From the Medical Society of Victoria to Australian medical practitioners¹    5 May 1865

Melbourne, 5th May 1865.

Dear Sir,

At a meeting of the Medical Society of Victoria and of the Medical profession generally held in Melbourne on the 13th April the following resolution was adopted viz, “That an appeal be made to the Medical profession throughout the Australian Colonies to aid the proposed search for the lost explorer Dr Leichhardt and his party.”

In accordance with this resolution we have the honor to invite your attention to the effort now being made by Dr F. Mueller, F.R.S. and by the ladies of Victoria to carry out this object.

We beg respectfully to submit that a renewed search for this long lost explorer is now rendered absolutely necessary

1st By the discovery a few months ago of camps and traces of Leichhardt on the west bank of the Flinders River nearly four hundred miles from the formerly supposed scene of his murder by the natives.

2nd By the discovery also by Mr McIntyre at a point still further to the westward of two horses grown old, and grazing in a wild state, which can have belonged originally to none other than Leichhardt's party no other explorer having ever lost horses in that region.

3rd By the fact that no actual evidence whatever of the destination of Leichhardt and his party has at any time been found. With the exception of the two animals already alluded to not a trace of the numerous horses, oxen and mules, of the various fittings, weapons or other equipments has ever been observed among the natives or otherwise. The conclusion from these facts is irresistible, that the explorers passed on in safety far to the westward and that in that direction a well conducted search cannot fail to follow up the march and to discover the fate of Leichhardt and his companions.

Any searching expedition will have the great advantage of the extended geographical knowledge we now possess of the character of the interior, and relying on the settlement at the Gulf of Carpentaria and on the rapidly spreading occupation of the northern and western country, the search can be conducted almost without risk or difficulty.

In earnestly soliciting your aid and cooperation in this philanthropic movement we would remind you that Leichhardt himself a Medical man by his extensive and varied accomplishments and by his devotion to the advancement of science has reflected honor on our Profession, and now that a final effort is being made to discover his fate to rescue him if living or if dead to pay a fitting tribute to his memory by the discovery and publication of his records, we feel assured that the members of the Medical Profession in Australia will zealously assist not only by their own generous contributions but also by their influence with the public in their respective localities.

Let us hope then that no one of our professional brethren in Australia will exclude himself from this work of humanity and let it be remembered that subscriptions however small if universal will form an important addition to the general fund.

Be pleased to send your contribution either to the Honorary Treasurer of the Ladies Leichhardt Committee, Mrs Cutts William Street, Melbourne, or to the Colonial Surgeon.

We have the honor to remain,

Dear Sir, faithfully yours

[signed:]

L. J. Martin. M.D.

James T. Rudall F.R.C.S.

Wm. Harrage L.R.C.S.

William Henry Cutts M.D.

J. Black M.D.

John Blair MRCSE

Thomas Embling M.R.C.S.E. L.A.C.

J. M. Girdlestone F.R.C.S.

David Wilkie M.D.