Letter received by Banks from Philip Gidley King, 12 July 1799 (Series 39.050) - No. 0001

[Page 1]

Lieut Gov King to Sir Joseph Banks

July 12
Porpoise Spithead 1799

Sir

I am very sorry to say that we still remain here, and how much longer we are to remain is out of my power to form any judgement, But I hope & trust now that the stores ships are come round that we shall not be much longer detained – As I apprehend that is what has prevented Sir Roger Curtis from sailing under whose command we are intended to sail – when I reflect on the last fifteen months, often it is that time since the Porpoise was launched / I cannot help wishing that I had gone by one of the many vessells that have sailed for New S. Wales since that period as my having remained here so long has thoroughly exhausted both my little savings in the colony as well as my credit – however this is a private misfortune; But I fear if we are detained here much longer, that we shall not only meet very bad weather on the Coast of New Sh. Wales / which even in the Porpoise's amended state, would be a very unpleasant circumstance if caught on a lee shore / - But also that the Garden will suffer much, as the plants will be much exhausted by the continued heat we shall have to go through; I yesterday saw the plants & find them [indecipherable] up too much; the Hops are [balled?], but the luxurient manner is which they grow I fear will render those in the pots of little service when they get there if we are detained much longer – If circumstances should occasion the Lancaster being detained here, may I Sir request your speaking to Mr. Nepean to allow the Commander of the Diana who takes Charge of the West India Convoy to take charge of us as far as Madeira, as they are only waiting for a fair wind – But if Sir Roger Curtis goes in the course of a fortnight it certainly would be more advantageous our going with him, as we shall be protected as far as the Cape —— May I Sir remind you about the Lady Nelson 
She ought by no means

Rt. Honourable Sir Joseph Banks
K.B. &c &c &c

July 16. 99