16/3/89
In reference to Mr Lindsays letter, which you submitted to me, dear Mr Macdonald, you will be aware, that we are already under a promise to Mr Tietkens for a bonus, should his Expedition1 prove successful geographically, and that £500 of our fund are set apart for highland-exploration in New Guinea. As moreover we will have to print scientific observations in connection with these two expeditions, so little will be left of our present vote, that it would not materially further Mr Lindsays objects, altho' no doubt we all would gladly aid so trusty an explorer, if we had the means. Moreover, if Mr Lindsay has a chance of getting Gov.-support in South Australia for explorations within that territory, such an enterprise could then not be mixed up with private interests and obligations here. But I may give it merely as my individual opinion, that any private expedition of Mr Lindsay might be rewarded for important geographic discoveries by a bonus after the party's return; such however should be limited as not to exceed a certain sum, say not more than £100.-, as we would have no funds, on which we could safely rely as forthcoming, and therefore could not make ourselves liable for any great expenditure
Regardfully your
Ferd von Mueller.
For botanic specimens collected I would pay at my own valuation of the collections from Departmental funds.
Central Australian Exploring and Prospecting Association's Expedition, 1889.
Please cite as “FVM-89-03-16,” 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