Document information
Physical location:
Letter press book, p. 158, Collection of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (SA Branch) Inc., State Library of South Australia, Adelaide. 91.04.08Preferred Citation:
Alexander Magarey to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1891-04-08. 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/1890-6/1891/91-04-08-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
8th April [18]91
Baron Sir. F. von Mueller K.C.MG.
Melbourne: Victoria.
My dear Baron
Your very esteemed favour of 7th inst. is this moment received. I have perused the
same: and can assure you that your valuable suggestions will receive every attention.
I would at the moment refer to some points touched upon by you —
1 Main Object of the Expedition. Sir Thos. Elder's instruction is "Fill up the map
of Australia with main features" — This we take to involve a general examination of
the country; as thorough as water supply, reasonable time, & nature of the country
may warrent.
No examination for pastoral, nor mineral "
claims
" as such, is at all contemplated. Genuine geographical research only is understood
to be involved.
1
warrant?
2 Use of Aboriginal — Sir Thomas is in treaty for the use of a thoroughly dependable
boy, now employed on a Station far out West — The value of the use of the Native is
being kept in view —
3 Store & Reprovisioning — Mr Lindsay purposes to take six months supplies away with
him — A further six months supplies to be forwarded to the Sources of the Murchison
R.
say Lat. 26S Long. 118°E — Hon. John Forrest of W.A. is to be requested to supervise
this for us in W.A. Stores to be sent round from Adelaide: selected by the Leader
—
2
WA.
On the Telegraph Line,
other supplies to await the party at Lat. 20S Long 134°E (say Tennant's Creek) —
and again at say Daly Waters
(Lat 16S Long 133°E.)
3
The Overland Telegraph Line from Adelaide to Darwin.
4
Both in NT.
4 The Camels are ready at Beltana
— 60 are there for the leader to choose from. It is estimated that about 40 are required
— the fewer the better — as water is the problem, when large numbers are in question
—
5
SA.
5 Water apparatus — The leader is taking one "Abyssinian Pump" — which being driven
into the sand in Creek beds, & sand soakages — enables the party to draw water up
very readily — The fatigue & loss of time of digging are obviated; and many spots
may be readily tried, if the first are futile —
My Committee meets shortly: so you will please excuse more from me at this moment.
Please again accept in advance the warm thanks of this Branch for your valued assistance.
Yours very faithfully
A. T. Magarey
Hon Sec