528 DOCTOR THOMAS PARKE [1785. 



Philadelphia, 5th September, 1782. 



The bearer, William Hamilton, Esq., intending to pass through 

 part of Chester County, is desirous of being introduced to my friend 

 Marshall's acquaintance. His knowledge of Botany and Natu- 

 ral History his taste for cultivating the many curious productions 

 of America, united to his very amiable character will, I am con- 

 fident, gain him a welcome reception at Bradford. 



Any civilities and marks of friendship he may receive, shall be 

 esteemed as obligations conferred on thine, &c, 



Thomas Parke. 



Philadelphia, 14th March, 1785. 



Respected Friend : 



I should have answered thy two letters much sooner, had I not 

 waited to gain some intelligence from the Philosophical Society, on 

 the subject of thy nephew's intended tour to Kentuek, which I 

 mentioned to one of the secretaries ; but am sorry to inform thee 

 I can obtain no encouragement for the undertaking. Few among 

 us seem devoted to investigate the beauties of Natural History ; 

 and the expense will fall heavy on individuals, unless the commu- 

 nity contribute sufficient to encourage the journey. 



Our Legislature are busily engaged in revising the Funding Bill, 

 for paying the interest on all public debts. 'Tis not yet finally 

 determined whether it will pass in the form published for con- 

 sideration ; but it is generally believed a law nearly similar will 

 be enacted this session, which will saddle the public with heavy 

 taxes for many years, to pay only the interest due on the enor- 

 mous debt assumed by this state. 



The law for building a new court-house, &c, in Chester County, 

 is (I am informed) likely to be suspended ; which will be throwing 

 away another sum of money, as I suppose the building already 

 erected will be useless for other purposes, and must have cost a 

 large sum of money.* I remain, with respect and esteem, thy as- 

 sured friend, 



Thomas Parke. 



* The court-house here referred to, was the one erected near the " Turk's Head" 

 now the Borough of West Chester preparatory to making that place the seat of 

 justice for the ancient county of Chester. That court-house (a wretched spe- 



