Letter received by Banks from William Clift, 18 April 1809 (Series 72.016) - No. 0001

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42 Lincolns Inn Fields Apl. 18. 1809.

 Sir

     I yesterday called upon Mess.rs King & Lochee to enquire their rate of appraisement.  I did not mention whose property the articles were as I did not know if I were at liberty to do so, but only the kind of articles to be valued, and that their amount might probably exceed 4 or 500 £.

     They told me that the universal price throughout the trade was 5 pcent but that upon so large an amount they might be induced to make a deduction, which deduction must depend upon the number of articles and labour required but that when they saw the things to be valued they might possibly do it so low as 2½ pcent.

I am Sir
your much obliged
very humble servant

Will.m Clift

Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks Bart &c &c.