Copy of a letter received by William Kent from Banks, 12 March 1806 (Series 30.18) - No. 0001

Soho Square

March 12 1806

My dear sir

I did not postpone an answer to your letter from any indisposition towards you.   I beg you may be assurd that I wish of all things to have it in my power to obtain the object of your wishes whatever it may be not only on account of the high respect I feel for my old & good friend Lt St Vincent but on account also of your character & services.  The reason was that I have not yet venturd to present myself at  the Office for the Colonies since it has been occupied by its new inhabitants nor probably shall not till I have some good reason to give for intruding myself or till they manifest a wish to see me to do otherwise might be very detrimental to my hopes of establishing with Mr Windham the same sort of confidence in me as Ld Cambden, Ld Castlereagh & their predecessors have favord me with.

Rely upon it my good Sir whenever my communication with Government shall begin your pretentions shall not want my support & that in whatever direction I think the nail will drive I will not fail to push it.

I am sir
Your obedient hble servt

Jos. Banks