Series 13.09: Letter received by Banks from Francis Masson, 20 February 1778 - No. 0001

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Puerta de la Orotava (Tenerife)
February 20 1778

Sir

Willing to embrace every opportunity to send home what I collect in these Islands, but more especially at this time when both the Canary and Madeira Islands are very much infested with American cruizers, having taken several of the London traders to this place.  Some day ago I sent a parcell of plants by way of Madeira directed to Mr. Aiton but being in a Portuguse vessel which had English property on board they run a risk, as it appears vessels of all nations become aprize where that is found.

I now send you by this (a Privateer belonging to Plymouth) a small parcel of plants, containing 25 sorts, among which I expect you will find some that are new.  These Islands are very rich in plants, but I have not been able yet to travel in the Mountains they being covered very deep