Letter received by Banks from Philip Gidley King, 31 December 1792 (Series 39.007) - No. 0001

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Norfolk Island. Decr. 31st. 1792

Dear Sir

Prest so much for time I did not think I should have been able to send my best respects to you & sincere wishes for your health. You have I hope long e'er this seen that invaluable friend to Mankind Govr. Phillip, I hope and trust that the Voyage, & the advice of the Faculty will procure him ease of body, which is what he has been a thorough suffering stranger to, these 5 Years past. We are all very well, have had very good crops both publick & private, we are now living on the produce of the Island (I mean with respect to Flour & Grain) of which we have 35 weeks at full allowance, we have 197 people who support themselves independant of the Stores & shall I hope in 6 months have 100 more. By the Kitty I shall send you what the uncertainty of this conveyance prevents me from sending by it. A letter getting to you is a Chance. The Box will come under the Care of A  Mr [Dunavan?], What can I say more than

Sir Joseph Banks Bart.

Jan 1. 94
July 29  -