Letter from John Forbes to Joseph Sabine [secretary of the Horticultural Society of London], Horticultural Society, Regent Street, London

Information

Title: Letter from John Forbes to Joseph Sabine [secretary of the Horticultural Society of London], Horticultural Society, Regent Street, London

Scope & content: Written from Lisbon [Portugal]

An opened seal is attached to the letter

The letter is marked 'private'. Annotated at the top of page: 'Joseph Sabine [secretary of the Horticultural Society of London] received March 26 1822, and [answered] May 2 1822'

John Forbes apologises for the parts of his journal which 'may appear unnecessary and unconnected with the objects of my mission'; so far, he has not been able to collect much, and has therefore been 'obliged to introduce matter that would have been as well omitted'; he had difficulties in obtaining packing materials for the plants, having to use tow [the fibre of flax, hemp or jute] instead of moss or hay, as he was unwilling to use moss he had brought along until reaching Rio Janeiro [Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]; the ship is crowded: 'my cabin is so full I can scarcely get at anything'; it is unlikely to be better until they reach the Cape [Cape of Good Hope, South Africa]; the officers on the ship seem agreeable; he had 'scarcely an hour's sickness' crossing the Bay of Biscy [Bay of Biscay]; he has never been in better health; he sends his regards to Mr Turner [John Turner, assistant secretary of the Horticultural Society]