Ferdinand von Mueller

Bishopscourt,

Sydney.

June 28th.

Dear Mrs Bromby,

I know not how to apologize as I ought for my long delay in answering your letter on the subject of the Leichardt

1

i.e. Leichhardt.

discovery. It has chiefly arisen from my not quite knowing what to say upon this important matter, owing to my absence from Sydney and other hindrances I hope therefore you will kindly excuse my unintentional neglect.

Of forming a Ladies Committee for the furtherance of the object in question, there does not at the present time appear a hope, it seems indeed to be looked upon as an indirect way of obtaining the funds which ought to be given by the government or by the heads of the Community. The public mind is being gradually brought to it, and I feel sure that New South Wales will not allow the other colonies to undertake the work without bearing some share in the expense. I have only this week had an opportunity of speaking to Lady Young on the subject. She is not I think disposed to take any lead, but the government is prepared to double any sum that may be gathered by private effort, and it will I have no doubt ere long end in something tangible. I have, on my own account solicited from a few persons, and others I know are trying what they can do. It is a comfort I believe that any future explorer in the district, supposed to have been traversed by Leichardt, will have the shelter of new stations in the interior to help him in his operations, and thus, humanly speaking, secure the life & support of the expedition.

2

Bromby forwarded Barker's letter, immediately upon receiving it, to Victoria's Chief Secretary, James McCulloch, to show that the people of Sydney 'are not likely to withhold their aid however tardy they may have been in responding to our appeal'. McCulloch initialled the file on 10 July 1865.

The Bishop of Sydney begs to unite with me in kind regards to Dr Bromby & yourself and I remain,