Letter received by Banks from Philip Gidley King, 22 August 1799 (Series 39.052) - No. 0002

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whom are a certain Number of officers Sons. If my present Embarrasments, added to the Circumstance of my having Five Children, might plead in favor of my application, I should consider myself fortunate, If, I could obtain the insertion of my Sons name (Philip King) on the Admty list, for his entrance on the King's Foundation, as an officers Son. The age of admittance being restricted to 11 years, It will be 3 years & half before he attains that age, by which time he can be sent home, with I hope a tolerable portion of learning, & the advantage of having been twice round the Globe. Which I do not doubt will confirm the desire he now has, to qualify himself for an active induction in the Service of his Country.

Should you have an opportunity of interesting yourself in my favor, I am well satisfied that every thing will be done that is possible, towards granting this request, which I hope will appear as reasonable excusable, as it is an act of