To Roderick Murchison   24 April 1869

Melbourne botan. Garden,

24 Apr. 1869.

You evinced such deep interest, dear Sir Roderick, in all the measures adopted to learn, if possible, Leichhardt's fate, that I deem it a duty incumbent on me to render you acquainted with any new efforts made for the purpose, even if to all movements of this tendency geographical interest not was attached. Undoubtedly you will be aware, that in September of last year Mr Monger, while dashing into the interior east of Champion Bay,¹ heard the accounts of Leichhardts probable death in that direction,² — as recorded on the authority of some natives previously by Mr Roe,³ — again corroborated, and it became therefore imperative to take action for setting this rumor at rest as early as the season and other circumstances would permit. My solicitations here for renewed monetary support even on the most modest scale proved utterly futile,⁴ and as my own private means ever since I arrived (in 1847) in Australia have been completely devoted to scientific objects, I could personally not come in to the rescue.

Under these circumstances I suggested to my friend the honorable F. Barlee, Colonial Secretary of West Australia, that his Excellency the Acting Governor and Commander of the troops, the venerable Capt Roe, he as Colonial Secretary and the other members of the Council might kindly send out a light party, to be in the field during the cool months of this year, pointing out also, that with the resources available to the local Government, such new inland exploration might be carried out with a very limited direct expenditure. I was willing to join or command the party, if my departmental position allowed me finally to be away for a few months. This latter wish could not be realized for reasons of the prolonged drought and other unexpected obstacles, which arose, but the main project has been initiated, as you will observe from one of the enclosures adjoined.

It reflects great honor on the West Australian Government, to have taken up this subject in so spirited a manner, and we all hope that the enterprise will be crowned with success. The command of the party has devolved on a young surveyor, Mr Forest;⁵ special means for carrying water, when necessary, in metal vessels have been adopted according to my suggestion, and dried meat will be the mainstock of provision. The details of the arrangements I hope to be able to communicate by next mail. It is not unlikely that the wide Lake described by the natives, will be found to consist of an extensive saline depression, occasionally filled with floodwater, such as Lake Torrens, Lake Eyre and Lake Gairdner.⁶

Let me remain, dear Sir Roderick, with grateful feelings and deep regards

Your

Ferd. von Mueller

It appears that my memorandum concerning the constitution of this expedition is mislaid.⁷