Series 13.21: Letter received by Banks from Francis Masson, 25 March 1784 - No. 0001

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Madeira March 25 1784

Sir

I would have returned to England by this opportunity had the vessel not been bound to so remote a port, and so small that I could not bring home a collection of living plants which I have collected here during winter.  I am however expecting another in a very short time.  I am therefore sorry to trouble you with this unnecessary letter by but having a small parcell of Seeds to send I had no probable means to send them but to your adress.  I have yet found some Gleanings here, have ascertained and drawn figures of some new plants.  I have this day found a very extraordinary Umbelliferas Tree with a beautiful clear stem upward of 20 feet high.

Sir I have the honor
to be ever your
 most obedient Humble Serv.t
Frans Masson

The seed are to be divided between Mr. Aiton & Mr. Lee.