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[Page 2]
You will recollect Sir, that in my different letters to you from the other Hemisphere, I have observed the probability of cotton becoming a probable object of attention. Not being possesed of any information respecting the culture of that shrub, the trials that I made of it on N. Id were by no means satisfactory, altho' the seeds that were saved, did extremely well, & much cotton was produced; still the ignorance we laboured under, respecting its culture, prevented any other exertions, than barely ascertaining that it would grow extremely well - since my residence here, I have become acquainted with a very worthy man/ Mr Hall Collector of the Bahamas, whither he is now going/ who has long been a Cotton Planter in Georgia, & the Bahamas; from this gentleman I have received much satisfactory information respecting this plant; from which, I have discovered the great errors we laboured under in our attempts, & the more than probable chance of any future attempt succeeding, which I shall pay attention to. Mr Hall has very kindly given me/ in addition to much other information/ written directions respecting its culture etc; a copy of which I inclose; If a sufficiency of this article can be raised to go towards clothing the inhabitants, may it not hereafter, be an object to send to China, where cotton from India sells extremely well? I shall take care of the seeds you have already given me, and do not doubt of finding many remaining from what I formerly planted - But, that we may be at no loss for seeds. I have requested Mr Hall to forward me some of the best kinds, and have taken the liberty of desiring him to address them to your Care. He desires me to inform you, that if he can be any way serviceable, in your Benevolent pursuits for the welfare of Mankind, that he shall be happy & proud to receive your Commands, which will reach him