Melbourne 11/1/81.
To the honorable Graham Berry, M.L.A,
Premier of Victoria &c.
I deem it but right, honored Sir, to mention after the enlightened interest, which you evince in the question of Leichhardts fate, that the telegraphic intelligence, just received concerning the identification of Classen's remains,1 does only account as yet for the end of one of a party of eight, while rumours are afloat, that an other survivor still exists at the sources of the River Victoria2 (much nearer to Western-Australia) I hope therefore, that your kind intention to bring this subject before the inter colonial Conference in Sydney3 will not be hindered by the telegram just published, especially as the new search will have an important geographic bearing also.
Allow me yet to remark, that in the event of the other colonies responding to your call of taking joint action in this new enterprise, it would simplify and expedite the arrangements very much, if the funds were made available in one place; and as I have followed up since fully 30 years all investigations regarding Leichhardts party, the several Australian Governments might have sufficient faith and confidence in me for entrusting to me the final agreement with Mr Giles4 and for effecting the disbursements under such arrangements as the Conference may deem fit.
I have this day received a letter from Mr Giles,5 expressing his eagerness to conduct this new search expedition, and I am sure he is not led in this by monetary considerations.
Regardfully your
Ferd. von Mueller
An early organisation of the party is desirable for the full benefit of the approaching cool season.6
'Mr Skuthorpe telegraphs from Blackall that they have found Classen's grave and the fate of Leichhardt. The locality is likely to be on the Mulligan River, as Skuthorpe, when previously heard of, was going there.' (Argus, Monday 10 January 1881, p. 5; the item is dated 'Sydney, Sunday''.
NT.
Sydney, 13-27 January 1881.
Ernest Giles.
Letter not found.
This letter and the earlier M to G. Berry, 12 December 1880, were read on the first day of the Intercolonial Conference, 13 January 1881, and it was agreed that the letters would be dealt with when the subject was brought under the consideration of the Conference. However, the topic is not mentioned again in the minutes.
For a published copy of this letter see B81.02.01. See also M to G. Berry, 12 December 1880.
Please cite as “FVM-81-01-11,” 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