Letter received by Banks from Francis Masson, 7 March 1791 (Series 13.51) - No. 0001

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Cape of G: Hope 7 March 1791

Sir

By a His Majesty's Ship the Sphynx who sailed from this road yesterday I had the honor [honour] to writ [write] you by Mr. Riou, who took charge of a collection of Bulbs and seeds. packed in two Boxes contining [containing] 386 Sorts.  A large growing plant of Strelitzia alba and a drawing of a compleat [complete] plant of fructification of it.  Some weeks past I dispatched [in margin] Recd. another collection under the care of Capt. Millett of the Princess Amelia in two boxes 600 Sorts of Bulbs and Seeds.

This you will receive by the Princes Royal Captain - Horncastle who has taken charge of a box containing 200 Sort which are most part duplicats [duplicates] of the two former collection, and a book of dryed Specimens.  Should another favourable opportunity happen I intend to Send home all the dry collection, you have only the to reserve one of each Sp: for me I having made no particular collection for myself.

I have inclosed [enclosed] one Seed of Strelitzia alba which I received to this day, a Seed of Singular beauty.  I was much Surprised at not receiving letters by the Sphynx, as it is now 21 months Since I received the last letters from England.

My respectful compliments to Mr. Dryander, and

I have the honor [honour] to be most respectfully Yours
Frs. Masson