Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Date deduced from position of MS in sequence of letters, and from date of Davenport’s reply (S. Davenport to M, 12 February 1888). There was a Council meeting of the Victorian Branch of the RGSA on 10 January 1888 (see Australasian, 14 January 1888, p. 36), which was probably when the resolution referred to in the letter was adopted. The MS is not in M’s hand but Davenport’s reply makes it clear that the letter was signed by him.

The honorable Sir Samuel Davenport K.C.M.G.,

President of the South Australian Branch of the R.G.S.A.

2

Royal Geographical Society of Australasia.

At a meeting of the Victorian Council of the R.G.S.A., dear Sir Samuel, a resolution was passed unanimously that our sympathy should be expressed to Sir Thomas Elder in his severe illness and indeed our gladness also, that the honorable Gentleman is convalescent, and that therewith we all can hope and feel assured, that he will be restored ere long to full health, so as to resume his leading position among relatives and friends, and to continue his vast influence on all that is noble and good, and particularly as a champion of Geography may promote further exploration also. Will you kindly as President of the S.A. branch of the R.G.S.A., in which Sir Thomas took also such an enlightened and vivid interest, convey these sentiments to him.

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3

An unknown amount of text missing. Text ends at the bottom of the page, and Davenport in his reply refers to the Victorian Branch’s congratulations to Sir Edwin Smith that were also evidently conveyed in the letter.