Letter received by Banks from William Westall, 31 January 1804 (Series 23.44) - No. 0002

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in a hazardous voyage where I could have little opportunity of employing my pencil with any advantage to myself or my employers.

I mentioned these circumstances to Mr Lance and my desire of going to Ceylon a Country which I could scarcely fail of success, for the rich and picturesque appearance of that Island;  in every part affording infinite variety, must induce many subjects to a Painter, extremely valuable.  And as no Painter has yet been there what I should acquire would be perfectly new, and probably interesting, from the Islands being one of richest in India and lately acquired.

Mr. Lance said that as I had so few sketches of New Holland there could be no necessity for my returning immediately to England, that I had now an