Letter recommending his son to join Pacific voyage, received by Banks and Daniel Solander from Benjamin Hooker, 24 January 1772 (Series 06.165) - No. 0001

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Ealing Middx  Jan 24 1772

Sir

I hope the Liberty I now take of addressing myself to you to whom I am a stranger will be excused by you when I acquaint you that it is done in & behalf of  a Son of mine who is desirous of going abroad & who has an inclination to undertake a voyage which you soon propose setting out on. He is just turned of sixteen years, has been kept at school, is master of his pen both in writing & [Accts?] has some knowledge of the French Tongue & would do very well in any capacity where  a pen is used. He is a very active, sharp acute boy, given proper directions will hereafter make a Figure in Life - If such a lad can be of use to you, shall be greatly obliged to you for taking him with you, & shall be very glad to hear on what terms you would do it. I find you are soon to set sail therefore imagine If such a proposal is accepted by you that no time must be lost before he begins to prepare for the undertaking. I should be greatly obliged to you for a line or two in answer.
I am Sir your most obed & humb servt.
Benj. Hooker.

please to direct for me as Surgeon & Apothacary at Ealing