Transcript

(Page 1) 30. 10. 98

Sir,

yesterday I received your Letter and the Set of Instructions which I will always pay the Strictest attention to them and do every thing in my Power to preserve the Plants under my care — Indeed it will be a great pleasure to me if they all arrive Safe at New South Wales — though the Tender Plants are now in a Situation not favorable for them — Some of them have been taken out of a Warm Stove — of course this Cold Situation is disadvantageous and hurtful — the Jalap Died before they left Kew and Mr Aiton had not another to Replace it — all the Plants at this time Look well indeed there is very little fear of the Hardy

(Page 2) Plants which are all in a perfect good State — the Peach Trees (or Nectrine) which where in the Pots I have found Room for in the Boxes — the other Plants Remain as they where Sent on the Quarter Deck — the Box of Hop Plants I have got on Board and in the garden — the Tarpolin was over the garden the greater part of Sunday yesterday and all last Night — this Morning I had it off to give them as much air as possible which is very necessary — but Shall put in on their afternoon as it appears much inclined for Rain —

Octr the 30 Sir 28. 1799 your ever on Board the Porpoise Obedient Servant off Greenhithe G. Sutton

(Page 3 — Notes)

from Kew Mr Barclay sent to me P.S. 14

• a small Box of Thorn Cuttings P.S. 14.

(Page 4 — Verso)

Gov. King Black Heath Hill

[Postal stamps: 10 o'Clock OC 31 LONDON; OC 31 98]