Letter received by Banks from Christopher Smith, 23 June 1799 (Series 16.06) - No. 0013

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very small quantity ;  however the natives set so much value on the Gomutoo & Sagowear it yields, that it is very seldom cut down for its Sago. -

    When Admiral Rainier was at Amboyna, he tryed  the Strength of a Cable of Gomutoo, with a new hemp Cable (English) of equal thickness, it proved that the Gomutoo Cable was the Strongest, for the Hemp Cable broke.

     I will send you a Specimen of this rope by the first opportunity. -

     Previous to my leaving Calcutta I presented a sample of this Rope to the Marine Board for its inspection, the board highly approved of it, and reported