Letter received by Banks from Thomas Forrest, 22 June 1784 (Series 72.035) - No. 0001

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Esther Brigg at the Fairway
outwds. from Calcutta                                                                    
June 22 1784

Dr Sir

This acknowledges the Rect . of your Favor pr .Houghton, it had travelled to China back to Madrass [Madras] and so to Calcutta.

The enclosed Copy of a letter Committed to yr Discretion from the Board of Calcutta will inform you of the end of my present Voyage.  I may possibly find the Post of Rhio somewhat Blockaded by the Dutch - in that case, I may go to Tringano, where I am told the King wishes the English would settle a Factory.

Lahore has a fine River and is also under the Dominion of Radjah Hadjie, the King of Rhio. The King is of the Buggass Race, and possibly, there may be at this time, a strong League between the Princes of Celebes and him, against the Dutch as they lately took a number of Buggass Prows and I have been told, put the Crews to Death.

We have had exceeding bad Weather, but now with a young Moon as fine as can be wished & I make no doubt of getting out.

Remember me pray to our common friend Dalrymple, I wrote him by the Worcester. He will soon receive Charts &c.

Poor  Dr . Solander, I gave him an  IJP. class by yours in the Mergui Archipelago. 

 Dr   [dear] Sir, Farewell

Thos Forrest

Sir Joseph Banks