[page 1]
[Letter No. 1]
To W. Franklin Esq. of Oriel College - Oxford. Investigator at sea
Lat. 37º 1/2 So. Long. 85Etº -
Nov. 27. 1801
My dear Willingham
Ideas which are appropriate to future pursuits sometimes strike one happily; but are too often lost by not being committed to paper. I do not pretend to much fortune in my conceptions, but I have sometimes let them slip by, when afterwards I would give much to recal them, but cannot. Whilst employed in some astronomical calculations this morning, ideas of Oxford were floating in my mind, and th by association you soon entered. I do not know what line of life you propose to yourself, or how your talents are to be employed; but lost they must not be. I would have you a literary man, and probably it may be hereafter in my power to give you a lift into notice. Should this voyage prove successful, I shall not be unknown in the world; my acquaintance in Soho Square will introduce me to many of the first philosophers and literati in the kingdom; and if you should be what I sanguinely hope you will be, it will be a credit I shall have both pleasure and credit in introducing a coz. of your description You must moreover understand, that this voyage of ours is to be written and published on our return, I am now engaged in writing a rough account, but authorship sits awkward upon me, I am diffident of appearing before the public, unburnished by an abler hand. What say you? Will you give me your assistance, if on my return a narration of our voyage should be called for from me? If the voyage should be well executed and well told afterward, I shall have some credit to spare to deserving friends. If the door now opened suits your taste and you will enter it, prepare yourself for the undertaking. A little mathematical knowledge will strengthen your style and give it perspicuity. Study the writings of different authors both for the subjects and the style manner in which they are treated. Arrangement is a great material point both' in this voyage writing as well as in history; I feel great diffidence here. Sufficient matter I can easily furnish, and fear not to prevent any thing unseamanlike from entering into the composition; but to round a period well, and arrange sentences well so as to avoid an involution of them place what is meant in the most perspicuous manner point of view, is too much for me. Seamanship and authorship make too great an angle with each other: the further a man advances upon one line the further distant he becomes from any point on the other. Good bye, for the present. Think well upon what is said above, and send me your ideas by first opportunity.
[page 2]
[Letter No. 2]
[Note - the whole of this letter has been crossed out]
To Osborne Standert Esq. Navy Office - London
Investigator - Port Jackson May 5 1802
Dear Sir
I wrote you from the Cape in November last, inclosing a quarterly bill up to Oct. 4th and I now send you the second of that set, and the first of another up to December 27th six months bill up to Mar. 21st which at present is all I have to spare you, but before we sail from hence I may probably inclose another bill of the same kind you something further
We arrived here a few days since in good health and spirits having upon the whole been fortunate in our proceedings on this coast, in the examination of which we have been somewhat before the French, who have now two ships here, employed upon the same service as the Investigator.
By this time I suppose you have received Mr. Bowles's £180, and been called upon for Mr. Franklins and Troughtons Bills. You know perfectly the way in which I wish any money of mine to be disposed of it, and therefore it is unnecessary to repeat it here. By my first letters I expect to hear from you, and to receive the bank power to enable you to sell out if I should judge it requisite, for which I wrote you from the Cape.
We are busily employed in getting our surveys done here, which when concluded I shall transmit you in order to the passing of my accounts up to this month; and in case of accidents every thing will then be safe so far; and I hope that my pursery will not turn out very ill notwithstanding its being my first year. Before we sail from hence I shall write to captain Waterhouse, whom I hope is going on according to his wishes: but at present I have too much work to think of almost any thing else. I am, my dear Sir &c. M.F.
[page 3]
[Letter No. 3]
Honble. C.F. Greville - Padington -
Investigator at Port Jackson May 19. 1802
Dear Sir
It will not now be now new to inform you, that the youngest of the two gentlemen you entru sent to me, left the Investigator at the Cape of Good Hope in order to return to England. I had long seen, as indeed I mentioned to you, that neither of them were much calculated for a sea life, and on the earnest application of the two brothers and himself for his Nathaniels return, pleading that he found himself unfit for and was not happy in this profession I got him received on board the Hindoostan, and captain Mottley promised his protection and care of him to England where for which he was about to return sail.-
Mr Thos. Bell remains with me, and I hope finds himself more comfortable than his brother did, but he would like his situation better did he possess a greater proportion of the spirit and ability of his mess mates and companions. He assists me some little by his drawing, but I fear to despair of making him any thing more than a copier. Finding that he has some occasion for a little money here, and being informed by him that he has sufficient authority to draw for small sums upon his father, I have ventured to indorse his bill for £10, which has enabled him to get the money
You will learn, my dear Sir, of our having met with the French national ship Le Geographe upon the coast of New Holland, and of our finding her consort Le Naturaliste in this port. We were fortunate enough to save the principal and most interesting part of that coast from being first examined by foreigners, notwithstanding our long delays in England.
With to much regard, I am, dear Sir
your faithful and obedt. servant
Mattw. Flinders
I fear you have not been able to do any good for my poor friend Mr. Ward of Windsor?-
[page 4]
[Letter No. 4]
The Rt. Honble. Sir Joseph Banks Bt. K.B. &c. &c. &c.
Investigator - Port Jackson
May 20. 1802
I am happy Sir Joseph in announcing to you, the success of our voyage thus far; and scarcely less so to say that before we met the French national ship Le Geographe, the most interesting part of the south south coast of New Holland had undergone the examination of the Investigator, although we were not happy enough to have completed that of the whole of the before unknown part. Our meeting with Mons. Baudin took place in latitude 35º.42'So. and longitude 139º.10'Et. so that 5 degrees of the unknown coast, from Bass's Strait westward had been explored by him; but in this part he had found no ports harbours or inlets, or any one thing to interest; nor had he seen a large island now called Kings Island which lies in the middle of the western entrance into Bass's Strait, and is 16 leagues from the coast of New South Wales. I proceeded in my continued our examination of the coast, still, after passing Le Geographe, but a heavy gale which blew upon the shore made me glad to miss a small part of it and I we made Kings Island, upon which we landed. It surprised me not a little to
find a very large port In the main land opposite to this is land
After
Mons. Baudins account of the coast; and more especially as he had had fine winds and weather to run along it; it seems however that from the narrowness of the entrance he must have missed this port and this also Kings island, but yet we were not the first discoverers of them, for on arriving here, I found that they had been named and undergone a cursory examination by the Lady Nelson, as well as a part of the coast seen next 5 degrees examined, seen next by Mons. Baudin.+ It is proper to add in favour of that navigators accuracy of investigation, that notwithstanding the size of Port Phillip the entrance into it is nevertheless far from being conspicuous, and that when seen, the ripplings of the tide make the formidable appearance of breaking all across it; and this takes place until within the distance of two or three miles from the entrance.+ His consort, Le Naturaliste we find in this port, she having seperated from Le Geographe during a westerly gale in Bass's Strait.
Our greatest progress into the body of New Holland by the south coast has not been
+Port Phillip is surrounded by a fine country and our communication with the inhabitants was friendly.
[page 5]
been so much as something less than 200 miles, and this by means of a great and very wide inlet, the utmost extent of which was fully traced, but it did not even end in to a fresh-water water river.
I beg, Sir Joseph, to refer you to My letter to the admiralty for will contain more information concerning what we did find than I should chuse to trouble Sir Joseph Banks with. As was the case with Admiral D'Entrecasteaux, we were much opposed in our progress by easterly winds, from the time of passing his dangerous archipelago to past the situation of meeting Le Geographe; but from DEntrecasteauxs Archipelago westward, and also within 3 or 4 degrees of Bass Strait, westerly winds seem to be much the most prevalent. These foul winds and our detention in England favoured Mons. Baudin, or no part of the south coast would have been left for him to discover. As circumstances now stand, I consider it to be fortunate that instead of passing along the coast cursorily and going to Port Jackson to refit, that I I made a very strict and minute examination of it; so that I fear but little to have any thing of importance found in the coast or very near it. When the charts arrive, you will better judge, Sir Joseph, how far the task has been well performed and how far the good opinion which you have been pleased to entertain of my exertions is well placed. At these charts I am now labouring assiduously in order to get copies transmitted to the admiralty by this conveyance, but I fear doubt of the accomplishment: they will consist of the following
| The south coast of New Holland, from the | } | 5 sheets | |
| S.W. cape of Leuwens Land to Wilsons Promontory, | } | ||
| upon a scale of 4 inches to a degree of longit. | } | ||
| Particular survey of King Georges Sound, and its | } | 1 sheet | |
| two harbours; the scale 1 inch to a mile | } | ||
| Particular chart of D'Entrecasteauxs archipelago: | } | 1 sheet | |
| the scale 1/4 of an inch to a mile | } | ||
| Particular survey of No. 10, bay: |
} | ||
| 1/2 an inch to a mile; and |
} | 1 sheet | |
| Inlets - No. 12 and 14: scale 1/4 of an inch to a mile | } |
[page 6]
| A |
} | 1 sheet | |
| 1/2 an inch to a mile | } |
Concerning these charts I shall take the liberty of writing to Mr. Dalrymple to explain some circumstances relative to their construction which I hope he will not take amiss. -
+ I find In governor King, thus far, [words crossed out and indecipherable], to be I find every thing that can be expected from him: and from his assistance, I hope to be ready for sea again in two months from our arrival, victualled and refitted for 10 or 12 months. He thinks with me that to return to the southward at this season would be highly injurious to the ship, and men, as well as to our general safety; and therefore, as well as that but little is left to be done there, we have determined upon the Investigators proceeding to the northward, and to the westward along the north coast, if the NW monsoon the Gulph of Carpentaria can be examined before the month of November next when the NW. monsoon may be expected and should it stop our progress to the west, there is ample employment in Torres Strait and at the Fegee Islands, until the change takes place. This expedition of 10 or 12 months, followed by a similar one will, I hope, be fully sufficient to accomplish the purpose of the voyage. The Lady Nelson will accompany us, but not find I do cannot not expect to find a very able assistant in her commander Mr. The master whom we were so unfortunate as to lose. With respect to the our astronomical department operations
| 2 | { | I |
| { | able to do in |
|
| { | as well as of time I fear that complaints will be made against | |
| { | me on this account. |
| 3 | { | I say nothing of |
| { | Mr Brown being so much better qualified to tell his own | |
| { | story than I am. It is fortunate for |
|
| { | ||
| { | Mr Brown and Mr Bauer have been selected: their application | |
| { | is beyond what I have been accustomed to see. |
I hope Sir Joseph will excuse this straggling letter, it should contain more information of what has been done, and be condensed into a smaller space, if the sailing of the ship, by which our accounts in every department are sent home would allow of time for emendation. With much respect and a grateful sense of your many kind offces done me, I am Sir Joseph, your most faithful and obedt.
servant
Mattw. Flinders
P.S. We have a flying report of a peace having taken place, which to naval officers is no very welcome intelligence, as far as concerns themselves; but I hope that the difficulty in obtaining promotion which usually follows a peace will not extend to the Investigator.
As far as I have been able to learn, the operations of the French have been confined to the north, east, and south sides of Van Diemens Land and to the west side of New Holland, from the S.W. cape of Leuwens Land to the Rosemary Island of Dampier, but the large opening, where is the great rise of tide, Mons. Baudin denied having visited or any of the more northern parts of New Holland. He expressed some surprise at meeting me, whom he knew by name, and said observed that he should not it was unnecessary for him to presecute his survey much farther as the coast was now already done; but that and therefore he should come to Port Jackson when the winter weather set in.
[page 7]
[Letter No. 5]
On the service of the Board of Longitude
To Dr. Maskelyne F.R.S. - Astronomer Royal Greenwich -
H.M.S. Investigator - Port Jackson
May 25. 1802
Sir
On Mr Crosleys quitting the Investigator, I took upon myself to fulfil the duty of astronomer as far as my knowledge would permit me, and as the time which could be spared from surveying and my other avocations would allow. I much fear that you will have great occasion to find fault with the manner in which this duty has been done, both from the little time that I could spare since coming upon the coast of New Holland, as well as from a want of knowledge. I trust you that Dr Maskyline will excuse a stranger addressing you him when the subject is to inform him of what we have has been done on board the Investigator in the department of astronomy.
The inclosed paper contains the means of the data, and the results of all the lunar observations taken upon the south coast of New Holland. In calculating the observations true distances Mendozas tables and method were used; and the refractions of both objects were corrected for the height of the barometer and thermometer, and the moons horizontal parallax on acct. of the oblate spheroidal figure of the earth. Since leaving the Cape of Good Hope, a meteorological ha journal has been kept on board in the Investigator for the Board in which are inserted, day by day, every observation that was taken at sea, and those in harbour are thrown into tables. In this journal the different sights are ins of the moon and sun or star are inserted, but time does not permit me to send you the observations in that form at present. -
Dr Maskyline It will be noticed that out of 5 time keepers on board, the longitude is only given by two, latterly. The history of those deficient is as follows
Arnolds No. 82 altered its rate from 2" of losing to 1'.18" at the Cape of Good Hope, so that nothing could be deduced from it: It remained go continued to go and was compared with others at noon until months weeks afterwards when it stopped, and has so remained since.
