Letter received by Banks from the Duchess of Portland, 12June 1782 (Series 72.134) - No. 0001

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Whitehall, June 12 1782

Sir

My Health has not permitted me till now to make my acknowledgements for the favour of your letter & I am much obliged to you for the justice you do the sincere friendship & esteem I bear to Dr Solander's memory.  My motive was to show my real regard for him & to throw a light upon a branch of natural history that no one but himself was capable of, & therefore I most intirely agree with your Idea that not even the smallest particle should be added to Dr Solander's work but in a different Character.

The regard Mr Lightfoot had for the Dr made me wish him to correct the proofs but your obliging offer I most readily accept (if it is not given you too much 

Sr Joseph Banks