Letter received by Banks from James Grant, 31 January 1800 (Series 23.22) - No. 0004

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those who are unacquainted with the nature of such a priviledge; to what Captn Cook says - Page XXV in his Introduction to his Voyage in the Resolution & Adventure in ye years 72, 73, 74 & 75 which I am sure you are well acquainted with.  As to the Tightness of the Vessel I have Pumped her once since I have commanded her there was 4 inches in her; the Pump sucked at three; & there is now three and a half in her; I pumped her before I left Deptford - but never since.  As to her Build I can answer she is as strong as hands can make her being a solid bed of wood; I never heard so much as a creak in her from working; though it's the only vessel I ever sailed in that Bulks [heads?] or something did not work less or more that I am sure keep her clear of axidents she is equal to any Voyage whatever - And I can give the World no greater proof of my opinion than by voluntarily going in her myself in order to convince them my Ideas are not Chimerical - Nor the Judgement of my worthy Friend Captn Schank.

I have been visited by all the curious world as well as those of the first rank - Amongst others Lady Bentick with Captn Thompson of the Savage Sloop & a Captn Barnard - & several others.  My Boarding nettings being got up to stretch & Dry attracts the notice of all as nothing can enter but over the Top of them.  I hope this also will meet with your approbation as the Effect they have here on our own country men to a minute observer will serve him in some measure to draw a conclusion from; when exhibited to a savage & uncultivated race of Men - joined with the great defence which can occasionally be made from them should such efforts ever be found necessary.

Having thus far stated to you the Qualitys and advantages of my little command I now need only say that she is in every way compleat, Government having equipped me with every necessary Instrument & utensil on a very liberal plan - Though I would have wished