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Essendon
Sep. 8
My dear Spencer
Your letter does me proud. I showed it to my friend Frank Stuart today, & he said, “Put me down for £20, & write to the papers. I authorise you to use my name, & I’ll get you another £100”. Now I think we should get a committee to take the matter up. This some others of your friends must do. It is impossible for me to attend to it. But I will do what I can. Before your letter came I had taken action that may possibly bring in some money.
I am smitten with awe, & suspect that I must be an unconscious humbug. Why should men of note stir at my urging?
Don't build upon my may. It is only a chance, but even the remotest chance is worth a trial. If nothing comes, one is no worse off.
I sent you a copy of that luminous periodical, the Spectator, that you might be profited by what I have said about the expedition.
I think I had better not write to the papers. That should be done by two or three influential men forming a committee. As for myself I am "little & unknown", & my
instincts are to keep myself in the background.
With all good wishes,
Yours sincerely
L. Fison.
I don't think this is a thing for which University men & other such workers should be bled. Men like Horn ought to take it up.
Will you send me three or four copies of the circular I used up the one you sent.
Stuart's £20 is sure, but I don't look upon the £100 as cash in hand. Blessed is the man that expecteth nothing.
