Tempsky, Gustav Ferdinand

Big Hill P.O. Bendigo
February 11 1860

To: The Honourable Secretary of the Royal Society
Dr Mac Adam MLC

Sir

I have the honour to come forward as an applicant for the leadership of the Victorian Exploration Party. I must state that I am urged to do it firstly by the advice of friends who know me & the work that has to be done; secondly I am encouraged to this step by the apparent dearth of applicants.

Thirteen years of all species of travel, on foot, on horseback, with wagons, in canoes, at sea or on rivers – have given me a general experience that can be applied to almost any country or clime.

I possess besides a year & a halfs experience of Australian Bushlife – I live in the bush & know pretty much the peculiarities to be observed in travel through the various species of scrubland, plainland or open bushland.

I find that my experience of travel in some parts of Mexico has taught me almost, through perfect similarity, all that this country can teach me.

If anyone else with more colonial experience should offer himself for the leadership I would be contented with a subordinate position.

I would accept of the leadership only with the proviso of having an efficient surveyor and geologist as assistant.

I have aquired also the knowledge of commanding men and keeping them in good order, through frequent military occupation – I have drilled and fought Indians, Black, White & Redskins.

In the accompanying dissertation on the leadership in general I give my sincere conviction as to what I consider conducive to a general success.

I have the honour to be, Sir
Your most obedient humble, Servant
G. F. v. Tempsky