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[Page 2]
I have no Objection at all to the place I am now in, but a Curiosity natural to Mankind, & which cannot be gratified with a constant Succession of the same Objects, prompts me to try my Fortune in some distant regions. I don't doubt but you already discovery my Drift; but to be plain, Sir, the Accounts of your & Dr. Solanders Voyage to the South Seas, & the many public Benefits likely to accrue thence; particularly the great Additions to the several Branches of Natural History, have fired me with almost an Enthusiasm to accompany you if possible in a second, & reproach me for thus wasting my Time at home. -- I am sensible I am as making no small favor, tho' I dont properly know in whose power it is to grant it. I doubt not but Lord Weymouth could do it but I know his Lordship is not fond of asking Favors & for obvious Reasons I would not desire him, till I knew there was a great probability of succeeding --
The Favor I have to ask of you Sir, (tho' I confess I am quite ashamed of my Imprudence) is to be so kind as to favor me with a Line whether or no you think there is any Capacity on Board in which I might be useful, & what is the most likely Method of obtaining it: I could wish it to be as near your person as possible; I would endeavor not to be unworthy of the Honor nor ungrateful of the Favor.
Instead of this Method of Application I should have desired some Gentleman who knew my Character & Abilities to have waited on you (& that I can do yet if there is any Likelihood of my succeeding) but, I did not care that my Intention of leaving my Place should be known, & for this reason I must beg the additional Favor of you