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H.M. Brigg, Lady Nelson, March 14th, Portsmouth Harbor, 1800
Dear Sir
Being honored with your very kind letter in Answer to mine & Requesting to hear from me before I sailed.
That time being now at hand, I joyfully embrace the liberty you have so graciously been pleased to grant me. Nothing Sir could give me greater Pleasure or Satisfaction than being allowed the Honor of Communicateing from time to time my Sentiments & Observations on the different Natural Productions I may meet with.
An Innate Principle for Studying & observing Nature in all her works - More Especially that Part which is hardly perceptable to the Naked Eye affords me particular Delight. These Principles I imbibed when very young under the tutorage & Care of Dr Wm Chalmers who spared no pains to Instruct me in Botany, Anatomy and about all the Collecting & Examining Small Insects in observing the wonderful Mechanisms & Beautiful Colours made Plain by the Microscope. I have made much use of the one I have on Board since I have been here & I think the Weevil insignificant as it appears Claims great Notice. Volumes might be filled on this Subject but I will not intrude on your time by enlargeing further - every Information worthy your Notice I will carefully communicate, & I shall feel myself highly honored in serving you in any shape whatever.
And I am Sir with Respect
And Esteem your much Obliged
& Very Humble Servt
Jas Grant
March 15