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[Page 3]
be derived from any fresh Discoveries, with the most eligible way to realize them.
To Gentlemen of our exalted understandings, the Wisdom & Utility of this appointment will instantly appear, and also that the good purposes of it can only be answer'd, by a person of the first mercantile Abilities, of which there are very few, for the Character of the high finish'd Merchant properly considered, is of very great Magnitude, He must be largely indebted to Nature, Education & Experience, of Sound Judgment great Ingenuity to Project, Spirit to execute, patience to perfect, and Fortitude to support infinite Disappointments: his Ideas must be clear & Conceptions so strong & Comprehensive as at one view to perceive the particular properties, Dependancies & Connexions of the whole & every respective part of our Globe: The Statesman should never be without such a Friend, & the philosopher might find him useful; Such are the essential Accomplishments, But where you'll find a person fully possess'd of them, is beyond my knowledge, nor is it to be imagined that anyone who has not an irresistable Inclination to Signalize himself in the public Service, would (with all the Encouragement that could be offer'd) prefer the Hazards & Fatigues of so tedious a Voyage, to the peaceable Enjoyment of his Business & Family; And yet should the proposal be embraced, and the choice, for want of a more Sufficient Object, fall upon me, I don't believe, it would be in my power to refuse the honorary offer, or resist the strong propensity I feel in myself to unite in so celebrated an Enterprize with such distinguish'd Associates. -
I have the Honor to subscribe myself, with the most profound veneration & Respect -
Gentlemen
Your most devoted
most obedient
& most humble Servant
Wm. Cawthorne
29th November 1771
To Jos. Banks Esq.r & Dr. Solander