Draft of a letter received by the Navy Board from Banks, 11February 1799 (Series 19.24) - No. 0001

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Soho Square, Feb. 11 1799

Honorable Gentlemen

In answer to the Letter I had the honor to Receive from you yesterday, enclosing one from Lieut. Wm. Scott, Commander of his Majestys Ship Porpoise, I beg leave to acquaint you that having myself no​ little experience of​ in the management of Plants Placd between the decking of a ship, it is impossible for me to be answerable for the success of the measure proposed by Lieut. Scott, of Removing the Plants intended for New South Wales, from the Cabbin erected for their acommodation, to the space in the Tween Decking - between the main hatchway & the Bulkhead of the gun room.

I once sent a cargo of Plants from the Royal Gardens at Kew to St. Petersburgh, they were stowd. in the hold of a small vessel which​ & all of them arrived safe at [indecipherable] tho they had a long and Boisterous passage.  I have also frequently receivd Living Plants from the East indies, that have been preservd during the Long passage from thence to Europe, in the Cabbins of Passengers.  I am therefore of opinion that in case good care is taken of the Plants in their intended situation between Decking and all opportunity

Feb. 11