Copy of a letter received by David Scott, Director, East IndiaCompany, from Banks, 8 December 1801 (Series 73.073) - No. 0001

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S.S. [Soho Square] Decr 8 1801

Dear Sir

I have receivd a Letter from Mr Innes requesting me in your name to Present to his Majesty the King an animal calld the Nil Gaw [Nilgai] or Blue Bull I am always happy to obey your commands & shall be so on this occasion readily undertake it this commission if you on consideration continue to wish it

However to think it reply I trouble you with this chiefly to to inform you that the animal in question is by no means an animal new to this country or Particularly interesting I do not know that any of them are at present in England but I have from at different times seen many some in the hands of individual & others in those of the Persons who make a trade of exhibiting animals to the Public & have 

As the King has not an establishd menagerie I confess I have my doubts of the Propriety of Presenting him with any thing animal unless it is quite new or very uncommon & very interesting I have no doubt however that some of the Principal nobility among whom I have by