Letter received by Banks from Samuel Marsden, 27 April 1803 (Series 23.32) - No. 0001

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Sydney N.S. Wales Apl 27  1803

Honoured Sir

I flatter myself you will excuse the liberty I have taken in addressing these few lines to you. Tho I have not the Honour of any personal knowledge of you, yet Sir, from your known ardent wish to promote the Good of this Colony, I have presumed to trouble you with this Sheet, which I send by the Bearer, John Fleming. Fleming is sent to England in the Glatton by his Excellency the Governor with the charge of the Plants & Seeds from this Country.  He is a man of Experience & real Knowledge in Agriculture, a good Gardener & Botanist.  From Flemings local Knowledge of the Colony; and the State of improvements we are in I have requested him to make such a Collection as will benefit the Settlement of fruits, Seeds &c.  I have been more than nine years in this Service, during which period I have paid every Attention to Agriculture and other rural Improvements.  I shall refer you to the Bearer for Information respecting the Success I have met with and what my present State of Improvements are in Fruits and Sheep &c.

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Oct 10