Letter received by Banks from Joseph Priestley, 18 December 1771 (Series 06.189) - No. 0002

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proposed to me at all.  Besides, I thought that this had been a business of Philosophy and not of divinity.  If, however, this be the case, I shall hold the board of longitude in extreme contempt,  and make no scruple of speaking of them accordingly; taking it for granted, that you have just ground for your suspicions.

          I most sincerely wish you a happy voyage, as I doubt not it will be greatly to the emolument of science;  but I am surprised that the persons who have the chief influence in this expedition, having, (according to your representation) minds so despicably illiberal, should give any countenance to so noble an undertaking;  and I am truly sorry that a person of your disposition should be subject to a choice restricted by such narrow considerations.

I am, Dear Sir, your obedient hble servant
J. Priestley

Leeds. 18 Dec.br. 1771.