Letter received by Banks from Philip Gidley King, 31 October 1798 (Series 39.029) - No. 0001

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Blackheath Hill Oct 31st.. 1798

Sir

I this Morning received the enclosed Note from Souter - On Saturday I received a packet from the Secretary of States Office containing the Instructions for Souter & a letter placing the Gorgon under my general Superintendance which I need not inform you I will pay every attention to I was sorry the [indecipherable] had such a strong hold on me that I cannot go down with the Plants as I purposed, but I wrote to the Master who has taken every Care that [indecipherable] [indecipherable] [indecipherable] had I been present - in receiving the Instructions I wrote some very particular directions to Souter in addition to them & what Island to [indecipherable] on his way down - I find the Ship has not yet left Greenhithe, however she does not wait for us - Altho it is my Intention to wait on you tomorrow If the Wr. is good yet I could not neglect informing you of the contents of the [indecipherable] - Mrs King is quite well - I beg my best Respects to Lady & Miss Banks & I am with the most Respectful Attachment

Sir
Your Obliged Hble
Philip Gidley King

Rt Honble
Sir J. Banks 

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