[page 8]
Arnolds watch No. 1736, supplied to me by the Navy Board was worn in the pocket in King Georges Sound, and therefore no rate for it, as it would go when remaining horizontally, was found.
Arnolds No. 176, as it will appear from the inclosed paper, went exceedingly well until the 2nd of March 1802 when its rate was altered from 15",31 to 4'.20",03 and in a few hours it stopped, and has so remained. It was heard to make an uncommon noise for some hours before it stopped.
The box time-keepers No. 82 and 176, above mentioned, I send home by the Speedy - Quested, a whaler which sails hence for England in a few days. It will be necessary that some person should be sent down to the ship for them who will find her she will be pretty high up in the Thames river
Earnshaws box time-keepers No. 483 543 and 520 have gone very regularly, particul especially 543; and as our stay here will allow of time to get good rates for them I expect they will hereafter perform still better. (The number of observations taken upon the south coast, and from which its longitude is fixed by the time-keepers when corrected according to the inclosed paper, amounts to 11h; so that I hope but little will be found laid down erroneously.
The solar eclipse of March 3. 1802 I observed in No.10, a bay on the south coast. The beginning took place on the 4th at apparent time 1h.12' 37",5 and the end at 3h.36'.11",5. By means of the nonagesimal degree I calculate the parallaxes of the in latitude to be as under
| At the beginning, parallax | in latitude | 30'.29"- | |
| in longitude | 30.30 - | ||
| At the end; parallax | in latitude | 18.58 - | |
| in longitude | 52.29 - |
[page 9]
With respect to the astronomical clock, we have our stays in port have been too short to do anything with it except at King Georges Sound. I set it up there and its rate of going from comparing with on mean solar time, from comparisons with Earshaws No. 543 our standard time keeper was as in the inclosed paper I meant to make the clock the standard for the observations in this port, and it is now set up on shore, but the weather has been such that no observation has yet been obtaine. -
The universal theodolite was also set up in King Georges Sound, and some equal altitudes and zenith dis meridional zenith distances of the sun were taken by with it. At this place I intend mean to make it a transit instrument if I should be able to get it into the meridian. -
A great obstruction to our operations has been the smallness of the portable observatory, so that the theodolite and clock must stand in different tents; and still more so now that the obs canvas of the observatory it is rotten and full of holes; this has arisen from the little room in the ship, which obliged us to take the parts out of the cases and stow them seperately in different places
As far as the the taking observations the common observations for taking the latitude, longitude & variation of the and dip of the compass at sea are required I find that with some assistance from Lt. Flinders of this ship it can be accomplished with tolerable accuracy, as also the finding of the rates and errors of the time-keepers, dip of the needle & using the hydrostatic balance; but I fear that the astronomical clock & the universal theodolite will not have justice done them, or will the occultations of stars and of Jupiters satellites, the aurora borealis australis &c. &c. be attended to with that strictness that an astronomer who had only to attend to these things might do; but Dr Maskyline may be assured that as far as our time and knowledge will permit it, every nothing mentioned in Mr. Crosleys instructions shall be attended to neglected.
Since being at upon this coast I have made some observations upon the relative quantity of the horizontal refraction at different heights of the quant barometer and thermometer; this was done by means of the suns meridional altitude, which, when the opportunity was good, I generally took both to the north and to south. As the height of the
[page 10]
eye was the same in both cases, and the same instrument was used for both observations, I consider, that if the observations were well taken, the difference of the latitudes deduced from each ought to be twice the dip of the horizon in the tables; if provided that the horizontal refraction used in constructing the table was the same as at the time of observation. I generally found the dip thus given to agree nearly, if the height of the barometer was near 30 inches or upwards, but if it was much below, the difference would sometimes amount to 2 1/2 or even 3 minutes; and this was not the case with my observations only, but also with those of Lt. Flinders. In order to form some accurate judgment upon this subject so interesting material interesting to navigation, I intend to collect more facts, and to throw them into a table, which if Dr Maskyline shall be transmitted to Dr Maskyline, if he thinks it worth any attention.
Upon the marine barometer From some remarks upon the marine barometer, I think that it will be found applicable to more uses that it has been yet been. I observe, that a wind off the land, although moderate and accompanied with fine weather, makes it descend lower than a strong breeze from the sea accompanied with rain, or even than a gale without rain : from whence I infer, that if a ship has a moderate breeze & fine weather and observes the barometer to stand lower than usual for a day or two, that that wind comes from a considerable body of land at no great distance; for small islands do not appear to have any effect. I have once judged with accuracy upon the trending of the before unknown part of Ne the south coast of this country from this circumstance; and I think, that with more experience, some thing useful upon and certain may be deduced. I shall, during the remainder of the voyage have an eye to this matter collect facts as they occur upon this subject.
Begging Entreating pardon for intruding so much upon your time, I remain, Sir,
with respect
your obdt. humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
[page 11]
[Letter No. 6]
To Osborne Standert Esq. Navy Office London
Investigator May 30 1802
Port Jackson
Dear Sir
With much difficulty labour I am able to send you by the ship Speedy - Quested all the necessary documents for getting my accounts passed both as purser and captain up to May 20. 1801. I hope every thing will be found right and that you will have no difficulty. A list of the papers is inclosed and also an abstract of the Victualling account, from which some idea of the balance bill is deduced. Should every thing prove correct I shall begin to think myself something of a purser. You will notice some letters to the Victualling board which I will thank you to wafer and forward after noting their contents. I have written also to the Admiralty requesting that a certificate which you will find, may be accepted in lieu of the usual journals, and I expect it will be complied with
Inclosed you will receive a duplicate of a 3 months bill sent from the cape, and bills for the following sums
|
6 months bill £66.4 Mr. Evans 27.3.9. Mr Brown 25.6.7. Mr Bauer £10 Mr Westall £15 - Mr. Bell £.10 for which you will give me credit |
£ s d 153.14.4 |
| Balance bill by supposition will amount to | 111.13.5 |
|
Besides an allowance of £13 per annum, and 6d. per month for supernumeraries; which if the Board take no notice of my letter will nearly amount to |
26.-.- |
|
As I suppose the account with Messrs. Bowles, Franklin and Troughton are settled, I imagine myself credit with you, if nothing more has been bought into the stocks, and supposing Mrs. F. to have drawn £50 |
106.- .- |
| £ 397.7.9 |
It will no doubt be some time before a part of these sums are obtained, but I consider them to be eventually secured; and I wish that all surplus money may be put into the stocks, as we agreed when in England. If my pursery account passes, according to the inclosed paper, it will not be amiss for the first essay, we shall do better next year.
By the first arrival from England I hope to hear from you and to receive the bank power to enable you to sell out if I should judge it expedient, for which I wrote to you from the Cape
[page 12]
We arrived in this port three weeks since in good health and spirits having upon the whole been fortunate in our proceedings since coming upon this coast, in the examination of which we have in some measure been before hand with the French, who have two ships here upon the same service.
Before we sail I purpose writing to my friend captain Waterhouse, until which, if he is in your about your quarters, I beg him to accept my best regards.
You will hear from my brother and have some inclosure from him; and before we sail in prosecution of our surveys, I hope you will have something further from me.
Pray write by as many opportunities as you can find; for I would have you for my friend as well as agent, and tell me how my accounts are likely to go on. - I am my dear Sir,
yours very faithfully,
Mattw. Flinders
The inclosed warrant officers accounts in the box, pray forward to their agents as directed.
[Letter No. 7]
To James Sykes Esq Navy Agent Arundel Street Strand London
H.M.S. Investigator May 30 1802
Sir
Mr John Thistle master of His Majestys ship Investigator under my command having been unfortunately drowned on the 21st of February last, I send you all his books and papers that you or his heir may obtain what is due to him. You will learn something from the parcel of papers, who his friends are; I believe his mother, whose name appears to be Winch, is his heir; she is married to a man who is locker to the East Indian Company
Mr. Thistle was a good man and officer and his loss is severely felt in the ship.
I am Sir,
your obedt. humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
This is to certify that the public log book kept by Mr Joh of His Majestys ship Investigator, kept by Mr John Thistle - master is written up to the time of his death, but being included in a book with the continuation of the log since that time, the book is retained for the necessary use of the ship. Mattw. Flinders
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[Letter No. 8]
To Mr. Flinders - Donington near Boston Lincolnshire May 31 1802
[Flinders did not enter the contents of this letter into his letterbook]
[Letter No. 9]
May 31 - June 1st -, and 4th. Affection - state of accounts sent home - Ships politics - Remembrances - Journal to be sent -
[Letter No. 10]
To Joseph Whidbey Esq. - directed to Mr Sykes - June 5. 1802
[Flinders did not enter the contents of this letter into his letterbook]
[Letter No. 11]
To His Excellency Governor King -Monday June 8. 1802
That the Investigator has not received the honour of a visit from Your Excellency, is owing, I trust, to pressure of business, and to the confused state into which the Investigator has been hitherto involved by some necessary duties; but as these are partly done away, I hope that Your Excellency will do us that honour before your excursion into the country takes place; and if at the same time you could make it convenient to take a dinner on board, it would add to the honour.
Should your Excellency favour me with an affirmative answer and will appoint a day, I will invite a select small selected party of friends to dinner at the same time
I have the honour to be,
Your Excellencys
most faithful & obedt. servant
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 12]
To Charles Grimes Esq. Toongabbe - June 27. 1802
To purchase stock at the prices as under
Hogs of 130 lbs weight - 1 - at per lb 1c-
Do of 40 or 60lbs - 4 - Do -
Sheep 4 at for each £4
Geese 6 Do 10s.
Fowls 3 doz Do 3/6
Potatoes 8cwt. at12/
Conclude with news of the Hercules &c. - & thanks
[Letter No. 13]
To Mr Thos. Franklin - Spilsby Lincolnshire
Investigator at Port Jackson
June 27th 1802
Yesterday my dear friend I received your letter of the 1st of Novr. and about a fortnight since yours of 5th Jan. 1802 inclosing Mr Wiles's from Jamaica. I have just examined over the bills from Whalley and Dean, and find 3 of them as follows
[page 14]
| 2 March - for £40.2.6 | } | The first of these is included in |
| 12 Do - 4.0.6 | } | the account up to Mar. 7. 1801 |
| 27 April - 6.8.3 | } | The second sum was exactly speci |
| Dr. | Cr. | |||||
| To account by letter of | } | By cash from Mr Standt. | £200 | |||
| March 7. 1801 | } | £231.1. 8. | from Mr Crosley | £80.-.- | ||
| To your bill for sundries | 33.11.8 | By drat. to Bonner & Co placed | } | 40.-.- | ||
| To 2nd bills of Baker, Whalley, | } | 24.14.6 | to your credit | } | ||
| Finch, Steer, & White | } | By Do. from Mr. Bauer | 80.-.- | |||
| To Shoemakers bill | 10.17.6 | By do. on Mr. Standert | } | 32.14.4 | ||
| To Bonner & Co including | } | 50.14.6 | given at Mr. Hippiuss | } | ||
| spoons and castors | } | To Downer | 37.17.1 | By cash at same time | 20.-.- | |
| To hosiery from Leister | 2.17.- | By overpaid for rice | -.7.2 | |||
| To cash at Spilsby | 20.--.- | By suppd. credit from White | } | 1.19.3 | ||
| To W. Flinders' bill | 16. 4.- | and Downer | } | |||
| To tripe, porter, teas, sugar, | } | By given to John in | } | 5.-.- | ||
| cheeses, rice, almonds, raisins, | } | 51.18.- | England for mess | } | ||
| sope, starch, as by supposn. | } | |||||
| at Mr Hippiuss | } | By do. June 12 | 5.-.- | |||
| To hosiery & gloves at Spilsby | -.7.- | By 15 k dol. given to | } | 2.14.- | ||
| 480.2.11 | } | |||||
| To monthly magazines | John at Cape, deducting | } | ||||
| To tape and pins | 10 per cent | } | ||||
| By given to John at Madeira | -.10.6 | |||||
| By do. at Port Jackson Mess | 5.-.- | |||||
| By do. for sundries | 7.-.- | |||||
| Concluded with some account of | 480.5.3 | |||||
| our voyage and Le Geographe, of Mr Bass' expedition &c. | ||||||
[Letter No. 14]
To Mrs Tyler - Partney - June 28. 1802 - Port Jackson - An affectionate joiose[?] letter - much nonsense. Inquiry if more can be done for Mrs F. -
[page 15]
[Letter No. 15]
[ Note - the whole of this letter has been crossed out]
To Alex. Dalrymple Esq - Hydrographer to the Admiralty - London
H.M.S. Investigator July 1st 1802
at Port Jackson
Sir
Having transmitted to my Lords Commissioners copies of the charts which I have made of the south coast of New Holland, which I apprehend will come into your hands, I think it necessary to write you a few particulars of them, hoping that you will excuse the intrusion the occasion of this intrusion will be an excuse for it.
