11/3/87
I am very anxious, dear Sir Henry, that a captive balloon should be used in any preliminary expedition (from any Victorian support) to the antarctics.2 May I beg of you, when you meet members of the antarctic Committee, to advocate this?
The Council of the Vict. branch of the R.G.S. of Austral is very anxious to learn, when Rev Mr. Chalmers will be out, who is now on leave in London, and could be seen at the London Missionaries Soc. Office. If the Rev Gentleman would come on his return via Melbourne, we could discuss the details best personally here.3
I am sure, dear Sir Henry, you will be interested in these efforts from Victoria (and we will recognize your kind help on the Papuan map).
We are afraid, that Mr Chalmers return will be so much delayed, as to cause the loss of the cool and less wet season. That he would get permission for this exploit from the Council of the missionaries Soc. does not admit of doubt, as he would have the work of the mission simultaneously among the hill tribes; and the general prosperity of New Guinea. — To spin our £2000 out as far as possible, and to effect a "flying expedition," we do not wish Mr Chalmers to combine with any other explorer.
Regardfully ever your
Ferd. von Mueller
Please cite as “FVM-87-03-11,” 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 19 April 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/vonmueller/letters/87-03-11