Letter received by Banks from George Caley, 12 March 1799 (Series 18.019) - No. 0003

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I wish you would forward it as soon as an opportunity serves, for it is likely to be sometime before Mr. Gerish will return. I wish I may not go in the Porpoise on account of her being so thronged. It vexes me very much, to think that I have cost so much money in one way and other, and not being able to make you any reccompense; however to make up this lost time and other deficiencies, I have made up my mind, that when I get to tread on a foreign shore, and as long as I remain there, if my health and strength will permit, for to do as much work in one day, as shall be honestly deemed to be done in two, I have solemnly vowed in my mind, not to lose one minute in idleness, while I am awake between sun rising and setting.

As there is a Weaver going to settle in New South Wales or Norfolk Island, might not Flax or cotton be cultivated to be of great utility to the Colony, for I understand the flax plant of that country is very harsh, however the cloth that I have seen that has been made of it, in my opinion, is very much inferior to that which is made of the other. I am surprised that the Master Weaver is going to introduce the old method of weaving, by what is called the hand, for he tells me he is unacquainted with the fly; if it had not been for the latter invention, Manchester never could have boasted of such Manufacturies. This method of weaving, is not only quicker, but by far more easy. I hope you will pardon me for interfering so much with another person's business, but I love all new inventions that are of utility to the public, but as Natural History is the object of my mind, I never shall be able to confine myself to mechanical employment, but for ever shall be a well wisher to them. Some dying drugs might be cultivated there that might be of utility to the Colony, but as I am partial to my native country it will always be my wish to accumulate what ever I can to support its welfare.

I am Sir with the greatest esteem 
your humble and obedient Sert
​[signature of] G Caley

Portsea
March 12th -- 99