Letter received by Banks from James Edward Smith, 20 October1803 (Series 72.173) - No. 0001

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Norwich Oct.r 20. 1803.

Dear Sir

          I cannot refuse my friend Dr. Reeve a letter of introduction to you.  Indeed I offered it of my own accord.  He has just taken his degree at Edinburgh & has published a thesis de animalibus hyeme sopitis.  He wishes to pursue his enquiries on this subject, & therefore an access to your library is indispensible to him.  I would not however merely solicit this favour for him, without at the same time introducing him personally to you, as a very ingenious & worthy young man, for whom I am anxious to procure a share of that liberal but discriminative patronage which & countenance, which you delight to bestow on merit, & which therefore so decidedly stamps it when bestowed.

          I was extremely pleased with my