SIR JOSEPH BANKS. 
78 
likewise wrote largely at the same time, and sent specimens of many curious 
insects, and every other thing that I could collect. Now, my dear friend, ever 
since that time, I have never heard from Dr. Solander in answer to mine to him, 
nor have I ever heard from Linnaeus, informing me of his having received, or not 
having received, my packages and letters. Mr. Murray wrote me that he had 
absolutely delivered them to Solander. I have written to Mr. Murray to wait 
on you about this matter, because I am afraid that, by some mistake or misfortune, 
I have failed in getting them conveyed to Linnaeus. There was a valuable 
collection of fishes, with a copy of my characters of them. These would have 
almost compleated my account of our Carolina fishes, and their miscarriage gives 
me more pain, grief, sorrow, uneasiness, &c., than I can describe to you. The 
specimens I can never make up; a copy of the characters I have sent to Linnaeus 
again, inclosed to you, to be forwarded to him, to shew him that I was not to 
blame, and that I had done my best to be punctual in acknowledging the honour 
he did me in corresponding with me, or in sending me his commands to be executed 
by me.* * * § 
Collinson to Linnceus, \sl May, 1765. 
Dr. Solander goes on very successfully at the Musaeum, and has been much 
engaged in surveying the Duchess of Portland’s Musaeum. where there is a very 
great collection of shells and inarine productions, gems and precious stones.f 
Garden to Ellis, \Sth May, 176.5. 
Pray how does Dr. Solander go on in his catalogue? I am sorry that he never 
answered my last, as it breaks our correspondence — I hope without a cause.J 
Ellis to Linnaeus. London, \{Hh August, 1768. 
About three days ago I took my leave of Solander, when he assured me he 
would write to you and to all his family, and acquaint them with the particulars 
of this expedition. § I must observe to you, that his places are secured to him, 
and he has promises from persons in power of much better preferment on his 
return. 
Everybody here parted from him with reluctance; for no man was ever more 
beloved, and in so great esteem with the public from his affable and polite 
behaviour. 
Solander to Ellis. PlyinoiUh, August 'loth, 1768, 2 o’clock. 
It is to you. Sir, 1 chiefly owe my favourable reception in this country. It 
was you that first introduced me to such of your friends as have afterwards made 
England so agreeable to me. I assure you it is not without reluctance I now 
leave it,|| notwithstanding it is only for a time, and in the best of company, and 
in hope of gratifying my most favourite desires. 
I should be void of all gratitude if I did not always recollect your friendship 
and goodness. 
Pray present my best com])liments and warmest good wishes to Jliss Ellis^ ; 
I hope at my return to be able to make some additions to her collection. She 
shall have something from every place, to put her in mind of her father’s friend, 
and what a straggler he has been. 
When you see Dr. Fothergill give him my respects, and tell him that we here 
in Plymouth met with a friend of his, Mr. Cookworthy, as worthv a man as can 
• Corr-'sp. Lianseui, i, 522-4. 
t Ib„ 65'. 
t Ib., 531. 
§ Ib., 231. 
II Witli Banks and Captain Cook in the 
If Afterwards Mrs. Watt. 
Endeavour.” 
