Draft of a letter received by George Caley from Banks, 16November 1798 (Series 18.015) - No. 0001

[Page 1] 

Soho Square

Nov. 16. 1798.

Mr. Caley

     A very unexpected opportunity has presented itself which will give you an opportunity of going to New South Wales in the Porpoise the Vessel now under outfit & which is likely to Sail in a fortnight or three weeks. Lieut Governor King who has the power of taking on board a certain number of persons in his suite has accidentaly a Vacancy & he has offerd me to take you if you chuse to go.

     Government do not at present want any person in your capacity I am therefore willing to allow you 15 shills a Week which with the provisions & which you will receive on the public account while resident there & during your passage will I am told maintain you comfortably.

     I shall exact no terms from you at all except to be supplied with specimens of such curious Plants as you may find for myself & Seeds for Kew Garden, but I do not mean to object to your selling Seeds or specimens of the very same kinds as those sent to me to any other persons.

     All that you can find likely to be advantageous to Manufacture or Commerce I shall in no shape interfere in, such matters you will make what you can of for yourself.

     I enclose to you a £5 Note to enable you in case you approve this engagement to come