Letter received by Banks from William Paterson, 25 September 1782 (Series 27.01) - No. 0001

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To Sir J Banks                                                

Madrass Sept:r 25:th 1782

Sir/
          I have the honour of sending you a few specimens which I collected at the Island of [Iohanna?], I exceeding sorry them are not more of them, I made a very good Collection and was in good order when I left the Island. since that time I have been mostly on Board Ship. when it was impossible to attend to them, being obliged to have every thing down in the Hould, [Hold] in consequence every thing got damp, and what I send you is the remaining part of the whole.  I have taken the opportunity of sending my friend Mr. Forsyth a duplicate of the same, there are some seeds, but I am afraid they will not Vegetate, owing to the long time they have been on Board.

          I was very sorry to leave Johanna so soon for there were certainly more new plants in it than any place I ever saw, though there were but few in flower at that time, I hope when the war is over I shall, be able to send you some Specimens from Asia as I mean to make some excursions on the Malabar Coast which is said to be the best place in this Country.  I hope you have rec.d the one specimen I sent to  Mr [Hunter?] from Trinkinamali it was the only one I found curious at that place. accept the number of