With the deepest sympathy for you, ever dear and respected friend,

Yours,

FERD.  Mueller.

The plant is thus registered in the Fragmenta Phytographiae
Australiae:—­

Eremophila WILLSII: 

Speciem Eremophilae Goodwinii (F.  M. Report on the Plants of Babble’s Expedition, page 17) propinquam tesqua Australiae centralis ornantem, elegi ut botanicis recordarem gloriam nunquam obliviscendam intrepidi et ingeniosi sed infelicissimi Gulielmi Wills, qui primo terram Australiae continentalem a litore ad litus peragravit, sua morte praecocissima in tacito eremo triumphum aeternum agens. [Footnote:  I have chosen a species of Eremophila resembling Goodwin’s, which adorns the deserts of central Australia, to record by botany the glory never to be forgotten of the intrepid and talented, but most unfortunate, William Wills, who was the first to traverse the continent of Australia from shore to shore, winning for himself, by his too early death in the silent wilderness, an eternal triumph.]

From Dr. Mueller.

June 6th, 1862.

Dear Dr. Wills,

Once more I wish you a most cordial goodbye, and trust that in the circle of your family you will feel some consolation for the dreadful bereavement which has befallen you in the loss of your son.  May it alleviate your affliction to some small extent, to remember that your son has gained by the sacrifice of his precious life a world-wide fame, and an appreciation which will remain unobliterated throughout all ages.

With the deepest solicitude for your health and happiness, I remain, my very dear Dr. Wills,

Your attached friend,

FERD.  Mueller.

. . .

At an earlier period, the Municipal Council of Ballaarat East paid me the compliment of the subjoined address:—­

To W. Wills, esquire, M.D.

Council Chamber, Ballaarat East, November 7th, 1861.

Sir,

The Municipal Council of Ballaarat East, for itself and on behalf of the native community of this district, with feelings of the deepest sorrow and commiseration, beg leave to sympathize with you in the most severe and irreparable bereavement which you are so unfortunately called upon to bear in the loss of your worthy and devoted son, Mr. William John Wills.  It would however hope that all possible consolation will be yours in the knowledge of his having nobly and successfully accomplished his mission, the benefits of which cannot be too highly appreciated by the whole of the inhabitants of the Australian Colonies; and which must secure to his future memory, under the unfortunate circumstances by which he was sacrificed, not only honour and fame, but the sympathy, love, and respect of his fellow-men in all parts of Her Majesty’s dominions, and in every civilized country throughout the world.  These considerations the Council trusts you will endeavour to bring to your aid in overcoming the intense grief with which you must be afflicted.