Letter received by Banks from James Grant, 31 January 1800 (Series 23.22) - No. 0001

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Lady Nelson Ramsgate Harbor  Jany 31st 1800

Honored Sir

From the great attention you was pleased to shew me on being appointed to Command the Lady Nelson
And the Singular Example you have in your own Person sett before me; & all spirited men in general who's researches are intended to enlighten the Age they live in --

Forgive my wishing to add one more to the number of those men whom you have been graciously pleased to notice; ought [though?] these were attached to them deserving of remark in their different Pursuits & discoverys for the Benefit of the World at large - And which I have some reason to hope will be the consequence of the Voyage I am now about to prosecute.

I have often & sincerely wished on reading the different discoverys made in the Southern Hemisphere, to tread the same paths possible of those great & shining Characters of which you deservedly rank among the first.  It is true I can not make so great a sacrifice - because Fortune is not attached to my person - But of my abilitys as a Seaman joined with a thirst of knowing & observing Nature in all her different works will either tend to the Information or benefit of mankind - Involuntarily come forward; and shall be proud to think I have in some degree lived to be of service to men in general & my own Country in particular. 

The Size of the Lady Nelson with the particular construction in which she is Built  -- being the plan of my worthy & much respected Friend Captn Schank