Voyage I conclude that in the Commencement you
had little aƒsistance & that in the progreƒs of your
Voyage your aƒsistance will increase

                              The Peace which has been made
with France has proved merely an armd [sic] Truce
& a very troublesome one France & England are still
Pitted & till the one has much more materialy [sic]
weakened the other there is yet the Case no solid Peace
can exist between us I think therefore I may
fairly give you hope (however little I may wish it)
that when you return we shall be at war & chance
of Employment in the Favorite Capacity of a Seaman
will be waiting for you.

                              Just at present we have a [illegible]
your friend Blith is looking out for a ship war is
not however yet decided upon & this time I have
hopes we shall escape

                              I beg my Compts [sic] & Good wishes to
my Countreyman [sic] M^r Fowler & to the several Gentlemen
on board your veƒsel whose pursuits are similar
to my own & I beg my dear Sir that you will
beleive [sic] me

[Ends here – Banks' signature cut away]