Ludwig Becker's letter

Swan Hill, 8 September 1860.

Original items held at the State Library of Victoria, SLV MS13071, Box 2082/4, Item c.
Victorian Exploring Expedition Records, Dispatches sent by members of the VEE to the EC.
Ludwig Becker's first report, Swan Hill, 8 September 1860.
Manuscript, handwritten in ink on blue foolscap paper, 14 pages.

This postscript accompanied Becker's First Report and was read by Dr John Macadam, Honorary Secretary of the Royal Society of Victoria's Exploration Committee at the ordinary meeting of the Royal Society of Victoria, held on Monday, 17 September 1860 in the society's house, Victoria-street, at 7 o'clock. In the absence of His Excellency the Governor, the chair was taken by the mayor, Dr Eades.

Macadam also laid on the table three snakes presented by Dr Gummow, Swan Hill, transmitted by Dr Becker, and four sketches [should be five sketches]:

	Ludwig Becker's Expedition Sketchbook H16486, Australian Manuscripts Collection, State Library of Victoria.	1. The first was one of the party crossing an ancient crater, near Dr Bainton's.
	Ludwig Becker's Expedition Sketchbook H16486, Australian Manuscripts Collection, State Library of Victoria.	2. The second was a sketch of the party crossing to Terrick Terrick from the 29th August.
	Ludwig Becker's Expedition Sketchbook H16486, Australian Manuscripts Collection, State Library of Victoria.	3. The third sketch was peculiarly interesting, representing, as it did, the effect of a mirage, by which Mount Hope, distant 25 miles, appeared to be in mid-air far above the horizon.
	Ludwig Becker's Expedition Sketchbook H16486, Australian Manuscripts Collection, State Library of Victoria.	4. [Becker actually sent five sketches, the fourth being from the top of Mount Hope].
	Ludwig Becker's Expedition Sketchbook H16486, Australian Manuscripts Collection, State Library of Victoria.	5. The 'fourth' represented the station-hut at Mount Hope, September 2.

Camp at Swan Hill
Sept. 8. 1860

To Dr J Macadam MLA
Hon. Secretary
Royal Society in Victoria.

PS. By this mail I have the honor to forward to you a bottle containing 3 snakes presented to the Museum by Dr Gommow of Swan Hill. The 2 larger snakes were found near Swan Hill on the Banks of the Murray, the small one in the Mallee Scrub, 40 miles from Swan Hill, but still in Victoria.

I have etc.
L Becker.

[Enclosed First Report dated 8 September 1860-from 19 August to 6 September]

(P.S.) Burke told me that when immediately attended to the things might reach me at Swan Hill before our leaving it.

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