✨ Explorer's Letter
48
the fate of those of my poor countryman, Dr. Leichardt, which were left untouched in their boxes seven years, then decayed and useless!
I beg to observe that no specimen of any description should be allowed to go out of the museum, nor must any person be allowed the liberty to examine with the view to publication. It is reserved to myself alone to publish any description of the specimens, and that under direct patronage of Her Majesty the Queen. All geological and botanical charts I beg to confide to His Honor the Superintendent privatively.
In conclusion, should any misfortune befall us, and His Honor or the Provincial Council shall not hear or receive information of our loss, I confide in the kindness of the colonists, who I believe take an interest in the result, that they will institute a search for my papers,
collections, journals, maps, and instruments; and for this purpose I will leave marks in the course of my route, namely, in the bush, the letter S cut in the wood, and on the plains small mounds. On the western coast small tin boxes will be left here and there, containing written information. I may also add that every box in my possession during my excursion is marked with my name, Dr. S. Tin boxes painted brown, and marked “Provinces of Otago.” My tent is painted a red colour.
Again thanking you for your kindness, and with every hope of success in exploring this Province to your complete satisfaction, I have the honor to be,
Honourable Sir and Gentlemen,
Your humble and obedient Servant,
G. F. R. Schmidt, H.M., S.M.
Printed for the Provincial Government by Daniel Campbell, Dunedin.
Otago Provincial Gazette 1855, No 20
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
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Letter from Explorer to Otago Superintendent
(continued from previous page)
🌏 External Affairs & Territories2 March 1855
Exploration, Otago Province, Stewart's Island, Mineral Discoveries
- Leichardt (Dr.), Mentioned in letter
- G. F. R. Schmidt (Dr.), Author of the letter