Letter received by Banks from Philip Gidley King, 21 July 1805 (Series 39.099) - No. 0011

[Page 11]

the aborigines of the Wild cattle straying from this Settlement shortly after we landed in 1788.  The number strayed were Five Cows, three of which were Governments, & Two belonged to Governor Phillip.  There were also a Bull & heifer belonging to the Crown;  previous to my leaving England in 1799, the Admiral made over to me, all his Claim to his proportion of their Increase:  Of course my Claim is good, and in the event of my leaving the Colony soon, I should of course make over that claim to some Friend likely to remain here, which might hereafter embarrass Government.  There is no doubt of there being at least 3000 head now; perhaps I should be nearer the truth to say 6000.  By the Calcutta I made a proposal to My Lord Hobart which I find has been received since My Lord Camden's administration, to take from the Tame Herds 100 Cows, 50 Heifers, & 50 Young Oxen, as an indemnification for all claim that I, or any other person on Governor Phillip's, or my part may make on the Wild Herds, which of course are, as they ought to be, the exclusive property of the Crown.  That selection I have made, until I receive an answer on the subject, having made this Communication to My Lord Camden, I will thank you to speak to Mr Cooke on the subject,As it will be an object to my Family hereafter.