Letter received by Banks from the Navy Office, 9 February1799 (Series 19.23) - No. 0001

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Navy Office 9th February 1799                   

Sir,

Having received a Letter from Mr. Scott; commanding His Majesty's Armed Ship Porpoise, under Orders for New South Wales, stating that on his Passage round to Portsmouth he found her so very Crank as to be scarce seaworthy, owing to her great Topweight, which he is of opinion can only be remedied by removing the Plant Cabin from the Quarter Deck; We send you, enclosed, a Copy thereof, and as it appears necessary to lighten the upper part of the Ship, We judge it proper the Plant Room on the Quarter Deck should be taken away.
We

Feb 9

Sir Joseph Banks Bart -- Soho Square -- Town