To Nevil Maskelyne   25 October 1863

Melbourne bot Garden

25/10/63

My dear Prof. Maskelyne

I learn from the Private Secretary of the Governor, that despatches in reference to the Meteorite arrived by last mail, but as his Excellency has been seriously ill, I received as yet no communication arising out of these despatches.1 I wish however to report to you, that my communication with the meteorite-board has been most unsatisfactory. Prof M'Coy states, that he never seriously proposed the exchange of the specimens,2 altho' I had on every occasion subsequent to his proposition, when letters from Prof Owen or yourself were received, earnest consultations with him, which never left the slightest doubt on my mind, that he would redeem his promise. The communications received through the Home Government will probably strengthen me to act on your behalf.3

Dr Evans, the Chairman of the Meteorite Board, doubts the legal rights of ownership, excercised by Mr Bruce, a point which must be set at rest by the law-officers of the Crown.

It will be needless to enter on this occasion into further details, but I shall not fail to write fully to you whenever this transaction will have advanced an other step forward.

Meanwhile believe me, that the interest of the British Museum will not be neglected.

With sentiments of the highest regard

I remain, dear Professor,

yours

Ferd. Mueller

 
1
See Lucas et al. (1994).
2
See F. McCoy to M, 17 February 1862.
3
For copies of correspondence and reports concerning the dispute over ownership of the meteorite, see Bundle 10, no. 12, unit 11, VPRS 1095 special files, VA 466 Governor of Victoria, Public Record Office, Victoria.

Please cite as “FVM-63-10-25c,” in Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, edited by R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora†, J.H. Voigt† and Monika Wells accessed on 20 April 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/vonmueller/letters/63-10-25c