To John O'Shanassy   31 March 1863

Melbourne botanic Garden

31. March 63.

Sir

I have the honor to solicit, that you will be pleased to place at the disposal of the Agent General of Victoria in London the sum of £80 (eighty pounds Sterling), out of the vote for purchase of plants, for which, if it meets with your approval, I am desirous to secure for the museum of the botanic Garden the whole collections of dried plants formed by the late celebrated Dr Steetz of Hamburg, comprising fifteen large cases. These collections will be highly valuable for facilitating the scientific work of my office, and form a permanent important addition to our collections at very moderate costs.

Should you be pleased to approve of my suggestion I would beg to request, that the sum (above named) may be rendered available through the Agent General to G. F. Siemssen Esq of Hamburg, the trustee of the Widow of Dr Steetz

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

your most obedient and humble servant

Ferd. Mueller.

The honorable the Chief Secretary

&c &c &c¹