25th August, 1799Letter received by Banks from George Suttor, a last report on the state of the onboard garden before leaving England
Transcript
(Page 1) H.M.S Porpoise Aug 25. 1799
Sir,
I take the liberty of one more writing before I leave England & informing you of the State of the Garden — all the Vines are in a Healthy State & I have no Doubt but that they will Continue So — the Hops have the same Healthy appearance therefore hope to be as successful with them — we have three Olives & Caribbs doing exceeding well & two Tea Plants are yet alive — Lemon Grass & Campher thrive well — the Apples, Pears, Mulberrys, Walnuts, Chestnuts, Filberts, Quinces, Bruent Plumbs, Oaks & Willows are all in a Flourishing State — Some of the Peaches have Blighted but others are in a Healthy State — the Ginger that was sent Down I am afraid will not Succeed — the Herbs have been the Chief Sufferers by our long delay but what is bad of them Gov. King
(Page 2) designs replacing — we have now strong hopes of Sailing towards the end of this Week — it would give me great pleasure if before I quit England, Sir Joseph Banks will favour me with a line to acquaint me with the State of his and Lady Banks's Health — also of that of Mr and Mrs Aupiere & Miss Banks who all I hope enjoy Health and Happiness —
August the 25. 1799 Sir Spithead your ever grateful much Obedient Servant G. Suttor