From Ferdinand von Mueller to Thomas Wilson   25 July 1884

25/7/84.

Since a long time, dear Mr Wilson, I have been eager, to call on you; but as this is the coolest time of the year, Dr Buettner¹ thought it best for me, not to leave the room; thus I have not even attended the levée.² But as the spring-warmth will be gradually setting in again, I hope soon to move freely about.

I was most agreably surprised, to see the publishing vote increased for me by £200, and beg to express to you for your kind remembrance of my requirements all gratitude; and I beg of you, to thank also our honorable Chief for remembring me so generously. I can now have the 80 plates at £2.10/ each lithographed of the volume on Eremophila,³ and will write an official letter of permission to issue this work, so soon as the vote has passed.⁴

As regards the vacancy caused by Mr Henry leaving my Department,⁵ I would like, that I be allowed after his Departure, to wait with filling his position up, til I can find a person particularly fit for the duty, which indeed requires some special knowledge and aptitude, not likely to be found among the general run of applicants for ordinary office-work. The position is monetarely so small, that it would neither be much coveted. Should any gratuity be granted to Mr Henry, I would advance it myself if necessary; and recover it afterwards. He was employed by me for some years prior to his entering the regular service on my private expense, as the vote was for years so small, not to permit of additional engagements; and yet it was impossible then, to get through the most necessary departmental work with the small staff I had. But this prior engagement, which served as a training, would probably not count as regards a gratuity.

Trusting, that you and your kind Lady and children are quite well,

I remain regardfully

Your

Ferd. von Mueller.⁶

Eremophila