From Sir Joseph Banks (unpublished)
Soho Square Sept. 13 1783
Dear Sir

For having it in my power to Answer with precision the numerous questions which are asked me by all sorts of people concerning the Aerostatique Experiment which such as they may be are suggested by every newspaper now printed here and considerd as a part of my duty to Answer is an obligation for which I am indebted to you and an Obligation of no small extent I consider it I Lament that the vacation of the Royal Society will not permit me to Lay your paper before them as a Body immediately but it shall be the first thing they see when we meet again as the Conciseness and intelligence with which it is drawn up preclude the hopes of any more Satisfactory being receiv’d.

Most agreeble are the hopes you give me of Continueng to Communicate this most interesting Subject. I consider the present day which has opend a road in the Air as an epoche from whence a rapid increase of the stock of real Knowledge with which the human species is     must take its date and the more immediate Effect it will have upon the Concerns of Mankind greater than any thing since the invention of Shipping which opend our way upon the face of the water from Land to Land.

If the rough Effort which has now been made meets with the improvement that other Sciences have done we shall see it used as a Counterposie to absolute gravity a broad wheeld waggen traveling with 2 only instead of 8 horses the breed of that Rival animal in Course diminishd and the human species increasd in proportion.

I have thought as soon as I return from my present banishment of constructing one and sending it up for the purpose of an Electrical Kite a Use to which it seem particularly adapted.

Be pleasd to direct your Favors to Soho Square. They are sent to me without delay Wherever I am believe me Your Obliged and Obedient Servant

Jos. Banks

Addressed: Dr. Franklin / Passy / near / Paris / France
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