From Nevil Maskelyne   8 January 1864

British Museum

January 8. 1864.

Dear Dr. Müller

I have had two letters from you¹ and I ought perhaps to have answered them. The part in them, however, which alone needs my writing is what refers to your own conduct. In this I have the pleasant duty of having to thank you in the name of the British Museum for having maintained an attitude such as a German — or an English — gentleman must always wish to maintain, an attitude of honour and truthfulness.

As to the Iron Meteorite I can not tell you what my feelings are regarding the conduct of this person² whose past friendship you seem to set some store by.

I wish to say as little as possible. I will only make one remark.

English Science feels not only friendly to, it is feeling and acting in a spirit of cordial alliance and unity with the Science of the Australian Colonies. I have not breathed a syllable on the disgraceful breach of faith that one person — (and I cannot believe there are more in a community of Englishmen) — has been guilty of. I trust honour will reassert itself even in him.

But I know that when I publish the facts and lay them before the Royal Society and the rest of the compact body of English men of Science, there will be such a revulsion of sentiment as must be felt in Melbourne. I must draw up such a statement and support it by documentary evidence, if this disgraceful business is not concluded in accordance with honour and good faith.³ I know no task that I could set about from which my nature would so revolt. I again thank you for your conduct, and I will take all care that your name shall never be confounded with that of any one not acting with honour and generosity.

I am yours always

very truly

Nevil Story Maskelyne.⁴