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[Page 3]
Subject treated of, are yet in reality very frequently the most informing, and most important; because they are the Data on which to reason, and the putting many of which together lead us at last to investigate Truth. -- I am therefore convinced, there is no fact relating to Natural History, however trifling, that may not at some time or other, or to some one or other, become of use: and therefore cannot help being a little anxious, least any of those facts, collected by any of your Company in the former Voyage, should be omitted in the publication of the Papers by Doctor Hawkesworth. -- I have as thorough a confidence, as possible, in that Gentlemans abilities, and taste; but I am also well aware, that a man of the greatest judgement, may pass over a piece of the most useful information as trifling, merely because, from the bent of his Studies, or particular turn of mind, he happens not to see the remote service that such a piece of information may be of. -- I hope, therefore, you will not think it an additional instance of impertinence , if I venture to express a wish, that whatever circumstances or facts the Doctor thinks fit to leave out of the Body of the Work, may be added, at the end, by way of Appendix, however trifling or useless they may seem at present: that so nothing may be lost hereafter to any inquisitive mind. -- I am, Sir, with the greatest respect, & sincerest good Wishes: Yours etc etc etc etc