Letter received by Banks from John Fothergill, 25 July 1773[?] (Series 72.048) - No. 0001

[Page 1]

Explanatory Remarks to ye Preface to Sydney Parkinsons Voyage to ye South Seas.

Much respected Friend

1773

At length I have committed our Apology to the Printer and this is a revise.

I have been much puzzled about a proper title and have rather chosen the present than any other, for the following reasons;

To call it a justification or Vindication would imply a charge or accusation - but The Preface is a malevolent narrative, not a formal accusation - Any other title must have brought our names together with Particulars.  This I thought an indignity.

I think the title I have chosen tho' not perhaps the best yet not very exceptionable.  Be so obliging as to return