It has been a principal object in the construction of the charts, to make them contain as much as possible every information which is necessary to the knowing and safe navigation of the coast; and also that to be in themselves a journal of the Investigators voyage, as far as relates to nautical remarks. With these views, there is a good many remarks scattered upon the charts, mostly explanative of the appearance of the coasts and of particular points and capes; which These will in some measure answer the purpose of views of the land, and they appear at once upon each chart in their proper places. - In the track a distinction is made between that at night or in such weather as nothing could be seen, and the day track; and in convenient places are marked arrows shewing the direction of the wind, and by the feathering of the arrows I have endeavoured to express the quality that prevailed at the time: the mode adopted is as follows
[in the original text Flinders has drawn seven feathered arrows labelled 'Light air', 'Light breeze', 'Mod. breeze', 'Fresh breeze', 'Strong breeze', 'Gale' and 'Hard Gale'] wherein the agitation of the
feathers is made proportional to the quantity of wind intended to be expressed. To express the weather concisely, I have adopted the following mode.
| Fine | Hazy or Cloudy | Hazy or Cloudy |
| Needs no ex- planation |
When distant objects cannot be distinctly seen |
When distant objects become invisible |
[page 16]
| Hazy or Cloudy | | | Making the line under the word hazy |
| When distant objects are | | | or cloudy to express the second degree |
| totally invisible, and near | | | of hazy or cloudy, weather, and the dou- |
| objects become indistinct | | | The word equally, is also used in the same way. |
| -ble line the third degree When near ob- |
[in the original text Flinders has drawn a feathered arrow labelled 'Cldy']
expresses Light breezes and cloudy wr.
[in the original text Flinders has drawn a feathered arrow labelled 'Hazy']
Fresh breeze with so much haze that distant objects are invisible
[in the original text Flinders has drawn a feathered arrow labelled 'Cldy']
Hard gales, with thick cloudy weather, rendering near objects indistinct
In all cases it is to be understood that the direction of the arrow points out the direction of the wind; and
[Letter No. 16]
To Mr W. Bowles - Attorney - Boston Investigator July 2 1802
At Port Jackson
My dear Sir
We arrived here safely, near two months since and are now about to proceed to sea again. I have introduced the subject of your coming here to His Excellency the governor in order to learn what sort of reception you may expect, should you come out; and also what advantages will be given you at first setting off. The governor tells me that as a settler, whether sent out by government or finding your own passage, that you will have a ration of provisions for yourself and family for twelve months, some supplies of agricultural instruments, wheat for the first seed, two female sheep and some things of smaller consequence will also be given to you. These you would receive in common with other settlers, but as being a friend of mine His Excellency will shew you additional countenance, and will be glad to shew you civility, until such times as you know each other, when the future will entirely depend upon yourself; and should you find opportunities of being useful to the governor I believe it would
[page 17]
would not be overlooked. The subject of your filling the office of magistrate in one of the districts I also mentioned, and His Excellency listened to it with attention, but seemed to think a previous knowledge of the country and people a necessary requisite for the situation, and also that he shoul must have some knowledge of your abilities first. However, should things remain as they are I think he would be glad to have a person like you, if you would haccept of the situation, for I believe you know that there is much trouble and but little profit attached to it. The principal advantages is the number of convict servants which the governor allows, as some compensation; and I should have added, that you will be allowed two servants during the first twelve months after your arrival, in addition to what I mentioned before. Thus my dear Bowles, I have endeavoured to prepare the way for you, if you keep the same mind; but indeed with respect to getting money here there is a material alteration since the change of governors: money is nothing like so abundant as before; in consequence of which, the colony is overstocked with European goods at this time. There is one thing which I would guard you against, which is the sending out George Barridale. He would take to drinking here from the temptation of a bad society, - whatever you might send out with him would be dissipated, and himself and family would go near to starving. If you come yourself you might bring him, provided he was kept dependent upon and would be directed by you. If you give up the idea of coming out, and I will not recommend it at this time, you had best dispose of the estate again; rather than lose some hundreds in attempting to settle your relation. - The arrangement and construction of my charts of the south coast of New Holland have so wholly occupied my time, that I have not been two miles into the country, or shall I be able; but I learn that there is no person living upon the farm which is now
[page 18]
lying fallow. A remnant of the burnt-down house remains, but unless another was built no person would take the farm, and even if one was built and the farm let, yet if the proprietor was not in the country it is ten to one but the house would share the fate of the former, and the farm be again deserted. I have endeavoured to give you as true a statement of matters as I am able in order that you may regulate your plans to the best advantage, and avoid disappointment; and I am, my dear Sir,
your sincere friend and well wisher
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 17]
To Miss Flinders Tidd Lincolnshire June 29. 1802 P. Jackson
[Flinders did not enter the contents of this letter into his letterbook]
[Letter No. 18]
To Mr T. Hollingworth Jun. Admiralty June 28. 1802 do.
[Flinders did not enter the contents of this letter into his letterbook]
[Letter No. 19]
To Thos. Wilson Esq. Gower St. Bedford Square - July 20. 1802
That sketch of our success - French ships, and our boat mentioned
[Letter No. 20]
To Osborne Standert Esq. Navy Office London
Port Jackson July 20. 1802
Dear Sir
Inclosed you will receive the firsts of exchange as follows, which place to my credit; and I also forward duplicates of former bills sent as under.
| First bills of exchange | |||
| Mine £33.2 Mr. Fowler 20.13.3 - Neces. Money 22.13.01/2 = £76.8.31/2 | |||
| Duplicates, being 2nds or Thirds |
| Mr. Evans | navy bill | £27.3.9 | |
| Mine | Do. | 66.4.- | |
| Mr. Brown | on Messrs. Praters | 25.6.7 | |
| Mr. Bauer | Do. | 10.-.- | |
| Mr. Bell | John Bell Esq. | 10.-.- | |
| Mr. Westall | Richd. Westall Esq. | 15.-.- | |
| 153.14.6 |
In addition to the sums mentioned in my last, which you will be able to get, if my accounts pass, I might have mentioned the compensation pay for four servants, from Feb. 1801 to May 1802, amounting to about £60. - The present
[page 19]
prent £76.8.31/2 is all you can receive from me for a twelve month to come, at which time I expect to be back here and have another survey; in which case my remittances will probably be more considerable than they have been now; however, upon the whole, you will not accuse me of neglecting my pecuniary concerns, as I hope I have received two packets of letters from England, but none either from or through you. I fear you are not in the train of gaining information of ships sailing
About once every twelve month I should wish to have a statement of my affairs with you, which I hope you will let me have; and pray send me out by the first opportunity a bank power to enable you to sell out of the three percents if I should judge it requisite.
I have so often mentioned that I wish my money to be added to that in the stocks, as it accumulates in your hand, that it is unnecessary to say anything further; and having before written to you from this place, I have only to add my good wishes for your health and happiness.
Yours very sincerely
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 21]
To Mrs Flinders - Partney. Port Jackson July 20. 1802
Complain of accusation in sailing - Mention £654 in stocks &c.
[Letter No. 22]
To Capt. Waterhouse - at Osborne Standert - July 20. 1802
[Flinders did not enter the contents of this letter into his letterbook]
[Letter No. 23]
To G. Bass Esq. - left with Mr. Harris
[Flinders did not enter the contents of this letter in his letterbook]
[Letter No. 24]
To His Excellency gov. King at Port Jackson
Off the Cumberland Isles
Oct. 18. 1802
I doubt not but Your Excellency will be sorry for the necessity which has made it requisite for her the Lady Nelson to return before the ship, and It is only justice to Mr. Murray to say that I am satisfied with his conduct, and therefore that nothing on his part, but wholly on account of the deficiencies of the vessel for considering that he is a stranger to marine surveying, every service has been rendered to us by him, that could be expected
I do not expect cannot hope to be at Port Jackson much before June, being later
[page 20]
in finishing the Bay of Inlets than was expected; nor indeed would I have much fear entertained about us if it should be two or three months longer, since if that time will finish the whole of the work to the westward of Torres Strait, I should be unwilling to leave it.
I hope Your Excellency enjoys better health than before, and that Mrs. K my dear much esteemed friends Mrs. King and Elizabeth are well and merry happy. I beg them to accept of my best regards. +
The enclosed letter I should be glad to have forwarded which will add to the obligations already conferred upon your Excellencys
faithful friend and servant
Mattw. Flinders
+ As it is probable that you will write to Sir Jos. Banks before I we arrive, I should be obliged to Your Excellency to inform him generally of the occurrences relating to the Investigator, for the multiplicity of my employm constant close attendance required by the ship and the chart and the length of my letter to you does not leave me time to fulfil my own wishes in that respect.
[Letters Nos 25-28]
|
To Col. Paterson - Lt. Governor &c. at Sydney Captain Kent - H. M. S. Buffalo Port Jackson Mrs Flinders - Partney John Palmer Esq. Sydney |
} |
October 18 1802 off the Cumberld. Isles |
[Flinders did not enter the contents of these letters in his letterbook]
[Letter No. 29]
To the Right Honble. Sir Joseph Banks .Bart. KB. &c.
H.M.S. Investigator Off the island
Timor March 28. 1802 [should be 1803]
As I make no doubt, Sir Joseph, will you will see the papers I have transmitted for the information of the admiralty, it is unnecessary for me to repeat what we have done since leaving Port Jackson, our proceedings and discoveries being there detailed with sufficient minuteness. As yet we are barred out of the interior part of New Holland, neither the Gulph of Carpentaria or any of the inlets we have yet examined having any river falling into them. Would I could make a river, then should not the very center of this great land escape our examination; but if none exists river or strait exists, I fear our utmost exertions to will not find one any. Perhaps the most advantageous thing we have done for navigation is to have ascertained by experiment the possibility of sailing with safety through Torres' Strait in three days. I have not yet made the proper examination of the that of this strait, but as some use may perhaps be made of our discovery in the mean time, I have given the best direction I am able for passing through with expedition and safety
[page 21]
In the gulph we had met with many marks of former visiters almost every where though none recent; and as these could not be the French ships we were very desirous to learn what whom they could be and what was their business. could be have been. At Cape Arnhem we met them our desire was gratified: they were Malays from Macassar. I should rather be inclined to think that if the East India Company have had any intention of extending their settlem making a settlement on New Holland, the good harbours in Cape Arnhem, the wild nutmegs, and perhaps the trepang which seems to bring the Malays a good many thousand dollars annually from the Chinese, might be additional incitements. In what I ha detailing the information to the adm from the Malays I had an eye to the interest of the Company, supposing it would reach them from the admiralty
Har Finding the harbours to be numerous upon the north coast, the productions somewhat valuable, the soil getting better, and the rise of tide becoming greater as we advanced westward from Cape Arnhem the gulph, I felt much interest in prosecuting its examination; but the dreadful rotten state of the ship and the retreat of the sun to the northward made it necessary to get through Bass Strait to Port Jackson before the winter gales set in there. (In England and during the passage out I attributed the weak state of the ship to her large ports and the ill-putting together of her frame, but now it should appear to have arisen more from so large a proportion of the timbers being rotten. She made 7 inches of water per hour soon after crossing the equator, but by from lightening her upper works as much as possible and a thorough caulking at the Cape, she did not anymore admit so much during the passage to Port Jackson. For a few hours, she made more than 10 inches in Torres' near the Prince of Wales' Islands, and I had her caulked at the head of the gulph, on which occasion it was that the rotten state of the plank and timbers in every part of her was discovered.
I have am steering to put into the island Timor for a few days, for the reasons mentioned in my letter to the admiralty; and it need not excite surprise that there should be some appearance of scurvy amongst us, having been only eight months from Port Jackson; for at that place our the ships company had fresh meat only once, on the Kings birth day, and no other vegetables than what the governor humanely gave them, once a and sometimes twice a week. Ships stationary there can do better, by cultivating a garden sufficient for their supply, but we cannot do this.
