Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 1]
Sir;
A few days ago I took the Liberty to ask Mr. Banks if I should be so happy as to be taken with him on the intended Voyage, to which he answered: that he was not yet determined, as he should take those who best answered his purpose in every Regard. As I have Seen in the publick papers that the Resolution is to sail to Portsmouth, it makes me immagine, that your Departure will be very Shortly; in this Situation of affairs, and as I am not any ways engaged on this Occasion, Mr. Banks's Short Answer can but give me great uneasyness, as I am under sad apprehensions, that I have no Change of going with him; the very thoughts of which almost distracts me, as my whole dependence is on my Success therein; In this tormenting State therefore of Anxiety and suspense, I have made so free with to [the] Benevolence of your Disposition, as to lay my distressed case before You, entreating you will be so good Sir! as to use your good Offices for me with Mr. Banks to interceed with him to grant me permission to accompany him, though it may not be in the Character of writer, but in any other inferior station He may think me capable of, in which I should be contented, if I had but the Allowance of a common Seaman, and would exert my best endeavours to deserve it, as it is not so much out of a mercenary View that I am so very desirous to undertake the Voyage, but the Consideration of the honour I should acquire, if I should ever return after having been so extraordinary and curious a Voyage, and in Company with so celebrated and respectable personages; the which would be a Recommendation that might in some future time intitle me to more Respect and Encouragement, either here or in Germany, than any merit of my own may deserve! That Mr. Banks may very easyly met with a number of Persons possesed of a much greater Share of Abilities than I have the Least pretensions too, I do not in the least doubt, and perhaps much more deserving of his Encouragement, but I will take on me Sir! to declare positively that Mr. Banks will not meet with any one more Studious to do his duty, or that will exert in