Letter received by Banks from Philip Gidley King, 20 July 1805 (Series 39.098) - No. 0001

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Sydney July 20th 1805

Dear Sir

The Gentleman who will deliver this to Mr Savage an Assistant Surgeon to this Territory who has lately incurred the sentence of a General Court Martial on the prosecution of the Principal Surgeon - and the sentence being of such a peculier Nature I am under the necessity of referring it to the King's decision.  Mr Savage has obtained my leave of absence to accompany the proceedings, as he is necessarily suspended from his duty til the King's pleasure is received.  I have said all I can which indeed is everything in his favor to the Judge Advocate General & have joined in a Recommendation of his Case with the members of the G.C.Martial which I have no doubt will operate in the Royal Consideration.

I have just stated these circumstances merely to inform you who Mr Savage is & that he is much esteemed here by myself, particularly so by Paterson & indeed the greater part of all the Officers & Colony.  He speaks of returning here again immediately.

I  have the Honor to be with great respect
Dear Sir
Your Obliged & faithful
humble servant

Philip Gidley King

Rt Honble
Sir J. Banks K.B