Ferdinand von Mueller

8/1/94.

I ought to have answered your kind gratulatory Newyears letter before this, dear Mr Macdonald,

1

Letter not found.

but my illness made me feel very prostrate; so I offer now my expression of gratitude only, and hope that the new annual space of time, on which we have entered will be of much joyfulness to all of you! — I share ardently your wish, that 1894 will be a glorious year to our Society. The Rev Mr Potter and his Lady called last evening after Church, and this gave me an opportunity to explain my views on future action of ours. Surely by some special effort we might get Giles out this coming cool season for the short tour to Leichhardt's death place.

2

M was convinced that the search for Leichhardt's remains had narrowed to 'the as yet unexplored great N.W. desert'; see M to I. Tyson, 7 January 1894.

Both are Gold Medallists of the RGS

3

Leichhardt was awarded the Society's Patron's Medal in 1847; Ernest Giles received the same medal in 1880.

I hope Mr Winter Irving will come soon and give his advise. We must also try to get good correspondents in the British portion of the Solomon-Islands. An active canvass for membership should also be instituted, and this I mentioned to Capt Pasco, who has good opportunities during the summer at Queenscliff Do you know anyone at Sorrento?

4

Both places are in Vic.

I advise the printing at once of the whole of your uncles journals.

5

Not identified.

A little money sent to the New Hebr[ides] would secure us new records from the[re.]