I hope to arrive at Port Jackson before June, but whether and that the governor will let me have either the Buffalo or Porpoise to complete finish the voyage or whether survey, or else that a ship may come arrive which can be either hired or purchased: both to do that and to carry us afterwards to England: I place more dependence upon the latter than the former case. The idea of remaining idle waiting until a ship another ship can be sent out from England I think Sir Joseph that you once said to me in reply (To an observation of mine that the Investigator would not last out the voyage, I think Sir Joseph you
[page 22]
once th replied that the admiralty must then send out another ship to me; but the idea dread of remaining idle for so long a period as until a ship might arrive from England, frightens me deters me from thinking of it. I have am taking some trouble to collect and make a table of accurate observations of the suns altitude at noon, taken to the north and to the south; both with a view to greater accuracy in our latitude, and also from supposing that it might tend to a correction of the quantity of horizontal refraction by which the dip or depression of the horizon is corrected in our tables. The difference between the latitudes deduced from the two observations sides will indeed be affected by other errors than the horizontal refaction, of which that oblate up arising from the oblate speroidal figure of the earth will be one; but as my note opinions upon the matter must be very crude, I shall content myself with furnishing a table of facts, happy if they can be made of any utility. The table will be completed on our arrival at Port Jackson and will then be sent to Doctor Maskyline, with the corresponding heights of the thermometer and barometer
Aware that ignorant people may sometimes es notice things which by the philosopher may be turned to utility, I shall not hesitate to say the fear of being laughed at will not prevent me from stating that I think we may have some cause to think that there some facts which shew a much greater relation between the height of the barometer and the sea and land winds than has been supposed: I intend extensive winds rather rather mean winds of some extent than local sea and land breezes. In a letter to Dr. Maskyline from Port Jackson I ten mentioned something of this before, and on completing the circumnavigation of New Holland shall collect the facts into a table and forward them to him
I have taken the liberty Sir Joseph, of inclosing to you a paper list of some errata we have found in Mendozas excellent table of versed sines; - may I beg its presentation to the learned author with my respectful compliments? From conviction of its ad superior advantages I have almost altogether adopted his met mode of calculating the longitude from observed lunar distances
You have indeed many anxious well-wishers, Sir Joseph, on board the Investigator; for besides the gratitude which your attention and favour you have conferred upon many to many of us has excited, we know of no one who after you will think at all of us or our labours; and truly we are somewhat ambitious of notice from those whose attention confers both information and credit
At present, I remain, Sir Joseph
your obliged and faithful servant
Mattw. Flinders
[page 23]
[Letter No. 30]
To Chr. Smith Esq. Botanist
To Messrs. Campbell and Co. Calcutta - For Mr. Christopher Smith
H. M. S. Investigator - Timor. April}
1.1803}
>From the Cape of Good Hope, I wrote a letter to you my dear friend, dated Oct. 27. 1801. Since when which time I have been employed upon the coasts of New Holland. We made the south-west cape of Leuwens Land in December 1801, and after exploring the before unknown south coast arrived at Port Jackson in May 1802. In July we sailed from thence to the northward, and after examining a part of the east coast, passed through Torres Strait in three days, and began the examination of the Gulph of Carpentaria at Cape York: In In Feb. 1803 we came to Cape Arnhem where we meet several Malay praos, whom it appeared had been in the habit of coming upon the coast from Macassar for 20 years past, for a certain article which they furnish to the Chinese
It is not unusual for some letters to find their way into your Calcutta papers, but I trust this will not be the case with any of mine. I see, however, nothing against the insertion of the following paragraph if you are so minded; and perhaps it may be useful to some individuals. "His Majestys ship Investigator "has ascertained that with caution the strait between New Holland and New "Guinea may be safely passed in three days with caution, by Entering the reefs in "9º.40' So., and 14 and passing on the north side of Murrays Island, steering for "the Prince of Wales' Isles in 10º.31'. A ship may anchor every night under the "lee of a reef and or island."
We have put into Timor for so Coupang Bay for a little a few days to get some refreshments and after which I am then going to return with as much expedition as possible to Port Jackson to get another ship in which to prosecute the examination of New Holland, for the Investigator is found to be almost rotten. I much hope to find one or more letters there from you my dear friend, in answer to these and in it or them a good acct. of your proceedings since 1799, as also of your present situation, and prospects. - With respect to myself, you know what I have been about and am about doing, & what my situation is; and for my future prospects I have scarcely formed any looked forward beyond that of a place on the post list, and so much credit as I may be thought to deserve from the execution of this voyage. I think not however my good friend, that I have lost my ambition, no, truly, for if to covet honour be a sin, my spirit is indeed a wicked one. I have not received any letter from our friend Wiles since I my last wrote letter to you. He had complained much of my remissness in writing and did I not think that many of our letters fail, I should perhaps accuse him also: but I shall however say nothing, but continue to love esteem and respect him, as indeed, my dear, friend Smith, I do you, - being truly
your faithful and affectionate friend
M.F.
[page 24]
[Letter No. 31]
The Rev. Mr. Tyler - Partney near Spilsby - Lincolnshire - for Mrs Flinders
Investigator Coupang Bay off Timor
March 28. 18023.
Since leaving the Cape of Good Hope, my dearest love, the following letters have been addressed to thee - One dated May 31, June 1 and 4th 1802. Another dated July 20. 1802 and another Oct. 18. 1802. I mention them that thou mayest know whether any are lost or no
Our voyage has hitherto gone on prosperously upon the whole, but the poor ship is worn out, her bones are deca she is decayed, and rotten both in skin and bone. I am bound to this place going to Coupang Bay to get refreshments for my noble fellows, that they may the better stand the fatigues of the remaining part of the voyage. It is neither altogether proper, or would it be of any use detailing to thee the particulars of our labour, it will be sufficient for thee to know that the voyage is nearly about half completed, and that we are all in good spirits and tolerable health.
Not knowing what opportunity may offer of sending home letters, I have begun to write already; but as the greater part of what I have to say must depend upon the occurring circumstances at Coupang, my writing must cease till they are known. I shall do no more now than to assure If I did not consider assurances of faith and love idle to be idle words between those whose affection is so dear as mine to thee, thou shouldst not be without abundance of them. Mankind being subject to change and I being one of them may indeed be suspected, but I trust thou wilt find that this characteristic of our species is far from universal. I am indeed my only beloved, thine with all the fervor with which I`ve loved thee after marriage; for before that time, I thought indeed I loved thee much, but knew not what much love was till afterward. - In an evenings I often take a book, then reclining then on my little couch, and running over some pleasant tale or sentiment, perhaps of love, my mind retraces with delight, our joys, our conversation, our looks, our everything of love. The loves, and alas! the fall of our first parents, was my latest subject told with so much such majesty and [word crossed out and undecipherable], and the poet by him whose l eyes lacked all of what he threw with masterly hand oer so mysterious and dark a subject] so masterly over this great subject, dark before and intricate then with delight I last retraced perused; not knowing which to admire most,
the subject, the poets daring, or the success with which his bold attempt was crowned. Eve in innocence, shewed me the excellencies virtues excellence of my beloved wife; and think not Ann, my dearest, but that in innocence we yet remain. With ourselves it rests to keep
[page 25]
To Mrs Flinders Donington near Boston - Lincolnshire
[page 26]
going to do it: Thomas has two or three lines.
Good bye, my love, until we are for two months, until we arrive at Port Jackson. Pray offer my affectionate reg regards to Mr. Tyler, thy mother, my sister Belle, and to Mrs Mallison; and rest assured of the sincere love of thy
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 32]
To His Excellency John Geesler Esq. governor &c. &c &c.
at Coupang
His Majestys ship Investigator
April 7. 1802
Sir
The attention you have been pleased to shew to myself and the officers of the Investigator during our few days stay in this bay calls upon me so strong to make you this acknowledgment, and I beg of Your Excellency to accept my thanks for all your various kindnesses. That Coupang could not supply us with everything we had occasion for is our misfortune, but we are not the less obliged to you, Sir, for the ample supply of fresh provisions and of all such things as the settlement could furnish and our wants required.
To captain Johnson I beg to say express my obligation for his many attentions and civilities: should we touch again at Coupang, I should consider it to be a singular happiness aga to find him here
Wishing Your Excellencys a comp restoration to complete health, and to captain Johnson a continuation of his, I have the honour to be
Your Excellencys
obliged and most obedient
servant
Mattw. Flinders
.
[page 27]
[Letter No. 33]
To Miss. H. Flinders, inclosed to Mr. Franklin - Investigator - Coupang
Bay - Timor Apr. 2. 1803
My dear cousin
I have not neglected to perform my part of the contract entered into between us, any more than I have ceased to think of and to love you. Oct. 25 1801 at the Cape of Good Hope, and June 29. 1802 at Port Jackson, I my pen was employed in your service; and an even at this very bad opportunity now again being offered, it is not slack in duty.
Now that I have prospects of paying repaying some part of the kindnesses done me in my childhood, I look round round for those who did them. To you, my dear cousin, and your good father and mother my eyes are turned at present. I know not where you are, or how; but being being where and as I left you, you are to take £20, which I have desired Mr. Franklin to pay you for a friend, being an acquittance of a former debt. Of this you are to give your father and mother what you please; but not all beyond the half unless your name has ceased to be Flinders. The conclusion of this little transaction is to be silence; let that be added to your former kindnesses.
Is there any cause, my dear Henrietta, for me to suspect you have forgotten or neglected our contract agreement. Indeed I have not received one letter from you, although from others many have arrived. As yet, I am unwilling to suspect, as hoping that there is one or more letters from for me now lying at Port Jackson. If this should not be the case and none bearing your signature being there to be found on our arrival, why then, my cousin, - I should not cease to love you, but should think you were forgetful; or and that your thoughts could not be moved from him who seems to repay your attention so ill. I much want to know what vibration this string yet has. Is the cord tight as ever? or has he, or have you unnoosed? Treat me, my cousin, as your friend; you know it is no idle curiosity that excites me to inquire into your concerns. There is, however, another possibility, and if this possible is become pos positive, then I beg both you and him to accept my congratulation. This being the case Sshould he express any desire of for my acquaintance I offer him both it and it to him with my friendship, - all that I can give to one whose with with whose head and heart I am a stranger, to and to but to whose I wish all happiness I am a well wisher and fortune I shall be a sincere well wisher
We have put into this port for a few day to procure refreshments, and in two months I expect to be again at Port Jackson, not without the hope of receiving one or more letters from you amongst those of my more constant correspondents and friends My brother and myself are in tolerable health, and as far as
[page 28]
we can see into futurity, have fair prospects of some little share of eminence. It is now our harvest, and the labour is both heavy and tedious; we hope the produce fruits will be adequate.
I write, to you under the supposition of your being still at Tidd; and beg of you to make my kindest remembrances to the good and kind family there. I do indeed love that family very much, and partly because they are so fond of you. To my good uncle and aunt at Spalding, I present my respects and affectionate regards, and to yourself, my dear cousin, two requests, - first, remember me sometimes; and next, believe that I am, most truly,
your affectionate cousin and friend
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 34]
To Mr Thos. Franklin - Spilsby - Lincolnshore
Investigator in Coupang Bay - Timor
April 4th 1803
My dear friend
The opportunity which now offers of writing you a few lines is so round-about and uncertain, that I shall do little more than say we are in good spirits and tolerable health, and expect to be at Port Jackson in two months.
My most express point is the following request; to send complete the direction of the inclosed letter and send it to my cousin, wherever she may be; and to pay to her for one of her acquaintances with whom I have an old debtor account, the sum of £20, by the most convenient and expeditious mode you can. I should send you a draft on Osborne Standert1 for the sum, but as it is small, and I shall have occasion to give John [Franklin] money here and at Port Jackson, I imagine you would not think it necessary better let alone.
With affectionate regards to yourself and family, I am, my dear friend.
yours with very sincerely
Mattw. Flinders
[page 29]
[Letter No. 35]
To Osborne Standert Esq. Navy Office London
Investigator April 6. 1803 in Coupang Bay
Island Timor
Dear Sir
I have a bill or two to transmit you, but as the opportunity is a very bad one, I shall defer them to Port Ja until we arrive at Port Jackson, which will probably be in two months. The Investigator having become rotten, I shall have to get another ship there and shall consequently have to stay some time, which will enable me to have another annual survey; I fear, however that it will not turn out so well even as the last. I shall will thank you to forward the inclosed letters by post, and believe me to be, dear Sir
very truly yours
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 36]
Mr Hugh Bell - surgeon of H.M. sloop Investigator
May 27. 1803
Sir
Having received a letter from you upon His Majestys service stating the very ill state of health of a part of the company under my command, and the urgent necessity "which ought to enduce me to make all possible speed to port" I have to answer, that the zeal you there manifest for your patients is very laudable and would have received my warmest approbation, had you not at the same time take upon yourself the presumption not only of being to be the judge of what I ought to do, but also the of the proper mode of doing it, for so I interpret this commencing sentence of your letter "Finding you are intent upon delaying our arrival at Port Jackson still longer" for as I am steering what I judge to be the best possible course for that port Port Jackson, I can interpret the commencing sentence of your letter no otherwise that as condemning our present course unless you have any information of an intended stoppage, and if so I call upon you for desire you to tell me the author of your such information.
The charge you bring against me for paying no attention to your representations. The first part of your letter, Sir appearing to be intended to raise to yourself a character for humanity, by casting a malignant stigma upon mine, and that I may be fully aware of your designs, I here call upon you to declare for an explanation of the following passages it becomes necessary for me to know of the causes which induced you to make use of the following sentences. "Finding you are intent upon delaying our arrival at Port Jackson still longer", and that what I
[page 30]
"have said already said regarding the sickly state of the ships company has not, nor appears likely to influence your speed", an explanation of these is what I am now expecting from you.
I am Sir, &c.
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 37]
To the same - [Hugh Bell, surgeon of H.M. Sloop Investigator] May 28 1803
Sir
In your first letter of yesterday you tell me that the state of the sick "ought to induce me to make all possible speed to port", and in the second you say "I never pretended to judge of what you ought to do" - Now although these passages are somewhat at irreconcilable yet I am content to take your meaning from your the second; and as I see the I have received statements accounts from Lieut. Fowler and Mr. Aken of what they which together Lieut. Fowler and Mr Aken have stated to me that what they said was in a general and inadvertant manner, have said this with your own statement account sufficiently shew me upon what sort of ground the opinion which induced you to write to me is built.
