Page:Physical Description of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land.djvu/14

reality and the dignity of his calling who exchanges the ordinary pursuits and pleasures of life for the patient and self-denying investigation of the works of God: may He amply reward you with that knowledge for which you seek. " Permit us, as your friends and well-wishers, bound to you more especially by the interest which you have attached to our adopted home, to offer our contribution towards the completion of your labours in illustration of the physical phenomena of this country. It was originally our purpose to have presented a chronometer as the token of our esteem, until we understood that you are already so well provided in that respect. " We now beg to be allowed to leave to your better Judgment the selection of a more appropriate alternative; feeling, at the same time, that the result of your labours, when given to the world, would form a most fitting and durable monument of your connection with those regions, and (we trust it may not be ungrateful to you to add) with the friends whom you have left behind."
The signatures to this address were headed by that of His Excellency the Governor, Sir John Franklin, R. N.; His Honour the Chief Justice, Sir John Pedder; the Colonial Secretary, G. Boyes, Esq.; and comprehended those of most of the settlers in Van Diemen's Land. To the very flattering expressions and hearty good wishes which this address breathes throughout, was added a subscription amounting to 400l. sterling, 100l. of which was contributed by Sir John Franklin himself. I need not say with what emotions of honest pride and pleasure I received this address and subscription, and how fully and gratefully I appreciated the ex-