Copy of a letter received by Banks from Francis Masson, 12January 1800 (Series 13.67) - No. 0001

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Montreal 12 Jan : 1800

Sir

I writ to you by the last Ships who left Quebec which was about the 20th of November, when I sent a large Case of living plants packd in Moss & also a smaller containing Seeds they were shiped on board the Adriatic by Mr. Blackwood.  I have now embraced the opportunity by a friend going to New York to send some dupliats in a small box which he promises to forward by the best oportunity.  You will find in the box three Lists of the Indian Language viz one of the Missasagui according to English pronunciation, one of the Chippawaw [also spelt Chippewa] filled up by the best Interpreter in the Country being born among the Indians but had a good Gramatical education in Lower Canada.  Another List by an Englishman of the Scioua [possibly Siouan] language which I beleive is pretty correct. I have since got two Lists of the Kinistinoe Language by different persons which I also send. I long much to have some instructions from you I intended to have visited the states about the end of Winter & to have explord [explored] the back parts of Virginia but travelling there is so expensive that I have given up the idea & I propose going by Lake Erie towards Pittsburg.

I am Sir
Your most obt. hble Servt.
Frans. Masson.