Being induced by an earnest wish desirous to preserve the what unanimity and good will there is there remains amongst us, I shall put the issue consequence of your letter to this one point - Did you or did you not intend, by your first letter of yesterday, to reproach me with inattention to the state of the sick? - I expect your answer to be direct, and given upon your honour. If it -
If your answer - is such as your second letter gives me some reason to suppose hope, I shall with pleasure drop the subject, for I can forgive errors of
the head, but those of the heart not so easily. However, As it may be useful to you in any future correspondence with representations to your Commander, I shall take the liberty, afterwards, of pointing out to you the several errors you have committed; for where you stray from the statement of the sick,- your proper province, - every sentence contains at least one error is pregnant with them; which may probably serve to should convince you that by interfering with the duty of a commander you will get by much out of your depth.
I am, Sir, &c.
Mattw. Flinders
if you should find it to be the case, might serve to
[page 31]
[Letter No. 38]
To Mr Hugh Bell - surgeon
May 29. 1803
Sir,
Amongst the errors that you have committed in your first letter of the 27th. I do not include any in the statement you gave of the condition of the sick, I take it as being correct without examination. My present intention is to point out those mistakes in your opinions which you have made in judging how far I have been, am, and am likely to be, influenced and ought to be, influenced by the state of the sick, and your representations concerning them; these are all points these, Sir, are points that concerning my duty as well as the dangerous error as also the general one which you have committed in judging at all of the motives what are or are not the motives by which my conduct is influenced. All these points, Sir, concern my duty, and have been criticised by adverted upon by you. On the point of last - of that I ought to be influenced by the state of the sick to make all possible speed to port, your last letter says that it was meant as a position for my judgement; - I am willing to consider it as your meaning to have been such, albeit there is no neither addition, explanation or commentary that can put it into that light; your words are fairly quoted my present business, however, being to point out the errors of the first letter, I must, at present, take them your words as there expressed.
[page 32]
fulfilling. By judging or speaking upon these points, therefore, you must will see that you must be liable to error; and in order to shew you that your conjectures which you made, (but which you have taken to be proceeded upon as matters of fact ) are erroneous, you have erred in each one of them, I shall condescend to tell you how far I have been and am now influenced by what influence your representations have really had upon me..
In Goose Island In Goose-Island Bay I should have stopped two or more days longer than we did, in order to examine the opposite shore of the main for anchorage [in the original text `anchor' has been represented by a drawing of an anchor] and fresh water and to give the botanists and mineralogists an opportunity of ranging over the hills; but the state of sick prevented this. I should have steered from that bay to Kanguroo Island and explored its south side, and most probably have stopped two or more days there; and it is probable, as I find the ship strong enough, that from thence I should have gone to that part of the south coast of New Holland which a gale of wind obliged me to leave unexamined the last year. Your representation The state of the sick does also present my design of going in amongst Hunters and Furneauxs Islands, the latter of which I am very desirous to have examined by the scientific gentlemen. Thus, Sir, I think you must see that you are wrong in saying that you find (That I am taking a course to the southward of Kings Island is most true, and (independent of any other motive I may have for preferring it) were you a seaman independent of any other motive I may have for preferring it, I would shew you the propriety of keeping on the south or weather side of the strait at this season of the year, in order to prevent as much as possible the chance a fair wind through it; was it for the sake of expedition securi only but as I have been there and upon the neighbouring coasts for several years, a surgeon might give me credit for being better acquainted with the proper course than himself, or than any other officer in the Investigator, without such an explanation. In a small memoir published in 1801, you will find the exact course which I am now taking to be recommend I have recommended a course through Bass' Strait which is
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which is exactly that which I am now steering for to make; this I mention that you may not fancy your letter has occasioned to have been the cause of this preference; and on a similar I account I tell you, that the prolonging of our stay at the salt island, and the stoppage at Furneauxs Islands were both mentioned to lieutenant Fowler before you letter was written, as well as the course that prevented them: for the truth of my other intentions above mentioned I presume you may give me credit.
Thus, Sir, I think you are wrong err in saying you have found me to be "intent upon delaying our arrival at Port Jackson"; - you are also wrong in asserting that what you "have already said regarding the sickly state of the ships company has not " influenced my speed, as well as in saying that it does not "appear likely" to do it; for as I have shewn that it has influenced and is still influencing my proceedings, the likelihood is that it will continue to do so; and it is shewn that my intentions are affected by what you have said, which is the most certain likelihood. The causes facts which gave rise to "the necessity of a further representation" being sage and erroneous thus proving to be no more better than your conjectures founded on error, it appears that there was no necessity on their account the necessity itself must vanish.
It remains for me to shew that you have committed an error in judging how far the state of the sick ought to influence me; and this is done by referring to my first position, that you must be acquainted with my my orders, and be a judge of the relative consequence which the execution of completion of each part bears to the health of the people on board, before you can know how pronounce what "ought to influence induce me to make all possible speed to port";# and (This is a convenient place enough to remind you of one great an oversight which I think you have committed, and which probably has been the original cause of all your errors mistakes - Your duty must always necessarily coincide with your humanity towards the ships company in all cases, my duty whereas my duty, the execution of my orders may someti mine that of a Commander may be either diametrically opposite to humanity, as in the case of exposing them
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to great danger; or it may be so indirectly so in part, such as at the present case time to sacrifice one or two a few days to accomplish a particular point object in order to save prevent the necessity of a future expedition to these parts of six or seven months. Had the health of the ships company people been my only object the great object of my duty as it is of yours, and I had been permitted to follow my own plan for their preservation, I should certainly have kept them on shore in their native country, and not have exposed them to the danger of the seas and enemies, and the to pernicious changes of climate; to all of which the is execution of my duty orders obliges me now makes it now necessary now to do expose them.
The turn which your last third letter gives to the last exceptional passage Having shewn you the several points where you have erred gone beyond the bounds of your duty, I shall only say further, that after you had represented the present, and, if necessary, the probable state of the ships company, you might with propriety have urged how necessary requisite necessary it was to the recovery of the sick and prevention of further disease, that we should speedily arrive at a port where the necessary remedies might be procured proper remedies could be applied. This, Sir, would have been laudable, and I believe your instructions do not authorize you to go further: the necessity of making all possible sped to port, arising from other circumstances must should be left to my judgement.
In conclusion, I now consider your intentions to have been no more than as expressed in the last paragraph; and as such they have my approbation, and I am, Sir
your obedient servant
Mattw. Flinders
# it appears, however, that the opinion you have chanced to take up, coincides by chance with what I have judged to be the proper mode of proceeding in the present instance
[page 35]
[Letter No. 39]
To Mr. H. Bell - surgeon
May 30. 1803
I thought, Sir, that by taking your meaning as I did, and giving you my approbation of for what you intended to represent by your first letter, every thing on my part was done, to and that you would not have been otherwise than well satisfied but it seems you will not allow this:- The eight paragraph of my last letter displeases you, because (I suppose) it confines to your patients representations to what is necessary to the recovery of the sick and prevention of further disease. It seems that you want to return to the original meaning of the exceptionable words in your first letter, by hoping that I will now "believe your first letter to be such as it really is". Sir I had willingly to have taken your intentions as I hoped to have be such as I could approve, but if your words are to be taken as they really are, I must demand answers to the following questions.
Have you found that I am "intent upon delaying our arrival at Port Jackson"?
Have you found "that what you have already said regarding the whole "state sickly state of the ships company has not" influenced my speed?
Have you found that what you have already said "is not likely" to influence my speed?
Do you pretend to know what "ought to influence induce", or "it is fit" should induce, or "it is necessary" it should induce me to make all possible speed to port? Take the "ought" or either of your explanations.
If you say, no, to each of these interrogations, then say whether or no Be advised, Sir, and give su short and direct answers to these; I have too much employment to have time for continuing a correspondence with a person who first says he "is convinced of the falsity" of a part of his exertion of a circumstance, which induced him to use an assertions in his a letter and then hopes they that letter will be taken as they it usually is. I wish to preserve the remaining good under a good understanding with my the officers and gentlemen on board as well as to see them friendly with each other; and am sorry to see you so ready to infringe upon upon both disinclined to co operate with me.
[page 36]
Hoping your answer will be short, and to the immediate purpose, I remain, Sir
your obedient servant
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 40]
To Mrs. Flinders - Donington Lincolnshire
Investigator Port Jackson June 10th 18023
My dearest mother
We arrived here yesterday from having circumnavigated New Holland, and I received numerous and valuable marks of the friendship of all those whose affection are so dear to me; but the joy which some letters would have occasioned is dreadfully embittered by what you my good and kind mother had occasioned to communicate. The death of so kind a father and who was so excellent a man is a heavy blow and strikes deep into my heart. The duty I owed him and which I had now a prospect of repaying with the warmest affection and gratitude, had made me look forward to the time of our return with increased ardor. Oh I had laid such a plans of mutual comfort for him has would have tended to make his latter days the most delightful of his life, for I think an increased income, retirement from business, attent and constant attention from an affectionate son whom he loved would have done this. Indeed my mother, I thought the time fast approaching for me to fulfil what I once told said in a letter, that my actions should some time shew how I valued my father. That One of my fondest hopes is now destroyed, - Oh my dearest, kindest father, how much I loved and reverenced you, you cannot now know. Everything that I have ever said or done that was displeasing to you now strikes upon my mind like moral guilt. I had indeed a strong propensity to independence of mind of thought and action, and did not attend as I ought to gratify you by my words and actions. I thought indeed that I was certainly not acting wrong, in anything I did, but but I was, in not making your ease and happiness the first rate of my actions conduct I have not acted right.
June 11th. I beg of you my dear mother to look upon me with affection and as one who means to contribute every thing in his power to your happiness. Independent of my dear fathers last wish, I am of mysel
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self desirous to preserve the that the best understanding and correspondence should subsist between us; for I love and reverence you my dearest Madam and hope to be considered by you as the most anxious and affectionate of your friends whose heart and purse will be ever ready for your service
I make no doubt, my dear mother, but with regard to pecuniar the you will do what is proper and right in the family affairs, and at this distance I cannot do better than leave every thing to your discretion; and and as far as I know you have every requisite power that is requisite; and where you have find should there be occasion for a man to act and to advise with for you, Mr Franklin and or Mr Hursthouse will I dare say cheerfully come forward, and there are no men in whom I have more confidence. (You speak of £600 or thereabout left to me in the 5 per cents, - I know not who at present can receive any dividend for me, but if you can or either Mr Franklin or Mr Hursthouse, (whom my Ann Mrs Flinders tells me are executors in trust,) I wish the yearly interest to be added to the yearly income of my dear mother in law, or to be applied to the education of my two young sisters as she in such manner as you shall think best. This my dearest Madam I wish to continue until such time as I can see you and put things upon the footing that they ought to continue remain.
Do not let your economy be carried too far. I hope you will continue to visit and see Mrs Shepherd and all our good friends, keep your maid servant and have things comfortable about you. I should be sorry that my dear mother should lose any of the comforts and conveniences she has been accustomed to enjoy, and th my intention in adding something to your income is that you may not lose any.
As for me in Samuel and me, we are going on very well, laying a sure foundation, I trust, for future fame and fortune. Our voyage goes has gone on prosperously, my credit with the great friends who have pushed me forward seems to increase, and I am getting something richer every year. At this time I consider our voyage business to be nearly half over done; therefore, as we left England in July 1801 we ought to arrive again about the same time in 1805, but I fear it will rather be sometime longer rather than sooner, and it would be better not to expect us before the spring of 1806 end of the year
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I am somewhat surprised at my sisters marriage, but I think, my dear mother, that rather than make any dissention, we all of us ought to cultivate as much kindness as we can with every branch of the family. Our great center of union, we, to our great misfortune, have lost, but let us cling to each other, and the blasts of malevolence and misfortune will shall lose much of shall assail us almost in vain; - we will still be a family, and still be respectable.
I have much satisfaction in hearing both from you and Susan that Hannah makes so good use of the opportunities she has for improvement; if she goes on cultivating her mind, - forming her manners from the best examples before her, behaves respectfully and kindly to her mother and elder friends, she shall be my sister indeed, and I will love her dearly. Do not my dear mother take her from School too soon, and let her learn every thing that her probable situation in life may make it proper for her to learn. There is not future advantage of fortune that can make up a want of for defects in education, I have felt this myself, and seen it exemplified in others.
That you will cultivate a good understanding with my dear wife I cannot doubt, and I hope that you are not strangers or ever will be strangers to each other. Those who love or care for me, must will love my wife, who is the dearer half of me; for I cannot have any friend who is not a friend to her.
