To William Branwhite Clarke   29 January 1874

Melbourne

29/1/74.

Just returned from an exploring trip to the snowy mountains, rev. and dear Sir, I find your kind letter of the 15. inst.¹ I had the pleasure of corresponding with Mr James, who (so I understand) is gone again to Sydney, and became acquainted with his excellent son, spending several days with him on the Hume River.²

I am very sorry, that I missed Major Clarke,³ but I enquired at four leading Hotels (including Scotts) but could hear nothing of his abode. I will send to morrow to the Military Office, and should I learn that he is still here, I will do myself the honor of waiting on him.

I have read your adresses⁴ with great interest; they reflect, like all you do, much honor on your genius & unabating assiduity. I wonder, whether through Major Warburton's Expedition or that of Giles⁵ we shall at last learn, what became of poor Leichhardt's party.

I met lately Mr Nicholson's family, whose brother⁶ was so generous to Leichhardt.

When you meet Mrs Cobham,⁷ — pray — give her my best regards.

Amidst the arrear work of the Department (if such in its helpless state it still can be called) I have but a few moments left to bid you a most cordial "adieu"

Always your regardful

Ferd. von Mueller