Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Front of sheet annotated by M: Answ 4/4/90. Letter not found.

Government House

British New Guinea

19th March 1890

2

Printed letterhead paper; second 8 deleted in printed '188'.

S.S. "Merrie England"

Dauan

3

Dauan Island, Torres Strait (9°27' S, 142°32' E.).

My dear Baron von Mueller

I little thought when talking to you at the University ball in the Melbourne Town Hall last July,

4

16 July 1889 (Argus, 17 July 1889, p. 7 col. d).

about Sir William MacGregor's ascent of Mount Owen Stanley, that I should so soon have an opportunity of joining him as Private Secretary, which I did a month afterwards. I have often intended to write to you but we have been so busy travelling and exploring

5

The initial letter of words beginning with 'e' may be have been written as a capital letter; they have not been so transcribed unless the context requires it.

that I fear I have sorely neglected many friends. Since I have been up here I have become quite an explorer which by the way reminds me you kindly proposed me as a member of the F.R.G.S. I suppose my wanderings here would remove any difficulty.

6

See nomination certificate dated 19 May 1990.

I suffer from fever a good deal but the work of exploring a new country is very interesting. The Fly River is very wonderful. We have just returned from an expedition past our Boundary. We went inside the Dutch Possession 9 miles. On this last trip we came across a new river up which we got 120 miles deep fresh water all the way. We discovered a new Palm there of which I took two photographs a copy of which I will send you when printed as no doubt you will find it interesting.

7

Photograph not found.

I could write very much more of our travels but time presses.

The enclosed letter was found in one of the large envelopes you lent Sir William to put specimens in. I forward it to you in case you may want it for record.

8

Letter not identified.

A case of specimens is going down to you by this week's steamer. Captain Hennessy desires me to tell you that the Seeds about which he telegraphed to you

9

Telegram not found.

were delayed in transmission through the Agents Office, but it is hoped they have reached you by this time.

Mr Chalmers sends his kind regards to you.

I know your time is much taken up, but if ever you have a few minutes to spare I should be very glad to hear from you. And please be sure and let me know at any time if I can be of any use in doing anything for you.