86.05.17

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James Chalmers to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1886-05-17. 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/1880-9/1886/86-05-17-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

1
Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Geographical Society's Expedition to New Guinea', Leader, 22 May 1886, p. 29. It is introduced by
Letters were received from Mr. Forbes from time to time announcing the successful progress of the expedition, and hopes were entertained that in the end a larger amount of information relative to New Guinea would be placed at the disposal of the society. These hopes, however, were dissipated by the receipt of the following telegrams from the Rev. Mr. Chalmers and Mr. H. O. Forbes, announcing the collapse of the expedition.
See also H. Forbes to M, 17 May 1886 (in this edition as 86-05-17a).
To Baron Mueller.—Cooktown,
2
Qld.
17th May.
Will meet you soon on way to England. On eve of success, Forbes expedition broken up. No funds. Could not Australia send him back? I suggest Governments assist. Terribly disappointed. Mrs Forbes is here. Your society should send for them to go search, guaranteeing expenses, if Governments will not. Would the Geographical Society raise funds towards that object? The officers of H.M.S. Lark, knowing the excellence of Forbes's surveying work, offer to subscribe a sum of £150. Thanks for honor.
3
M had named Nauclea chalmersii in B86.03.03, p. 44 from a specimen collected on the Lorne Range by Chalmers.
I am sorry I must go home.— James Chalmers.
4
See M to J. Chalmers, 18 May 1886 (in this edition as 86-05-18a).