From David Lindsay to Ferdinand von Mueller   22 Sep 1890

122 Royal Exchange¹

22nd Septr 1890

Baron Von Mueller KCMG. Ph D MD &c &c

Melbourne

Sir,

Very many thanks for your kind letter of the 4th Inst.² and also thanks for the information re applicants for the position of leader of Sir Thos Elders proposed expedition.³

I did not think Ernest Giles was in Australia, neither did I think he would again take the field [going by] his age and health, he having told me that he would leave all future exploration for younger and more vigorous men, certainly the [detail] work character of this work might not be so trying as a push straight across country, such as he so ably carried out in the past.

Will the applicants be acquainted with your decision before a reply has been received from Sir Thos Elder? Whoever may be selected for the post, I hope he will be a tried man, and have every success so that Sir Thos will be able to consider that his money has been well spent — no doubt about it being an important work and will require experience and good management.

The careful filling of the blank on the map will add much important information (geographical and topographical) — It will be interesting to know how far west the artesian water bearing country extends — and what is the character of the Country West of Powells Creek.⁴

There is not much to do on the East of the Telegraph line⁵ although there are two places which should be reported on geologically for from the information I have it seems to me that mineral areas may be opened there.

I suppose the leader with a desire to make a good show on the map of Australia would like to start from the South Coast and go across to the N W coast & then make Easterly to Powells creek & then S Westerly again to Western Australia.

With kind regards and hoping that your health is better this year.

Mrs Lindsay asked me to convey her regards & remembrances.

Faithfully Yours

David Lindsay