From Richard MacDonnell   17 July 1861

Govt House Adelaide

1[7]th July/61

My dear Sir

Might I ask you to be so good as to cause the enclosed letter¹ to be delivered to Mr Wright — recently returned from Cooper's Creek. I dont know his Christian name² —

I received per last mail a letter from Sir William³ enclosing a [document] from Mr G. Bentham on the subject of these Colonies subscribing to the production of a work on Australian Botany⁴ —

I have brought the subject before my Ministry — and have no doubt this Colony will [give] in its adhe[rence] to the very modest request preferred by Sir William. It is quite feasible — highly practical — and proposes to place at the command of the rising generation a work easy of reference — and intimately connected in the most interesting way with the physical history and resources of this their adopted country.

One of the so called "native bears" — was not long since sent to Lady MacDonnell from Victoria and we allow him to go where he likes within the little demesne in town — He lives in the Gum Trees — and despite of the recent severity of the weather appears to be in good health —

Believe me to be

Most sincerely yours

Richard Graves MacDonnell

To Dr Müeller⁵