Letter received by Banks from James Edward Smith, 6 April1791 (Series 72.161) - No. 0001

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Dear Sir

I beg leave to refer this letter to yr consideration that I may know what answer to give.  The writer of it is a young man of an independant fortune, & I believe of no profession.  He has been much in France & brought me letters from thence in 1788 or 89, when he was a few days in town, which is all I know of him, except by 3 or 4 letters since.   He appears to have much zeal & industry.  His principal studies are I believe botany & entomology.  If you think his scheme practicable, I will enquire more abt  him if I can.   We have now finally