Letter received by Banks from Arthur Phillip, 26 July 1790 (Series 37.12) - No. 0004

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[Page 4]

a better clay in the Country & which I have seen amongst the Natives it will be found by us hereafter.

Our Native has left us, & that at a time who appeared to be happy & contented, this too is unlucky for we have all the ceremony to go over again with another, & I think that Mans leaving us proves that nothing will make amends for the loss of their liberty. The Girl who still remains says he went after a Woman, he had often mentioned and who I had as often told him to bring to live with him.

As the Iron Mills require great labour and are frequently out of Order, I have desired a Good Windmill or two to be our own & then we shall want an honest Miller.

One of the Superintendants sent out, says he has been used to the Cultivation of the flax and that he can dress it, he goes to Norfolk Island for this purpose & I hope he'll succeed.

You talk of sending to New Zealand for flax dressers, if I do it must be in an open Boat, for I have nothing else at present.

I have about  a thousand cuttings of Vines now in the ground & have had a few grapes, & many as fine figs

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