When I turn over Feuillée's figures, I meet with more extraordinary things among them than anywhere else. I cannot but presume therefore, as Peru and Chili are so rich, that in the South Sea Islands, as great abundance of rarities have remained in concealment, from the beginning of the world, to reward the labours of our illustrious voyagers. I see these things now but afar off. . . .
When I ponder upon the insects they have brought, I am overwhelmed at the reported number of new species. Are there many new genera? . . .
When I think of their Mollusca, I conceive the new ones must be very numerous. These animals cannot be investigated after death, as they Contract in dying. Without doubt, as there were draughtsmen on board, they would not fail to afford ample materials for drawing.
Do but consider, my friend, if these treasures are kept back, what may happen to them. They may be devoured by vermin of all kinds. The house where they are lodged may be burnt. Those destined to describe them may die. Even you, the promoter of every scientific undertaking in your country, may be taken from us. All sublunary things are uncertain, nor ought anything to be trusted to treacherous futurity. I therefore once more beg, nay I earnestly beseech you, to urge the publication of these new discoveries. I confess it to be my most ardent wish to see this done before I die. To whom can I urge my anxious wishes but to you, who are so devoted to me and to science?
Remember me to the immortal Banks and Solander.The writer clearly recognised the dangers of that dilatoriness which evidently formed a marked feature in the character of Solander; he had repeatedly complained of his pupil's neglect in writing, not only to him, but to his mother. This was the subject of reproach even before the great expedition, but it seems to have been intensified afterwards, for after Solander's death, letters from his mother addressed to him were found actually unopened!
The closing scene came with startling suddenness. Sir Joseph Banks was out of town, and to that fact we owe the following details from the pen of Dr. (afterwards Sir Charles) Blagden, an intimate acquaintance.
Soho Square,
Wednesday, 8th May 1782, 2.30 p.m.
