Ferdinand von Mueller

1

The letter is numbered U92/692 within this file. A note in a non-standard Pitman-style shorthand, headed 'Mr Killen', dated '23 May 92' and referring to Luehmann, is attached to the letter.

South-Yarra

2

Melb.

17/1/92

With the greatest of readiness I beg to certify, that Mr G. Luehmann has been an Officer of my Department for 23 years, from 1869 to 1873 as clerical Assistant in the botanic Garden and since then my first Assistant in the Office of Governm. Botanist. He is a Gentleman of superior education, zealous, inostentatious and persevering in the performance of his duties, and he earned all throughout his connection with my establishment the fullest confidence of myself and the subordinates. Moreover he acquired under me botanic knowledge to a considerable extent, and it is with much regret that I become deprived of his assistance now when the Department of Gov. Botanist as a distinct institution is to be discontinued. I trust that after his long and faithful services during the best years of his life, the Government will place so able and reliable Officer in a position, commensurate to the fair claims he can advance from the past.

3

See also M to A. McLean, 18 January 1892 and G. Luehmann to M, 19 January 1892. Luehmann's position with M was not abolished.