Melbourne, botanic Garden,
22/2/69.
Sir
With sentiments of profound reverence I have received his Excellency's intimation, that his Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos did regard me worthy of the honor of being raised to the Companionship of the extended Order of St. Michael and St. George, and that her Majesty has graciously condescended to confer on me this dignity.1
It is especially significant, that this mark of benignity and grace should be the first received in this part of her Majesty's territory, and should have fallen on a man, who in the quiet performance of administrative duties and in the retired pursuits of science had but remote claims on the consideration of the principle dignitary of the crown for the colonies.
If anything further could augment the value of this distinction, it would be the graceful words, in which the Duke was pleased to convey his kind approbation of such services, as it may have fallen to my share to render in her Majesty's great Australian dominions, - services - I say not without pride, - now extending here over 22 years.
Whilst it is my earnest wish to aid, as long as providence may grant me strength, in the advancement of those resources, which render already this continent great powerful and prosperous, it will be to me an ever encouraging reflection, that also from the throne of Britain and its main supporters a recognition at once brilliant and lasting should inspire to renewed and increased exertions in the cause of science and Australian progress.
I have the honor to be, Sir, your very obedient and humble servant
Ferd. von Mueller
H.C. Manners-Sutton,
Private Secretary to his Excellency the honorable
Sir Henry Manners-Sutton, K.C.B.,
Governor of Victoria &c &c &c2
Please cite as “FVM-69-02-22a,” 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 28 March 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/vonmueller/letters/69-02-22a