Letter of application received by Banks from G. Cook, 23 February 1801 (Series 63.34) - No. 0001

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St. John's Coll. [College] Cambridge Feb. 23 - 1801

G. Cook's most respectful compts to Sir Joseph Banks, and, having heard that Governmt under the auspices of the Mecaenas of our age, is sending abroad young votaries of the Muses to enlarge the sphere of British Literature, he feels an honest pride in thus making a tender of his own little services.

Having just taken his degree etc. and an inclination to travel having long been his ruling passion, he could have no objections to engage as Chaplain to one of the Ships, should Sir Joseph sanction his embassy with the appellation of "Writer of an History of the Expedition" &c. And since he almost "lisp'd  in numbers," he trusts he wont should not bring home a dull, dry narration unmix'd with as much sentiment and as many foreign flowers of Fancy as an Historical statement of Facts would admit of. He however does not send these trifles as a proof of what he here advances; but hopes hoping here after to show that he is at least a friend to the Muses having not yet done with Peter Pindar.