Letter from William Hull to Daniel Bunce, 21 October 1847

MLMSS 7990

fonds

21 October 1847

910986

0.01 metres of textual material (1 folder)

Letter from William Hull (author of Remarks on the Probable Origin and Antiquity of the Aboriginal Natives of New South Wales (Melbourne, 1846)) in Melbourne, to Daniel Bunce (one of Leichhardt's fellow explorers and supporters, and author of an account of Leichhardt's 1846 expedition) at Darling Downs. Hull sends two copies of his 'Remarks' to Bunce, and expresses satisfaction at Leichhardt's interest in the work. The letter contains an introduction to a relative of Hull's, William Glyde, an early settler in the Moreton Bay region. Hull declines to forward specimens collected by Bunce and Leichhardt to the Mechanics' Institute, which he considers has degenerated into a 'mere reading room and circulating library', but proposes to take 'the fossils' to individuals who will better appreciate them. The letter suggests a possible 'connection' between Aboriginal spirituality and 'the primeval religion of mankind', alluding to Masonry. The letter was sent care of David Archer, one of a large family who were among the first settlers of land north of Moreton Bay and at whose property 'Durandur' Leichhardt had been a frequent guest.