Not having had the favour of a Letter since thy arrival on thy native continent, I take the liberty of addressing a letter, with the Memoirs of Dr. Fothergill just printed. The manner in which I have introduced the memoirs of Dr. Cuming and Dr. Cleghorn, will best explain the manner in which I wished to introduce they respectable name among them. I am sensible how inadequate I am to give the true traits of a character that has instructed and astonished both America and Europe; and it was not my view thus to enter upon the department of an historian; but rather, by a few anecdotes of early life to lay the Basis of a super structure destined for an abler pen; and this I think might be done by correcting the dates and some little particulars of that rough sketch which I formerly sent thee when at Paris, and this would content me unless thou should be disposed to make any addition. I have at different times received from North America, various specimens of ores, as well as of Coal; the Iron in particular has been very fine; and if these various treasures were properly essay’d, probably in time much national advantage might result: there are in your provinces many ingenious persons, who, with very moderate encouragement, would visit your mountains and woods, in pursuit of discovery: You possess many valuable dyes and articles of medicine yet unknown.

I have lately had a correspondence with one Humphry Marshall of Bradford, in West chester who is an excellent Botanist, and has a pretty general knowledge of Natural history, and for a little encouragement, would, I am informed, undertake a voyage of Discovery into your woods and mountains: he mentioned to me that such a Journey might be undertaken and continued for at least a year with the expence of £300; if a subscription for this purpose were effected, I would willingly subscribe my mite of 20 Guineas towards it; for the sake of a share of the Seeds plants and ores that may be collected: I mean as specimens merely of your productions. I have now a man from Europe travelling through America, for the purpose of collecting your productions, particularly of the vegetable kind.

Within the last ten years much Rhubarb of the Turkey has been cultivated in Scotland and England; its cultivation is becoming more and more general. I sent Seeds over a year ago but Marshall wrote me, that the young plants    over care. I have now sent Roots, as they vegetated with me in pots, and I hope it may become an object with you to cultivate this useful plant. It is also an ornamental plant in horticulture. I hope also by the same opportunity to transmit some Tea plants, which your Southern Colonies are well calculated for. I am respectfully