Letter received by Banks from William Kent, 1 November 1801 (Series 30.04) - No. 0001

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Kentish Town November 1:st 1801. 

Sir/

     I have just had the pleasure of receiving your very obliging letter of the 27:th Ult:º, and as the Admiralty have been pleased to extend my leave of absence to 14 days more, I shall have the honor of paying my respects to you before my return to the Buffalo, at which time I will take the liberty of requesting to know, if Government will hold out advantage, to any ingenious Man who will undertake the Smelting of Iron-Ore in New South Wales.  Cast From Vessels of all kinds might be made there for the use of the Settlers and Prisoners, together with every Utensil of Husbandry &c, &c, this would at least save the expence of freight, and effectually prevent disappointment (which frequently is the case) in those necessary articles not arriving from England at the time they are  most wanted - the consequence of which is, the Governor is obliged to purchase Iron out of Ships that call at Port Jackson at a very exorbitant price.  If it is wished, I can 

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