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86.06.10a

Preferred Citation:

Henry Forbes to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1886-06-10 [86.06.10a]. 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/1880-9/1886/86-06-10a-final.odt>, accessed June 19, 2026

1
Letter not found. The text given here is from Leader, 12 June 1886, p. 29. The telegram was also printed in the South Australian advertiser, 11 June 1886, p. 5, but with 'Lime Island' in place of 'Lorne Island', and from there translated into German in Australische Zeitung, 16 June 1886, p. 2; the 'Lime Island' version was reported in a number of other newspapers, apparently quoting from the South Australian press. The version in the Leader is introduced by:
The negotiations that were opened up with Mr. H. O. Forbes with the object of arranging for his return to New Guinea at an early date for the purpose of exploring the Owen Stanley range have fallen through. Baron Von Mueller, vice-president of the Victorian branch of the Geographical Society of Australasia, received on Thursday from Mr. Forbes, who is now at Cooktown, the following telegram:—‘.
No prospect of funds for the present season.
2
See note 2 to M to H. Forbes, 18 May 1886 (in this edition as 86-05-18b).
Have accepted appointment Government representative at Lorne Island.
3
Dinner Island? See Forbes's entry in ADB. Now Samari Island, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea.
Hope next season to cross
4
Owen Stanley Range.
if fund forthcoming. Will leave next Thursday.