Letter received by Banks from Philip Gidley King, 12 March 1799 (Series 39.040) - No. 0001

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77. St. George Sq. Portsea

12 March 1799

Dear Sir

As an opportunity has offered of writing to Sir Andrew Hammond, I have mentioned the Subject of the Plant Cabbin in the following terms -

"In this place I beg to suggest an Idea to your Consideration (and in which I have consulted with Mr Scott) respecting the Plant Cabbin - The great Expense & trouble that has attended the Collection of these plants, & the most utility they will be of, If carried safe to the Colony, I am certain will be a Sufficient apology for my troubling you again on this head. - as the Weight of the Plant Cabbin etc. (Exclusive of the Boxes) is only 14 Cwt, & is not higher than the Quarter [sailing?], I beg to suggest letting the Plant Cabbin remain & as no good weather can be expected until the Ship is to the Southward of Maderia, The plants  might all be removed to the Latticed Berths below, the Day before sailing from Spithead, & remain there in about 29 or 30º North Latitude - The weather will then be fine, & a Competent Idea may be formed of the propriety of replacing them again, in the Plant Cabbin