Letter received by Banks from Philip Gidley King, 7 October 1797 (Series 39.023) - No. 0001

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London October 7th - 1797

Sir

I received your Note with the Enclosures And saw Mr. King on the Subject, who entirely agrees with your Ideas on the propriety of sending out Settlers - The first three Men who applied are now onboard the Barwell with their Familys amounting to 18 people; As they professed a Capacity to make themselves Useful in Constructing Mills, Government has supplied them with Books & plans to go by, & as they were peculiarly situated I also obtained for each Family £20 to fit them & pay their Debts, also Five pound each on their passage - And from the Characters of these people I do not doubt but a reciprocal advantage will be obtained both by them & by Government -

Respecting these who are now the subject of Application Mr. K has authorised me to settle that Arrangement but does not wish any more Money to be advanced as to the first Three - Nine to go but them with Familys & of good Character - & to be given fully to Understand that all they are to expect from Govt. is a Free passage

Oct 11 '