Letter received by Banks from Philip Gidley King, 20 November 1800 (Series 39.061) - No. 0002

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shall be sent, they will be planted in May so that they will have 5 months growth before they are embarked, & as we have as embargoes on other detentions here, I hope & do not doubt they will get as far as the Cape, they will be delivered to Sir George Yonge, & a specification will be sent to you - These plants that are healthy I shall request him to forward by the first safe conveyance, & to let these that are sickly to remain until another opportunity. But I think it would ensure the safe arrival of these things in England if the Commanding Naval Officer at the Cape could be instructed to order a temporary Cabbin to be erected in a convenient part of any store ship or Man of War returning to England, & the plants when aboard to be put under the care of some men used to gardening which it seldom happens a Kings Ship is without some man of that description

Cayleys Box of Stationary is now arrived, I am afraid his Head is turned