Letter received by George Rose from Philip Gidley King, 27 May 1797 (Series 39.020) - No. 0001

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London May 27th 1797

Sir

Agreably to your wish I have informed my self more fully respecting the Papers of the late Colonel Gordon brought to this country by his Widow

The Charts &c are Contained in Two Boxes (which I saw inspected Yesterday at the Custom House) - the largest box contains as Mrs Gordon Informs me - a General Chart of smaller Charts & Views of the Interieur pasts of Africa seen & Visited by her late Husband - In all about Ninety Five; with a Manuscript account wrote in Dutch - There are also a few bundles of Family Papers - The Second Box Contains a very full & large Book in which are arranged upwards of 400 drawings of Natural History, appropriate to the Charts & Views

The Charts & Natural History, Mrs Gordon informs me are all designed by her own Husband who drew every outline and had them finished under his own Eye - As her wish is to have these charts &c inspected by such persons as may be deemed adequate to judge of their Consequence to this Kingdom she desires me to Request in her name the Indulgence of their being permitted to be withdrawn from the Custom House where they are now lodged, without being subject to the Duty

Geo.e Rose Esqr. &c &c &c