Letter received by Banks from William Kent, 29 November 1801 (Series 30.12) - No. 0002

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them from him without effect. I however at last succeeded with the temptation of fifty Guineas.  To be brought safe over such a vast track of Ocean, and to be shot upon the Banks of the Thames is indeed a hard fate.  If any person shot that elegant Swan (for it was by far the most beautiful Bird that ever had been seen) for the sake of setting it up in a Collection; I have only to say, he deserves a similar fate. 

I am sorry to find the Iron has not turned out so well as I had hoped, and I the more regret it on the account of having no more of the Stone from which it was extracted.  As there is abundance of it in New South Wales I will take care you shall have a box of it sent as soon as I arrive.  If there is any thing I can procure for you in that distant part of the World, I shall consider myself honor'd and obliged by you laying your Commands upon me.  I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, with the greatest respect,

Your most obedient, humble and devoted Servant

Wm Kent