From George Sprigg to Ferdinand von Mueller   24 Nov 1864

November 24 [186]4¹

Sir

I regret extremely to learn from Mr Heyne² this morning that you consider that I have been guilty of insulting you by my conduct in reference to the swans in stating that they have been hawked about for sale. As I feel sure that this impression is only in consequence of a misunderstanding I would respectfully venture to lay before you the circumstances of the case. Some time ago Mr Brascher who generally acts as Mr McKay's town agent³ called on me and asked me whether the society⁴ would purchase some black swans saying he had some for sale in Westernport for 30/- per pair, I told him that some were required but that the Council⁵ would only give 20/- per pair, he answered he would write & ask whether they would take that price. Subsequently he (& his sons) called again and said the swans could not be had for less than 30/-. When I got your letter about the birds⁶ and the Council had authorised the purchase I called on Mr Brascher told him you were going to offer 20/- per pair but that the swans must be sent up directly. Since then the swans have been offered me by a third person at 25/- per pair but I declined to purchase.

Now we come to the transaction of yesterday. I met Mr McKay in the street accompanied by your messenger he gave me your letters and I then said that swans ought to have been up before, and that I could not pay him until the Council met on Tuesday. A person who I believe is his wife came up at the time and in a very rude and angry manner told him not stand there talking to me but to go back at once to you and I then declined to have anything more to say on the matter. Being on my way to Mr Sumner (who had sent up for me) I did not think it necessary to turn back to write a letter but asked your messenger to explain the matter to you as he had been a witness to the whole affair.

The reason why I could not pay Mr McKay is that as there was no quorum on Tuesday no cheques were signed and I have no funds whatever on hand nor will I have until after the meeting on Tuesday next I never for one moment thought of refusing to take the swans if you had definitely taken charge of them for the Society but having had large dealings with Mr Brascher I have never yet had any difficulty about payment.

Mr Heyne informs me that you consider it a gross insult not replying to your letter by writing but this I trust you will see it was impossible to do on the [town] street and I hoped that the messenger would have confirmed what took place. Being very [unwell] and extremely busy all day the whole matter had escaped my memory until I saw Mr Heyne this morning.

It is the first time in my life that such a charge has ever been made against me and I can only express my sincere regret that it would be thought […]⁷ now and beg that you will accept my most humble apologies if you consider that I have in any way unintentionally offended you.

I am

Sir

Your most Obedt Servant

Geo Sprigg

To Dr Mueller F.R.S.

Vice President of Acclimatisation Society