Letter received by Philip Gidley King from William Balmain, 8 March 1802 (Series 39.067) - No. 0002

[Page 2]

times since the year 1791, will give me the privilege of requesting the Honor of your Interest and Assistance in Support of my Situation.

I will not take the Liberty of urging my Claim to an increase of pay, further than to state, that I have served His Majesty faithfully since the year 1780, thirteen of which time has been upon this Establishment, and unremittingly employed in the Service of the Colony on Duties both fatiguing and hazardous;  in the performance of which you will do me the Justice to testify that I have seldom failed to obtain the most perfect Approbation of my Superiors

You are also aware that some Officers of equal Standing, and others who are younger in this Service than myself, have been rewarded with additional pay and Promotion which I doubt not they have justly merited, and it is upon this principle only that I can hope to meet with an equal share of Grace and Favor

I have the Honor to be Your Excellency's
Most respectful &
Obed.t Servt
W. Balmain
 Surg.n
to the Territory

Sydney 8th: March
1801

[Margin note indecipherable]