Document information
Physical location:
A38 Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (Vic. Branch) papers, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, Sydney. 88.10.10Preferred Citation:
James Chalmers to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1888-10-10. 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/1880-9/1888/88-10-10-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
S. F. Balser
Great Northern Hotel
Cooktown
1
Qld.
10/10/88
My dear Baron,
I have received your two letters.
2
Letters not found.
I only saw Dr McGregor for a few minutes & had not an opportunity of laying the matter
you mention before him. I understand he is anxious to attempt the ascent of Mount
Owen Stanley
& had arranged to do so last month but the [...] rush called him away very hurriedly.
How would it do for you to arrange with him, either to assist him in his expedition
or to be allowed to have a collector as one of the party. I hope myself to do more
exploration next season but cannot at present decide. I must first have an interview
with the Administrator & know from him what he is likely to do
3
New Guinea.
Rest assured my dear Baron that I shall make collections in all my future travels
for your benefit.
In assisting the Administrator or in giving a collector £500 would go a long way
Your kindness in thinking of me is great but I cannot at present say what my movements
may be.
The expenditure of money in New Guinea exploration with very poor results has been
exceedingly great & I should be sorry to encourage more unless there was every reason
to believe in equivalent results.
The Veitch Collector has not yet done any Highland travelling & I do not think has
done much drying of Lowland plants.
Thanks for information re preserving.
I wish I could see your Exhibition
but must return at once.
4
Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888-9.
I got married last Saturday.
Kindest regards
yours most truly
James Chalmers
Man of war officers ought to be able to give you great help. Try Admiral Fairfax.
I shall speak to those I meet.