Melbourne
June 15 1860
Sir,

Having learnt from newspaper reports and other information that probably the Victorian expedition for exploring the interior of this continent will shortly be organised, I take the liberty to offer my services as medical officer to the expedition.

Of my capabilities as such my testimonials including my diploma from Munich university, Bavaria, will, I hope, be a sufficient guaranty.

Besides I take the liberty to remark, that I am not wholly unprepared to share in the trials of the contemplated enterprise, having made myself acquainted with the requirements for such a purpose by studying the published accounts of Australian expeditions, and by having myself performed an overland journey from Queen's Land to this colony, accompanying a friend who brought a large flock of sheep from the north to Port Philip.

I beg further to remark in reference to my capability of occupying the post of botanical collector, that only last week I have returned from a journey, which undertaking Dr Mueller, director of the botanical and zoological gardens was so kind and confident to offer me, for the purpose of making botanical collections in districts only partially or wholly unknown regarding their vegetation.

This journey I commenced in September last, and performing the whole of it on foot, I travelled all over the Hastings, the Macleay, parts of New England, and parts of the Clarence and Richmond River districts including the eastern coast ranges and the elevated country on the upper Hastings, the Macleay and the mountains known as the Guy Fawkes ranges of New England.

Provided my duties as medical attendant would allow time, what is hardly doubtful, I would be gratified to serve further in the capacity of botanical collector. With these claims, but principally with the assurance that I can appreciate well the hardships of such an undertaking, and that I am sufficiently prepared for occurrences which would be unexpected and heavy trials to such not accustomed to inland travelling.

I take the liberty to recommend myself to the notice of the gentlemen of the Exploration Committee. Any communication to me you will be friendly enough to send to me under the address of Dr Mueller.

I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant
Dr HermanUn Beckler