Letter received by Banks from Philip Gidley King, 14 March 1799 (Series 39.041) - No. 0001

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Portsea  March 14th. 1799

Dear Sir
I received both your [indecipherable] of the 11th & 12th for which I am obliged to you - Souter received your benevolent present of the ten pound Note with much gratitude; And by yesterdays post I desired him to acknowledge it & to forward a list of the plants that want replacing - If nothing unforeseen should occur, it is my intention to set off for London on Thursday next, but that you may not be detained in your arrangements respecting Col. Paterson, I can only observe, that when he went out, we arrived together in N S Wales, from where he accompanied me to Norfolk Island, where he remained 15 Months, & during that time, I received the utmost Support & Assistance from him, both as Commanding Officer of the few troops we had, & as a Magistrate - I cannot conceal from you that there are many & very obvious reasons why I should myself give a decided reference to a Civil Lieut & Govr - but these reasons by no means imply any personal Consideration or objection to Col Paterson, [whose welfare?] I should be extremely happy to promote, And I have no doubt would (if he [indecipherable] from himself, without attending to the intrigues of those whose interests consist in these improper sacrifices, which will doubtless be required) do what is right, & honorable; & having that determination, the Colony would be benifitted by such an arrangement, & whoever was Governor would be greatly advantaged by such a Colleague - And should he get the Appointment & in the event of my remaining at Port Jackson, I shall do as much to [indecipherable] that Friendship that has existed between us, as I did at Norfolk Island without losing sight of the interest of the trust reposed in us -
The alterations now making to the Porpoise will greatly benefit her. The addition to the Keel & Stempost is nearly finished, & the Doubling is begun - The Masts are to be shortened 3 Feet - It is supposed she will be ready to go out of Dock next Monday, after which

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