Letter received by Banks from James Main, 23 September 1794 (Series 20.37) - No. 0001

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Thomson's Nursery  Mile End, Sept 23 - 1794 -                                             

Sir

     The person who thus adresses you was sent to China in quest of Plants for the late Gilbert Slater Esqr - whilst at Canton, I had one plant of the Peony tree, one of the great chinese Magnolia, and two plants of the Wax tree, given me (by leave of Captain Burnyeat) in charge for you, by Dr. Alex Duncan of that place - The three last, have unfortunatly  died on the passage.  The peony Still Shews  Some signs of Life. - Which whenever it can be got from the Ship, will be Sent to any place in Town, where you may direct -

There was a Journal kept of the treatment they had, and of how they were variously effected, while on the voyage; for the purpose principally of how it might be more effectually done in future -
with -

Sept 27