1780 — 85 .]

THE ROYAL SOCIETY.

145

“My Lord, “ Soho Square , March 18, 17—

“ I take the liberty of an old school-fellow, of writing to your Lordship, and at the sametime fulfil a necessary duty to the Royal Society , by in-forming you that your late Father died indebted to thatbody (—/.), having omitted for some years to pay hiscontributions of 21. 12s. a-year towards its support. AsI conclude your Lordship is ignorant of that circum-stance, and that you would wish to liquidate a debt ofthat nature speedily, I make no other apology for thistrouble.

“ I am, &c.

“ The Earl of -” “Joseph Banks .

This diplomatic letter produced the desired effect.

IiOrd-’s answer enclosed a cheque for the debt;

and is couched in terms of friendship to Sir JosephBanks . But the latter did not allow the affair todrop here, for he thus acknowledged the receipt ofhis lordship’s letter :—

“ My Lord, “ Soho Square, March 20, 17—.

“Your Lordship’s honourable conductrelative to the debt owing to the Royal Society , I shallnot fail to report to that body, who will, I am sure,receive as they ought this mark of your Lordship’sattention to justice.

“ I shall not fail to pay my personal respects in

-, as soon as it is in my power, to thank your Lord-

ship for your polite remembrance of your old school-fellow.

“ I am, &c.

“ The Earl of -” “ Joseph Banks .

These copies are frequently preserved with the answers to hisVetters. This is the case with respect to the above letter.

VOL. II. L