Isle of France August 25. 1804
What is written above has been lying by me a very long time, I little expected to finish the letter in a prison. The time I have mentioned for my arrival in England is I think still likely to keep true hold good. I have gone through some hardships and misfortunes within the last year, but the greatest is that of having been kept here 8 months from returning to my dear friends and family. My health is however good at this time, nor are my spirits cast down by misfortune or although the tyranny with which of the governor [Decaen] of this island has exerted in treating me as a spy has been grievous. I believe my situation is known by this time in England and will probably make some noise, for indeed it is almost without example. The French inhabitants even, of this island, begin to make complaints of the injustice of their governor, and they are disposed to be very kind to me. Four or five different people have offered me any money I may want or any service that they can do for me, but as they cannot get me away my liberty their services are of little avail I have a companion here in one of my officers [John Aken] and I have my steward who is a good and faithfull servant in my steward [John Elder] and for these last 4 months have we been
See ten leaves forward [page 58]
[page 39]
[Letter No. 41]
To Mr. Hursthouse - Tidd near Wisbeach in Cambridgeshire
Investigator - Port Jackson June 12. 1803
Not sent
My dear Sir
Knowing you to be one of those friends who stood highest in my dear fathers esteem, and encouraged by the kindness I have myself experienced under your roof, I have taken the liberty of addressing you, and with the hope, my dear Sir, that the friendship you had for my much lamented father parent, will be continued to our now scattered family, and not be denied to me. Might I presume, I would offer my services and friendship to you and yours family in return; and if gratitude and high esteem are necessary ingredients in a friend, you will find them not wanting in my heart towards you and every part of your good and kind family. -
I am given to understand that yourself and Mr. Franklin are appointed guardians executors in trust by my late fathers will, I do not exactly understand the difference between an executor immediate, and an executor in trust, but supposing you to have some authority in our family affairs, and not doubting but that you have the philanth sufficient philanthropy towards the widow and the orphan to exercise it, I take the trouble liberty of mentioning that which regards myself. From £600 which it appears is bequeathed to me, I wish the dividend to be regularly given to my mother-in-law as an increase to her income, until I return from this present voyage and can put matters upon a proper footing. I wish not to trouble you further than to do this for me, if it lies within your jurisdiction, unless it was to assist and advise my mother in settling her affairs, as occasion may require
I am glad to hear that my cousin Henrietta has slipped her tether. It was fast to nothing and yet she could not muster resolution enough to get away. As this occasion must have greatly occupied her mind, I excuse her for not writing to me these eighteen months notwithstanding her desire and promise of a close correspondence. We are told she is in London and are our affection and esteem for her make us anxious to know what she is doing.
Requesting you and your every individual of your good family to accept of my respect and esteem, I am, my dear Sir
your obliged friend and faithful servant
Mattw. Flinders
[page 40]
[Letter No. 42]
To the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks Bt. K.B. &c. &c. &c.
Investigator - Port Jackson June 20. 1803
not sent
+get to sea again
Sir Joseph
We arrived here a few days since in no great spirits from our first circumnavigation of New Holland, and with having a rotten ship and a sickly ships company were in no very great spirits having examined much less of the coast than I hoped to have done by this time; and unfortunately the ship and people are in so bad a state that I cannot soon + A dysentery that had first appeared in the Gulph of Carpentaria again came on af attacked us on leaving entering the cold and moist weather to the southward. It carried off five the boatswain and four of my best men, and since we came into port, poor Good and three others have been added to the list. We have just had a survey held upon the ship, by which she is found to be rotten decayed beyond credibility, there being only 16 sound timbers out of 107 which were examined; and other parts are bad in proportion: it is well we had no bad weather coming in the passage from Timor. - Being still lame, and debilitated in health, and and dispirited by a late the addition of a severe domestic loss, to the above melancholy state of the ship & people your letter, Sir Joseph, operated like another sun was doubly agreeable; I am very grateful for the kind attention therein shewn toward the voyage and to me. - You will have learnt that the principal part of
Before the arrival of this letter, the charts of the south coast will have arrived, and you will find that the greater part of the south coast the unknown part was first explored by us and that some oversights of the French in the remainder there were not passed by the Investigator.
the unknown south coast was first seen by us, tow and if my letters from Timor should arrive be received it will also be known that the Gulph of Carpentaria was thoroughly examined by us before the French had been near it. Thus I please myself with the hope, that, considering how much after them we sailed, we have done every thing that could be expected and With regards to Torres Strait we have been truly fortunate, and after it shall be thoroughly examined, with this passage will no doubt be of the greatest utility to ships who have any concern in the Southern Pacific, more especially at Port Jackson.
As I expect to have the whole of the charts ready to accompany this an abstract of our proceedings and remarks, to the admiralty, you will not, I think Sir Joseph think me negligent in omitting a detail here. (There yet remains to be done - 1st to complete the survey of Bass' Strait and that part
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part of the south coast which I was obliged to quit in a gale of wind last year. - 2nd. To explore the east coast from the Northumberland Cumberland Isles, where I quitted it, to Cape Flattery. 3rd to survey Torres' Strait; and 4th to continue the survey on from Cape Arnhem round the west coast to Cape Leuwen. The Fijee Islands I give up, but cannot think of returning home until the other objects are completed; and therefore I have applied to the governor [King] for a ship, and he offers me the Porpoise. She is too small and and is for the purpose, but as it will save government the sum of £11550 for which the ship Rolla migh with her stores might be purchased here, we are continuing we have determined to make her do, with a tender to be manned by the surplus hands. +
My Timor letter talked of purchasing a ship, and those who said I should put money into my pocket by repairing the Investigator at Rio de Janerio, will probably find out that the purchasing a ship and stores here will also be a good thing. That I have preferred a Kings ship under many disadvantages both pecuniary and personal will I hope silence any such insinuations of attending more to my private interest than to that of government the service in which I am engaged and to forego the many advantages in the pursery department by giving the Fijee that would accrue to the pursery department from a visit to the Fijee Islands, may tend to the same point. I am very grateful to you, Sir Joseph, for waiting to see my actions before you gave ear to the malicious aspersions upon them. I wish not to have a fairer trial. And I beg to assure you,
# that I never said, wrote, or thought of going there Rio de Janerio after receiving my order or of repairing the ship there or in any other place. The head that (He who invented it has been env The head who invented it shewed its experience in underhand practices and is nearly allied to a malicious heart. I know not what governor King may think of me, but he is more likely to see into the motives of my actions, and as I see not that he can not be partial anyway, his information what he may say, if he says any thing, is better to be depended on. The fear of being misunderstood by you, Sir Joseph, to whom I owe respect and gratitude, leads has led me into a warmth with which I ought to have avoided before you: I beg pardon for it
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+ That I have chosen the Porpoise under many disadvantages, both pecuniary and personal, and that I am content to forego the advantages that would accrue to the pursery department from a visit to the Fijee Islands, will I hope be an answer to any insinuations of attending more to my private interest than to that of the service in which I am engaged. It may be alleged that I do the latter for the purpose of returning sooner, and the hope of standing a few months higher upon a superior list; but as it may be demonstrated that the Rolla could finish the voyage several months sooner than the Porpoise, my having chosen the latter it will require some casuistry to refer my having chosen the latter ship to the same object. That there should be men who people desirous of crushing a young man just commencing his career, and who has given no intentional offence to any one, is ungenerous. Fortunate indeed is it for me to have fallen into the hands of one who will wait to see my actions before he pays attention to the aspersions concerning cast upon them: I wish not to have a fairer trial. Lest, Sir Joseph you may suppose that the report of the Investigator going to refit at Rio de Janeiro may yet have some foundation, I beg to assure you #
Our plan for the completion of the voyage is as follows. To employ both vessels as soon as they can be fitted, in Bass's Strait until January. Go to the Cumberland Isles in Feb. and set leave Lt. Flinders into the fair way of finishing the east coast with the tender to Cap Flattery, leave him and be in Torres Strait in March, - Survey it and Rendezvous at the P. of W. Isles on June 1st. Proceed together to Cape Arnhem and explore the north coast until Aug. when we must go to Timor for provisions. On Nov. 1st come again on the coast, and dispatching the tender back to Port Jackson, finish the west coast as opportunities offer and be again at Timor in April, and at the Cape of Good Hope by the end of June 1805. We shall, therefore, finally quit Port Jackson in Feb. next. A great part of Mr. Browns specimens will probably be sent home by the Calcutta, and the large garden of live plants by the first ship good conveyance after next Feb. The small garden and future collection will come in the Porpoise.
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[Letter No. 43]
To Mrs. Flinders near Spilsby - Lincolnshire
Port Jackson Investigator June 25. 1803
Grateful for thy recovered health, my dearest love, and grateful to thee for thy many, and long and most dear remembrances of me, which I have received on our arrival here a few some days since, how shall I express the anguish of my heart at the dreadful havock havock that death has made is making all around. How dear is the name of father to an affectionate son, and how sweet the idea of being soon able to console and assist him in his every want and wish. When When parting with the hope of soon proving shewing the truth of a former assertion, that my words shew actions should prove better than my words how much I loved him, how dreadful is this blow. Tis too painful for me to be dwell upon it; yet; and you alas although, alas, I have lately had too much experience of the tyrants deaths power for my eyes cannot scarcely be turned where some victim of deaths dreadful does not lie. Douglas the boatswain is gone, the sergeant [James Greenhalgh], two quarter masters [William Hillier and John Draper] and another [Thomas Smith] followed before we got into this port; and since, Mr. Browns assistant - the gardener [Peter Good], and three others [Oloff Wastreen, John Simmonds and Robert chapman] are laid in earth. His Deaths hand is now staid, and his m envious eye which had been turned cast upon more of us seems to be turning away.
But little indeed can be boasted of our state and condition, but thou shalt have some brief account of us; and first - of the ship; - A survey has been held upon her and which proves her to be so very much decayed as to be totally fit for irrepairable. It was the universal unanimous opinion opinion of the surveying officers (not belonging to the ship) that had we met a severe gale of wind in the passage from Timor that she must have been crushed like an egg and gone down instantly. I was partly aware of her bad state, and returned sooner to Port Jackson, before the worst weather came, on that account. - For thy distressed me, whom this obstruction in the voyage, and the melancholy state of my poor people have much distressed, I have been lame about the four months and was much debilitated in health, and I fear in constitution, but am now much recovering and shall soon be altogether well. Mr. Fowler is tolerably well, and is a good natured fellow and suits me very well
[page 44]
my brother is also well, inf is becoming steady, and clings is more friendly and affectionate with me since his knowledge of our mutual loss. Mr. Brown is recovered from ill health and lameness; we are not altogether cordial, but our mutual anxiety to forward further completion success of the voyage is a bond of union: he is a man of abilities and knowledge, but wants feeling kindness. Mr. Bauer, your favourite, is still polite and gentle; and is so to a considerable depth, but I fear there is a dreadful disposition at the bottom. Mr. Westall wants prudence, but is good natured: the two last are well and have always remained upon good terms with me. Mr. Bell is a misanthropic, and pleases nobody: he may probably leave us. Elder continues to be a faithful and attentive as before; I like him, and apparently it is returned he likes me. Whitewood I have made a masters mate, and he behaves well. Charrington is become boatswain and Jack Wood is now my coxswain. Trim, like his master is becoming grey; he is at present fat and frisky, and takes meat from our ones forks with his former dexterity: he is commonly my bedfellow. The master [John Aken] we have in poor Thistles place, is an easy good-natured man. Whom you do not know
As I shall be better able in a few weeks to say how the voyage will be prosecuted, and how soon we may probably return, I will leave Port Jackson and return to thy dear and kind letters I have now before me the following - two dated in December 1801 - one in Jan. 1802 and others in Feb. June and Sept. 1802. All these I found on our arrival, and for which I am most grateful to thee, and also to thy father and mother for their inclosures. Thou hast shewn me how very ill I have requited thy tender love in several cases. I will not I cannot excuse myself now, but will plead for respite until my return, when in thy dear arms I will beg for pardon and if thou canst forgive me all, will have it sealed - oh with ten thousand kisses. If I could laugh at the effusions of thy tenderness, it would be to see the idolatrous language thou sometim frequently usest to me. Thou makest an idol, and then worshipeth it; and like some of the inhabitants of the east, thou also bestowest a little occasional castigation, just to let the ugly deity know the value of thy devotion. Thinkest thou not my dearest love that I shall not be spoiled by the endearing
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flatteries? - I fear it, and yet cannot hardly part with one, so dear to me is thy affection in whatever way expressed; but do not my dear talk of my manly face. Belle is much nearer the truth in saying I am a little, old, cross looking thing. I fear that thy affection kindness overlooks blemishes, which will be too palpable when we return even for the eyes of partiality to mistakes; then thou wilt have some disappointment and I some a temporary mortification.
I cannot yet allow that my love is far behind thine, but I am indeed
far behind thee in expressions of affection tenderness, yet to my regret and pray sorrow. Measure me not by this abundance, but believe, my dearest and only love, that very, very often my thoughts which are never expressed, are devoted to thee. In torture at thy great distance from me, I lay musing upon thee, and sighing forth mo whilst sighs of fervent love, compassion and admiration will get utterance for thy suffering health, and admiration of thy excellencies in turn get utterance
I would not, my dear Ann, have thee ambitious, for was that the case, and instead of being restrained by thee I was to be stimulated, I know not what might be aimed at, even to supreme sovereign power; but my heart is with thee, and so soon as I can insure for us a moderate portion of the comforts of life, thou wilt see whether love or ambition have the greatest power over me. In the mean time, believe me, oh truly believe me that I pursue discovery only to be able avoid the future necessity of parting from thee. Before thou wast mine, I had engaged in this voyage: - without it we could not live. Thou knowest not the struggle in my bosom, before I consented to the necessity of complying with the w There was not prospect of a permanent subsistence but in pursuing what I had undertaken, and at this period I doubt not but that it will answer the end.
