Ferdinand von Mueller

Western Australia

Perth

April 4th 1878

The Hon: The Commr

Crown Lands

Sir,

I have the honor to address you for the information of His Excellency the Governor respecting the application of Baron von Mueller to be allowed to re-select his block of 2000 acres

1

See M to J. Forrest, 14 February 1878, and notes thereto.

and the reason I take the liberty of doing so is, that through my action as agent for Mr Giles

2

Ernest Giles.

& the Baron, all the annoyance & trouble to them both has been occasioned — I would point out that the application was made by me in the name of Mr Giles, altho’ on the face of the papers attached it was apparent that he had sold his right to Baron von Mueller — Altho I felt that I had full power to select still it was but a week or more after I had done so that the Baron telegraphed to me to delay the selection and I at once communicated this information to you. — I have therefore as the Agent who has caused all the mischief to urge, that Mr Giles be allowed to re-select and for the following reasons:

1st That it is a special grant from the Imperial Government to Mr Giles as a reward for services rendered to this Colony and Science in general — This alone makes it an exceptional application which should have greater consideration than an ordinary one

2nd As regards the present proprietor Baron von Mueller. —Any request made by him deserves any consideration at the hands of this colony. — Being a man of the highest scientific attainments, working solely in the cause of science & learning, with scarcely any reward, with most of his Earnings devoted to his profession, together with the fact that for the last 30 years he has been engaged in elucidating the flora and vegetation of this colony inasmuch that throughout the whole of this colony his name is a household word, and for what? This Colony has never helped him in any way and altho thousands of letters have been written by him all in the cause of science, his only reward had been the collection of a few specimens of plants. — I should be glad if you could on this occasion act in such a way towards him as will let him feel, that this Colony is grateful for all the services he has rendered to it

I sincerely hope & trust that you will after all the circumstances have been clearly placed before you, come to the conclusion, that the modest request of the Baron which will not affect the Colony or its revenue in any way, is a case in which you will give all your support and in so doing will be aiding one who has ever proved himself to be a devoted servant of Australia.