Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS annotation by Shillinglaw: 'Rec. 21.VII.87'. On the basis of this annotation the letter is dated to 20 July 1887, this being a Wednesday.

Wednesday .

You must have thought me very unsympathetic, dear Mr Shillinglaw, for not having called on you in your severe illness; — but it was only last evening at our geogr. Council (when your card came), that I at all learnt of your sufferings. I am so utterly lost to the outer world, while absorbed in my office-work and in my science-engagements, that I would have no means of learning of any sickness or any other troubles of friends. It is gladdening, that you are on the way of recovery. We are still persevering in getting out a steam-whaler by October,

2

i.e. for the proposed Antarctic reconnaissance.

and if you have any friends on the public press, you might induce them to support the intended enterprise by leading articles.

3

This appears to have had some success; see, for example, an editorial in the Argus, 26 July 1887, p. 4.

In confidence I might say, that the suggestion of telegraphing for £5000 to Mr Göschen arose with me.

4

See M to A. Macdonald, 8 July 1887.

My plan, of sending Giles

5

Ernest Giles.

out N.W. of Lake Amadeus on support by subscriptions was adopted last evening; if you will jot down early names of Gentlemen, to whom the circular letter, to be signed by all of us,

6

Circular, 24 August 1887.

should (in your opinion) go, I shall be so much obliged. We must get Mr Giles into the field as early as possible. I have a list of about 100 names drawn up, but several hundred are wanted