1764.] PETER COLLINSON. 267 



is arrived, by whom I have received no letters. I sent by Cap- 

 tain Budden, by my neighbour Young, my spring specimens, 

 and a vial of Chinquapins, to try how they will do that way. 



Various are the opinions of Young's success. Some think he 

 will make such an awkward appearance at court that he will soon 

 come back again. Others, that the Queen will take care of the 

 German gentleman. I think that if he is put under Doctor Hill's 

 care, he will make a botanist, as he is very industrious and hath a 

 good share of ingenuity. 



I hope thee will find some way to forward the box I sent to 

 thee, for the King ; not that I depend on having any such prefer- 

 ment as Young had, but chiefly as a curiosity, to see what diffe- 

 rence will be made betwixt such rare plants as never grew in 

 Europe or Asia, and such as have been growing in the English 

 gardens between twenty and one hundred years past ; for such, I 

 believe, were most that Young sent. But I and several others 

 would be greatly pleased with a list of what he sent, if it could 

 readily be obtained. 



My good old friend, I am well assured that thee is well ac- 

 quainted with many of the nobility, some of whom, no doubt, are 

 men of curiosity. Could not they be prevailed upon to enable me 

 to travel a year or two through our King's new acquisitions, to 

 make a thorough natural and vegetable search, either by public 

 authority, or private subscription ? And I must insist upon two 

 articles : first, that I have one to accompany me ; second, to have 

 an allowance sufficient to make full discovery, and not be hurried 

 for time to make remarks, and carriage to transport what I dis- 

 cover. But I can't expect to be able to perform such a task many 

 years hence.* I must yield to the infirmities of age, or death. 



November the 22d, 1764. 



Dear Peter: 



I wrote lately by our dear worthy friend, Benjamin Franklin, 

 who was sent off here with the greatest demonstration of respect 

 in accompanying him to the ship far beyond any that ever sailed 

 from America. I being no party man, but wishing for the gene- 

 ral good of the province, stayed at home, being extremely hurried 



* He was then in his sixty-sixth year. 