July 3. The plan of our remaining voyage is now settled. We shall leave Port Jackson for the last time in Feb. next; - shall beat Timor in September following, and in June 1805 at the Cape of Good Hope, should nothing unforseen occur. Therefore, my love, write no more to me here, but at the Cape (if it is English & it is peace) to.
Isle of France July 13. 1804
Various have been the turns of fortune, my dearest life, since the former part of this letter was addressed to thee; but since my brother will, I trust, relate have arrived before this can reach thee, my paper shall not be occupied by these. I will turn to what he cannot
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tell thee, though alas the review is not less darkened by misfortune than the former part. Unacquainted with the circumstances thou wilt with much justice complain that since March 1803 no letter has been addressed to thee; but in this confinement, watched and suspected, my sighs must be smoothered, and the effusions of my tenderness toward thee love must here be given to the winds in some secret corner. I have however ventured three letter short letters, which since my arrival in this island, which though addressed to Mr. Tyler were meant for thee: they bear date Dec. 31. 1804 - April 26 and May 20. 1804. (It is scarcely possible but that the very unjust treatment I have met with from the French must be known by this time in England. How it will end is yet uncertain, for as yet still kept I am closely confined as before, although in 7 months nothing has been found to confirm their villainous suspicions against me. It is now in agitation to send me out into the country away from the port; and then I am to have the liberty of walking and perhaps riding within certain limits; this alteration has been brought about at the same time with the return of most of my books and charts, which just now have been given to me, and for which I am indebted to captain Bergeret, who when commanding the frigate La Virginie was taken by Sir Edward Pellew and detained for long time in England: his good heart sympathises with me in spite of the malevolent rigour of the brutal governor De Caën. For four months the master of the Investigator and me with Elder to attend us were shut up in a house and not suffered to go out even to walk for our health, though a French surgeon made a representation of its being absolutely necessary. I then applied through my friend Bergeret to neither was any person permitted to speak to me but such as had leave from the governor. At length I applied through the medium of my friend Bergeret to be removed to a large house where the prisoners of war were confined, and where a gar piece of ground inclosed by stone walls was permitted allowed to us to walk. In this place we have had a little society with some officers our fellow prisoners, and with that and exercise, have got restored to health. I have now applied for a further remove and am in expectation of its being complied with. The French pretend to treat me with respect in the midst of their barbarity injustice. They have abstained from taking away my arms and they send officers of some consequence when anything they want anything with me, and they allow 105 dollars a month for our subsistence. - It is told me that my peculiar case is made known to the French government, and that until an answer is received I must remain a prisoner here; this answer cannot be
[Continued on page 48]
[page 47]
[Letter No. 44]
[This letter has been crossed out]
To W. A. Standert Esq. No. Norfolk St. Strand London
Investigator June 28.1803
at Port Jackson
not sent
Dear Sir
On our arrival here I find a statement of my account from your good father, up to June 1802; and two powers to be executed by my brother and me: the latter you will now receive. Upon In the account I observe, that Mr. Franklins bill is charged in Apr. 1801 whereas it was not due until Apr. 1802 which has probably increased the charge for interest at the close of your fathers account. I observe a receipt in other respects every thing there is correct. The prize-money received on Whitesides account is what I did not expect, and is more than is due to me: His balance is now £6.6.1 which I should be glad you would pay to him or to any person authorized by him.
This reminds me of prize money due to me as masters mate of the Reliance for the Dutch ships detained at Plymouth in 1795 : I should be glad to have it got: Captain Waterhouse or Gov. Hunter can give information of it.
In your account since Dec. 1801 is this article Apr. 26 Paid 1 years Int. to yr. Father £5. Now this must belongs to my brothers account, which must ought not to be at all mixed with mine.
I observe that none of my bills remitted had been then received in June 1802. Up to July 20. 1802 they amounted to £263.4.91/2
| } | ||
| } | ||
|
|
||
| receive as under | Pay up to June 13.1802 | £33. 2 . - |
| Bill for 131 days necessary money | 22.13. | |
| Lieut. Fowlers 3 months bill | 20.13. 3 | |
| £76. 8 . 3 | ||
[page 48]
[Letter No. 43 to Ann Flinders] Continued from two pages back [page46]
expected in less than 3 months and may probably be five; if I shou the gener governor should be ordered to set me at liberty, as I expect, in about 4 or 5 months after that I may be able to reach England; but since it is uncertain what accounts of my being a spy may be sent to France, it is also very uncertain what orders may come out: I place more reliance upon the demand to the French government which I expect the admiralty will make for me to the French government to be given up with my books and charts by virtue of my passport, than upon any justice or philanthropy from the French.
What would I not now give to know the state of thy health and the situation of our domestic affairs and friends. Comfort thyself my dearest Ann: a few months more after thou shalt receive this will restore me to thy arms, and in our happiness the memory of this misery shall be buried, as a frightful dream.
Be good enough my dear to write to my mother, or if thou canst visit her and give her comfort. In me she may firmly depend upon finding a most sincere and affectionate friend: I will be to her indeed as a son; and To my young sisters give a kiss and my best love. To thy good father and mother and I am much indebted, and much bound in love, as I will be to all those whom I shall find to have treated thee with kindness; for in thee it is that I live and move and have being, and whosoever loveth thee him will I love. If my brother (If my Brother shall not have got into employment tell him that I think he should get into a ship in the channel fleet or with a cruizing frigate until such time as I can come home to see what can be done. To my dear Belle, to Thomas Franklin and the charming family, and to my cousin Henny and her family, pray my dear, give my best love and remembrance, and my respects to my uncle at Bolingbroke. This is the first opportunity that has occurred here for writing to thee and I write no other letter than this or I should write to my sister Susan and my mother. How much I do want to see every body, but above all, thee thou beloved of my heart:
thy most affectionate Mattw. Flinders
P.S.
If my friend Wiles should have come to England pray write my present him with my best esteem and regard: and say that I still look upon him as one of the dearest of my friends.
[page 49]
[Letter No. 45]
To James Wiles Esq. Inclosed to Mr. T. Franklin
H.M.S. Investigator July 2. 1803
Port Jackson
My dear friend
Mr. Franklin tells one that you complain heavily of my neglect in not writing to you. I will not say that I am blameless, but certainly many a long letter that I have written has not come to your hand. I might make a similar complaint, the last letter received from Jamaica being dated I think in May 1801, but probably my accusation would be as ill founded, and may arise from the same cause.
Be assured, my dear Wiles, that I still esteem, nay love you, greatly; and please myself with the hope of finding you comfortably settled in England on my return, when we shall have more time and opportunity of cultivating our old friendship, than the distance of half a world can possibly permit. I have sometimes thought that we shall probably meet disappointment in each other. I can think of you only as being what I left you, and probably the case it is the same with you. Now a length of time - differentce of pursuits, and studyies and society has probably made an great alteration; it may have carried you to the south and me to the east, and thence we shall not find that congeniality of sensiment which was wont to unite our friendship so closely. Perhaps it is best not to expect too much.
Of the examination of New Holland and New South Wales, I have done the before unknown south coast, reexamined part of the east coast, found a good passage passed through the strait between New Holland it and New Guinea of in three days and (you know it occupied us 19) and minutely explored the Gulph of Carpentaria. These are the heads of what is done, the rest is now to be examined; but the Investigator being now totally rotten, I am getting another ship, in which, after completing the purpose of the voyage, I hope to arrive in England, about September 1805.
You will well understand that chart making, journal writing, observation working, and the regulation and direction of the ship find me employment enough. It is indeed my harvest time and it will not do for the reaper to lay down his hook long to gether. You will not judge me by the length of my letter but believe me to be very sincerely Your affectionate friend
Mattw. Flinders
[page 50]
[Letter No. 46]
To Mrs McArthur Parramatta Investigator July 7 6. 1803
Dear Madam
I have been able to find but little satisfactory information relative to your case. Under the head "Sale" of the Encyclopedia Britannica it appears that "if "the buyer proves insolvent before delivery, the seller is not bound to deliver the "goods without payment or security". + Under the article "Exchange" it appears that bills of exchange, or a note of hand "are looked upon as payment," but again the "punctuality of acquitting these obligations is essential to commerce;
+ and "In this as well as other mercantile contracts, the safety of "commerce requires the utmost good faith and veracity.
So that I am still of opinion that you should not deliver up the cattle until you have sufficient security for the payment of the bills drawn, as well as the receipt of the sum requisite remaining £500.
>From what I can hear, it is most likely that you will be called upon for the partition on the very day that yo to which your letter to the Committee referred it; but I judge, that although a prosecution should be immediately entered in the civil court, and suppose that the letter of the agreement your contract should be so far laid aside as that it should be given against you, yet the elapse time that will elapse, the appeal to the governor, and from thence to the King England will be more than sufficient for you to know of the payment or non payment refusal of the bills, which I apprehend is the only point necessary to be ascertained.
If I can be of any service to you in this or any other case, I beg you will consider me as one who will be glad to serve you. I will at any time come to Parramatta or answer any thing you may chuse to ask if you see occasion for it; being dear Madam
your sincere and obliged friend
Mattw. Flinders
[page 51]
[Letter No. 47]
To Mrs. McArthur Parramatta
Investigator July 28. 1803 - Sydney Cove
My dear Madam,
The governors ill health and the delay of my business beyond expectation prevent my visit to Parramatta. How seldom it is that the execution of my our projects exactly follows the intention, even when it rests only on ourselves, but how much less so when the exertions of others are taken into the calculation
I beg to receive your commands sometime before the 5th. next; in which fail not to include any thing that I can do personally that lies in or near town. It would be much pleasure to me to have waited upon you at Parramatta, but my business will not allow me to bestow two days upon personal gratifications.
The Porpoise will drop into the stream on Tuesday or Wednesday, and proposes sailing on the 5th.
Adieu my dear Madam - I am going home with the promise of being attended by fortunes smiles, and with the delightful prospect of enfolding one to whom my return will be a return of happiness. Be propitious kind fortune, as heretofore, and fail me not at this delightful anxious period. For you, my dear friend I leave you with anxious suspence, and borne down with the cares attendant upon the interests of a large family, the oppressive weight of which your single shoulders are at present left to bear: May that Almighty Power whom you reverence and adore impart such fortitude to your mind and health to your person as will enable you to discharge
[page 52]
to discharge your various duties with the satisfaction that attends upon having done every thing well; and may you soon hear the glad salutes - Thanks! thou beloved partner of my heart and fortune - All duty and love to our ever-honoured parent! These my dearest Madam shall be your rewards here, and may eternal felicity crown your cares hereafter. That you may soon enjoy the one, and be attended by those you love in the other, is the anxious wish of
Your very sincere and affectionate friend
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 48]
To George Bass Esq. (left with governor King) -
My dear Bass
I shall first thank you my dear Bass for the two letters left for me with Bishop, and then say how much I am disappointed that the speculation is not likely to afford you a competency as soon as we had hoped. This fishing and pork carrying may pay your expenses, but the only thing else that other advantage you can get by it is experience for a future voyage, and this I take to be the purport of your Peruvian expedition. Poor Bishop seems to be wholly dispirited, but this may probably be no loss to you; I will not offer an opinion concerning his farm & sheep.
Although I am so much interested in your success, yet what I say about it will be like of Shortlands letters - vague conjectures only mingled with I hope. Concerning the Investigator and myself, there will be more uncertainty in what I write. In addition to the south coast, we have explored the east coast as far as Cape Palmerston, with the islands and extensive reefs which lie off: then run from a little to the N.W. of
[page 53]
Break-sea Spit to those of the Labyrinth. The passage through Torres' Strait you will learn as much of here, as I can tell you: the news paper of June 12. last will give you information enough to go through, and it is the best I have (the chart excepted) until the strait is properly surveyed. Should these three ships go through safely, and I do not fear the contrary, the utility of the discovery will be well provend, and its the consequences will probably be as favourable to me as the conclusion of the voyage might have been without it. I do indeed privately hope, that whether the voyage is or is not further prosecuted, I may attain another step; many circumstances are favourable to this, but the peace, and the non completion of the voyage are against it. To balance these I must secure the interest of the India House, by means of Sir Joseph, Mr Dalrymple, and the owner of the Bridgewater, Princeps, with whom I am to be acquainted. I am fortunate in having the attachment of governor King, who by introductions, favourable reports, and I believe every proper means in his power, has and is still endeavouring to assist me; and you are to understand, that my going home for another ship is in conformity to an opinion first brought forward by him. The shores of the Gulph of Carpentaria have undergone a minute examination
It might appear that the presence of the French upon these coasts would be much against me; but I consider that circumstance as favourable, in as much as the attention of the world will be more strongly attracted toward New Holland, and some comparisons will no doubt be formed between our respective labours; Now in the ge department of geography or rather hydrography, the only one where the execution rests with me, they seem to have been very vague and inconclusive, even by their own testimony; by comparison, therefore, my charts will rise in value. It is upon these that I wish to rest my credit; if they are ill done, I have done nothing well; you must, however, make the requisite
[page 54]
allowances for the circumstances under which each part was examined, and these circumstances I have made the charts themselves explain, I hope to your satisfaction, as I hope which you will find see on their publication
My family intelligence is of a melancholy hue. My wife has had a continued series of ill health, and almost lost one of her eyes, from repeated colds in it. My poor father has paid the last debt of nature, about 15 months since; in May 1802; at a time when to my great regret, our good understanding was not complete His affairs were such as to leave Besides legacies he has left my mother-in-law £90 or 100 a year for life, and to each of his children about £600 besides the division of the £100 a year on the demise of my mother; amounting in the whole to about £6000. My eldest sister, married (without the consent of her fat family (as I had done before) Her name is Pearce a man who is now fixed as a Draper at Bedford; their name is Pearce and their mutual methodism brought them together; further I know nothing of them as yet. Samuel you know is with me, and I hope may be something above the common run of his class; he is however something below yet in some things yet below it, in some points
I shall see your wife, if in London, as well as her family. Accounts speak but indifferently of her brother [Henry Waterhouse] and his prospects: his sun seems to have passed the meridian if they say true. Your good mother I shall endeavour to see too, if my business will anyway fit it
God bless you, my dear Bass, remember me, and believe me to be
your very sincere and affectionate friend
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 49]
To Mrs Kent (left with governor King)
My dear Madam
Your two friendly letters I have received, and for which I thank you even almost more than for the one your were kind enough to bring out for me. Fortune seems to determined to give me disappointment - when I come into Port Jackson
[page 55]
two of the most esteemed of my friends are absent, and will not come in are not to return until we are gone: in the case of Bass I have been twice served this way
If captain Kent has any dislike to have me find fault with him, it is a lucky circumstance that he has an advocate whose eloquence almost prevents one from observing that he has said nothing. I should indeed have been gratified by a letter from him, though it had been a short one, but since his silence has produced me a higher banquet, I will kiss the kind hand that bestows it and be even pleased at his omission.
