Letter received by Banks from Charles Taylor, 23 January 1803 (Series 72.186) - No. 0001

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Gum Sent 

Society of Arts &c
Adelphi,  Jany 23 - 1803

Sir

permit me to introduce to your Acquaintance the Bearer Mr. James Knox a partner in the House of Messrs Tennant & Co of Glasgow who were lately unfortunate in their Trial of a patent Bleaching Cause.  Tho' I am well convinced the Merit of the Case was certainly in their Favor and that they have been the means of an immense Saving to this Country by making Lime to answer the purpose of pot Ash in a very extensive Degree in Bleaching and with superior Advantages.

I have attentively examined the Specimens of Gum which you sent me and an of Opinion the Article is well worth five pounds Sterling per Cwt.  I do not think the darkness of Colour is any great Disadvantage to its Use & the heterogeneous Matter which is mixed with it is not heavy therefore