Copy of a letter received by the Admiralty from Banks, 20 March 1811 (Series 70.12) - No. 0001

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Soho Square
​March 20, 1811

Sir

Among the collections brought home by the Naturalists who accompanied Capt. Flinders in the investigator not highterto disposed of by​ about which the Lords of the Admiralty have not yet given any directions are a considerable number of specimens of the Rocks & stratified Stones of Australia collected by the men or under the directions of Mr. Brown the Naturalist.

These Specimens tho not beautifull or at all amusing to a Common Observer are interesting in a high degree to those persons who study Geology a Science which at present make rapid advances towards perfection & is likely to prove highly beneficial to the public by giving to the Posessors of Landed Property​ the means of obtaining cheap & accurate information relative to the selection of the articles of value whatever they may be that lie under the surface of their Estates.

The Trustees of the British Museum have given orders to have a geological collection​ series arranged separately from their Minerological collection in order to promote & encourage the improvement of this new & interesting branch of knowledge allow me therefore to request you to move submit to their Lordships the matters above stated in order that they may consider whether it will be a Proper measure that the geological Collections