Document information
Physical location:
ML MSS.200/1, item 2, letter book, pp. 423-5, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, Sydney. 90.08.27aPreferred Citation:
David Lindsay to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1890-08-27 [90.08.27a]. 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/1890-6/1890/90-08-27a-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
Royal Exchange
Adelaide 27th August 1890
Baron Von Mueller KCMG Ph D MD &c &c &c &c
President Royal Geographical Society
Melbourne
[…]
Leader of the exploration in Australia of which Sir Thos Elder has so generously offered
to bear the cost.
I do so with considerable confidence when I call to mind the correspondence which
has passed between your branch of the Geographical Society and myself re exploring
the North West country.
1
One or
two
lines
, including the
salutation
,
illegible
— letter book copy smudged. All […] in the following text refer to illegible words
or lines.
2
Elder Scientific Exploring Expedition, 1891-2. Lindsay’s application was successful; see Lindsay (1893) for his journal of the expedition.
I may be permitted to enumerate the qualities which make me competent for such a position.
I […] am in perfect health having been fully accepted as a "first class life" by the
Doctor of the A.M.P.
Society.
3
Australian Mutual Provident.
My courage endurance and energy have been shown on the works I have done in the past.
Being by profession a Surveyor I am able to map down the country with accuracy, and
the experience of fifteen (15) years in the active practice of my profession as a
Surveyor and Explorer qualifies me to report accurately on the topography and geography
of the country passed over.
I have a fair practical knowledge of minerals. I do not claim to be a botanist or
geologist although of the latter science I have a sufficient knowledge to enable me
to describe the rock formations — But here I might be allowed to suggest, that the
second in command should be a Geologist with a knowledge of mineralogy and botany
attention to which branches of the work would occupy a mans full time —
The exploration of Arnhem land shows that I am able to deal successfully with the
natives no matter how troublesome they may be.
4
When Lindsay explored Arnhem Land for the Government of SA in 1883, his party survived attacks by Aborigines, one group of which numbered 300 (ADB, vol. 10, p. 106).
I am, as you know, thoroughly intimate with the Country from South to North having
spent about 7 years in tropical Australia and having twice crossed the continent;
besides spending about nine months in Central Australia prospecting and surveying.
I have done much work with Camels and have a very good knowledge of those animals.
When exploring in 1886 I discovered the "Australian Ruby" and also reported that gold
would be found.
[…] field south of the [Hale] River now being worked was discovered during the same
journey [west] of the country near the [McArthur River I wrote that [Felspar] silver,
lead and probably gold would be found […] deposit of lead and silver ores were discovered
and worked.
Being […] to yourself and the members of the Council of the R G Society I feel that
[…]
If I am […] and […] will devote my best energies and [intents] to the successful completion
of the very important work proposed.
Trusting that my application will be favorably received
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your Obedt Servant
David Lindsay