Copy of letter received by Christopher Smith from Banks, 26May 1796 (Series 16.01) - No. 0003

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no doubt therefore that they will be sent out to you by the next Ships.

          The Surprise put into Ireland so I shall have a poor account of your Tub by that Vessel I hope to be more fortunate in your next sending.

          It gives me great pleasure to see that your activity & intelligence does credit to my recommendation I sincerely wish you all the success you can wish for yourself & will miss no opportunity of promoting it.  Wiles your companion is well in Jamaica the Bread Fruit Trees have borm plentifully & there seem to be majority of the people who like the taste which seldom happens when a thing is realy good - Potatoes were known near 200 years before they got a majority in their favor.

Your assurd Friend
J Banks.

Mr. Christ.r Smith
Gardener to the Honble [Honourable] Co [The East India Company]
Calcutta.