Copy of a letter received by the Admiralty from Banks, 22 August 1804 (Series 67.03) - No. 0001

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S.S. [Soho Square] Augt   22 1804

Sir

I have been informed by Lieut Fowler that the drawings of Mr Westhall [William Westall] the Artist employd on board the Investigator which he deliverd to you on his Return are by no means in a secure state they having been damaged at the time the Porpoise was lost on wreck reef & not yet sufficiently freed from the Effects of salt water.

His Elder Brother Mr Westhall A.A. wishes much to be allowd to examine them & put them in a secure state which he thinks he can do

if their Lordships chuse to have these drawings securd in this manner from future damage I shall be ready if it is thought expedient to Receive them to deliver them out to Mr Westhall in Parcels & to Return them to the office when they are restord to a presen state.

Yr
JB

The 10 butts of dried Plant for the delivery of which I Petitiond the [indecipherable] at your Request will soon  be in town I mention this because they are also very likely to need much airing & cleansing which I am ready to have done in case it is judgd Proper