Letter received by Banks from John Thomas Bell, 25 February 1789 (Series 24.03) - No. 0001

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Sir

I ought to beg you ten thousand pardons for being so remiss in not acquainting you with the steps that have been taken respecting Mary Rose, since I last wrote to you upon that Subject, but I wished to have acquainted you that the business was entirely settled. -- When I tell you that every thing has been done by me that is necessary to be done here previous to her removal, I trust you will not think that I have lost sight of your benevolent wishes. -- The Contracts &c are now in readiness & we only wait for an Order from the Secretary of State, to remove her from hence on board the Ship, on the Subject of which Order I have expected to hear from Mr. Cawthorne every Post for this fortnight past & am -- rather surprized at his silence but presume it may be owing to the present state of Public affairs. -- Several Letters have passed between Mr. Richards the Contractor & myself & I look upon it that nothing is now wanting but such an Order. -- It is true that the --