Copy of a letter addressed to John Hunter, esq. and Dr Lettson containing a prospectus of a voyage to Africa for the purpose of collecting in Natural History, establishing a new species of comerce, and making Observations and Experiments etc. to which are added a view, Sketches etc. of a former Voyage, the advantages, disadvantages, etc. by Henry Smeathman Dated London, 11 October 1785, the letter describes over eight pages Smeathman's proposal to travel back to Africa, basing himself at the Iles de Los [Guinea] and there carry out scientific study, sending back collections to the subscribers on a regular basis. Whilst there, he would also be able to develop links with the kings, principle chiefs and traders. In the following pages he describes 'A sketch of the difficulties and inconveniences which attended my former expedition to Africa and greatly lessened its advantages, with the proposed methods of prevention'. The inconveniences include: the want of a house to myself, living with others, the want of tables and seats, want of closets, cases etc., the want of glass windows, dampness, defective thatching, and want of nets, traps, cages, etc. [c1785]