Letter received by Banks from Philip Gidley King, 30 April 1799 (Series 39.046) - No. 0001

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King to Banks

Portsea April 30th. 1799 -

Dear Sir

The Porpoise went out of harbour Yesterday but when it shall sail is still a doubt; however one thing is certain that we go with the Lancaster in which Ship Sir N Curtis has his Flag - & Convoy the Indiamen - how far the Porpoise is mended by all that has been done to her, must depend on what she does when we get out, however the general Opinion is, that except in her sailing, she is much improved - [indecipherable] arrived here yesterday, but as the Lancaster does not go out of Harbour before Saturday, or perhaps the beginning of next week, Cayley has  [indecipherable] to continue in Town - I suppose you have heard of Gerrish's being at the point of Death he is so low that Grimond has written for his things to be sent to London  The plants that are alive are all very thriving but those that have died or that are given over have left much room for more

Any men you may be so good to send us down