I am much interested in your present varied expedition;- you will receive much fatigue, and uneasiness, ill health , and some gratifications during the execution performance of it. I should share with you anticipate all these for you, anxiously hoping that your good excellent spirits will bear you over all. That there will be an end to our troubles, and that good consequences will arise from them, is perhaps the best alleviation the mind can have under such untoward circumstances; attentive kindness can do much but, before this is received, you will have conquered all, and have tasted of the reward.
At Timor, if you went to Coupang, you would hear of the Investigator, and I shall now again be gratified in hearing of if not from you. Would that you knew of our going thither that you could might have left letters for England for us to carry to England; but at Calcutta, th good opportunity will present itself offer.
I cannot enter into the circumstances of the Investigators rottenness and its consequences; nor is it necessary, since you will learn every thing material upon that head from the governor and others. The attention of the governor to me has indeed been very great, as well as that which I have received from my kind friend Mrs King; and it is a cause of much uneasiness to me that colonel & Mrs Paterson should be upon
[page 56]
terms of disagreement with them. There is now Mrs King, Mrs Paterson and Mrs McArthur for all of whom I have the greatest regard, who will can scarcely speak to each other; it is really a miserable thing to split a small society into such small parts: why do you ladies meddle with politics? but I do not mean you.
Whilst in London, I shall find out Eliza and her sister, and if I come out, shall bring all they have to send.
Wishing you and all yours, much health, and all the happiness that your wanderings will permit, I remain my dear Madam, your very sincere and obliged friend.
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 50]
To Mr. R. Purdie Aug. 14. 1803
Sir
Being desir
Letters during this interval contained in a paper book.
[Letter No. 51]
To Osborne Standert Esq. Navy Office London
Isle of France July 14. 1804
Re-dated Nov 4. 1804
Dear Sir
On our arrival at Port Jackson in June 1803 I found a statement of my account up to June 1802. I observe that Mr Franklins bill is charged in Apr. 1801 whereas it was not due until Apr. 1802, which has probably increased the charge for interest at the close of the account. In other respects the acct. up to December every thing is right. The prize money received on account of Whitesides is more than I expected, and is more than is due to me. His balance is now £6.6.1 which I should be glad you will pay to him or any person for him. This reminds me of prize money due to me as masters mate of the Reliance for the Dutch ships detained at Plymouth in 1795. I should be glad to have it got. Capt. Waterhouse or Governor Hunter can give information of it.
[page 57]
In the account since Decr. is this article
Apr. 16. paid 1 years Int. to your father £5.
now this must belong to my brothers account, which ought not to be mixed with mine.
I observe that none of my bills remitted at different times had been received in June 1802. From the time of sailing up to July 1803 they amount to £263.4.91/2 In August 1803 I left at Port Jackson to be forwarded to you two packets containing the following bills
| Seconds of Exchange | Thirds | ||
| Lt. Fowler 3 months pay | £20.13.3 | ||
| Mine to Julyune 13. 1802 | 33. 2 . - | ||
| Mind for pay to Nov. 28. 1802 | = £66 .4. | 66 .4 . - | |
| Do. May 15. 1803 | = 66 .4. | 66 .4 . - | |
| Necessary bill | 22.13.01/2 | ||
| Mr Aken -pay | 27. 3.9 | 27. 3.9 | |
| Mr. Palmer - private bill | 54.17.2 | 54.17.2 |
[page 58]
In continuation from 10 leaves back [p. 38]- [Letter No. 40] to Mrs Flinders Donington
Isle of France Augt. 25. 1804
Redated Nov. 4. 1804
allowed to walk in a garden. The governor pretends to say that he cannot let me go until he receives orders from France, and it is likely that these will not arrive these three or four months. I am obliged to call up all the patience that I can to bear this injustice; my great consolation is, that as I have done nothing to forfeit my passport or that can justify them for keeping me a prisoner, so I must be set at liberty with the honour when the time comes and my country will I trust reward me for my suffering in having supported her cause with the spirit becoming an Englishman
Five weeks since I wrote sent a letter to my Ann, by the first good conveyance that has offered itself in this island, but time would not then allow me to write more; a second now offers by a friend who has just been set at liberty and I write to you and Samuel
I am afraid fear that my uncle and aunt at Spalding, being now aged, will be in some distress. If it is the case, and you have any money of mine in your hands, I should be glad if you would make them a present of ten or twenty pounds, or if you can, do it and charge it to me in any other way.
I am anxious my dear mother that you should cultivate an acquaintance with my dear wife, and keep up a connection with my uncle and aunt at Spalding; we will not desert our friends in distress. - I am anxious to know how Susan is situated, but as I expected do not k write until I have seen her. - Pray remember me to the families at Boston, Spalding, and Tidd and write to my dear wife. The first moment of my arrival in England I shall inform you, and in the mean time, my dear mother, with great affection to regard for you and my young sisters, I am
your anxious and affectionate son
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 52]
To Lt. S. Flinders Isle of France Augt. 25. 1804
Redated Nov. 4. 1804
My dear Samuel
We have been told here that Mr. Fowler and you had an active share in driving off the French admiral Linois, I hope it will prove correct information, for next to my own honour and advancement, yours will be the most gratifying to me. I imagine that at St. Helena you would hear of the unjust imprisonment I hav Mr. Aken and me have suffered in this island. You will think that I have given some grounds for it, by having made some surveys about the island, but this is not the case; they have no one real cause for detaining me. They formed erroneous opinions of me on my arrival, - they imprisoned me, - I remonstrated, - they were enraged that a prisoner should accuse them of injustice, and determined to punish me
[page 59]
I was too obstinate to sacrifice one tittle to them either of the honour of my country or of myself, and therefore prepared myself to suffer. For eight months past we have been close prisoners, except that for half the time we have been allowed a large garden to walk in. Latterly I have obtained a great part of my books and charts, and have almost finished the hydrographical part of our voyage. By this conveyance I send to Sir Joseph Banks a general chart of New Holland* upon a large scale, which contains all our examinations and discoveries. Much other useful work I have also done, and shall continue to do until I am permitted to depart. Their rage is disarmed of its sting, for they cannot make me very unhappy whilst I have useful employment. To external appearance they are doing me the greatest imaginable injury, but I will so contrive it, that it shall prove to have been of the greatest advantage to me in the end. They do indeed keep me from my wife and my friends, from the regulation of my pecuniary and family concerns, from the credit due to the exertions I have made for duly fulfilling the objects of the voyage, and they keep me very probably from promotion, but the enjoyment of these will be all increased in their degree from this suspence, and in a few months I shall triumph. Although I use the expressions, they and them, yet there is but one man here who I believe is my enemy. The governor [Decaen] both hates and fears me, for he has deeply injured me; and but he is too proud to alter his measures, although he has acknowledged that of myself I have not done anything to forfeit my the passport. I have offers of service from many individuals here, and have received both attention and kindness from some, but they cannot procure me liberty; they are, however, leagued to attempt it. Upon a review of all the probabilities I think we shall be at liberty in December and in England 4 months afterwards
I hope you will see Sir Joseph Banks, to give him what account you could of me, and by this time you will know how they stand inclined to fit out another ship to finish the voyage. You will be able to get a twelvemonth experience in some ship on the home station, and then if I can get two vessels to go out, it will
be my aim to get you into the command one of them; in failure of his however, I have many plans in my eye for both ous; you know I am a notable builder of aerial castles. Above all things, my dear Samuel, let me
*I call the whole island Australia or Terra Australis. New Holland is properly that part of it from 136º of longitude, westward; and eastward is the British government of New South Wales, according to the governors patent
[page 60]
beg of you to get into a situation where you can see the best stile of naval service, see what the most deserving officers do, and endeavour to excell them, in activity, in quickness of comprehension and in execution; and whilst you are doing this, you may also improve yourself in general knowledge, always recollecting that professional information is the most valuable, and that which every one will expect you to possess. I assure you that that what with reading, writing and chart making, I am almost as busy in this prison as ever you knew me. These Frenchmen do not understand me, their narrow comprehensions are baffled in comparing my sufferings with my and imprisonment with my tranquility; especially as they see that when my imprisonment it is the topic of conversation I am all indignation, and feel very pointedly the hardship of my situation. The brother of Commodore Baudin gives me great pleasure in repeatinghearing the very kind treatment the latter received at Port Jackson: it forms such a contrast with my situation here, that every thinking Frenchman is ashamed of it. - If you are in London, I should be glad that you would inquire into my affairs from W. Standert. I wish all the money he receives on my account to be invested in the stocks for the present, only reserving sufficient to pay Mrs. F. £40 yearly. I would give a great deal to possess the knowledge you must have by this time, of the situation of all our family, of what has taken place relative to the Porpoise, and all your promotions - but to think on these things, tends only to make me miserable, and therefore my dear Samuel with best wishes for your success and happiness, I am my dear Samuel remain
your very affectionate brother
Mattw. Flinders
I have written to our mother in law by this conveyance. make my kind remembrances to Mr. Fowler, John Franklin &c. if you see or correspond with them.
To Mr. Charles Bonner - 86 Fleet Street London
Isle of France Augt. 25. 1804
Redated Nov. 4. 1804
Dear Sir
I have requested Mr. Robertson, a gentlemen who has been here in prison with me some time, to call upon you; and he will give you information how I am situated in this island and what prospect there is of a release. You will oblige me by introducing him to any of Mr. Franklins family if they are in town, or any other of my friends who may be near you and would be desirous to make inquiries of him.
I hope indeed it will not be beyond April or May that I shall myself have the pleasure of calling upon you, and thanking f you for the trouble you took in sending me letters by captain Kemp. I beg my kind remembrances to Mrs. Bonner, and compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Bonner Allenby, and I am Dear Sir
your obedient humble servant M.F. -
[page 61]
[Letter No. 54]
To the Rev. Mr. Tyler - Partney near Spilsby - Lincolnshire - for Mrs Flinders
Isle of France August 26. 1804
Redated (with P.S.) Nov. 4. 1804
A second opportunity of writing to my dear friends now presents itself, the first occurred about five weeks since. I yesterday enjoyed a delicious piece of misery in reading over thy dear letters, my beloved Ann. Shall I tell thee that I have never before done it since I have been shut up in this prison before. On The first day of January I dedicated to "the pleasures of memory" and was violently tempted to go further; but I rushed into something else and escaped a further addition to the misery of recollection. It is a general and benumbing system course of misery that I undergo in this imprisonment, but by dwelling on thy most charming letters the mo every tittle of thy sickness, thy tender anxiety and distress, is afresh called up in vivid colouring to my maddened imagination. I am as it were shut up in a cask that has been rolled with violence down th from the hill top of hope down into the vale of misfortune; I get many am bruised and am well nigh stunned out of my senses; but canst thou imagine the addition it would be to this misery for the cask to have been driven full of spike nails; - such is the increase of my unhappiness when my mind dwells increase of misery to my situation feelings on thinking intensely on thee. I many have many friends who are kind and are much interested for me, and I certainly love them, but yet before thee they stars disappear as the stars before the rising the rays of a morning sun; thou are to I cannot I connect the idea of happiness with nothing anything but thee: and hence without thee the world would be a blank. I might indeed receive some gratification from distinction and the applause of society; but where is my would be the faithful friend who would enjoy and share this with me and - into whose bosom my full heart could unburthen itself of its excess of joy. Where would be that sweet intercourse of soul, that fine seasoning to happiness, without which a degree of insipidity attends all our enjoyments? From thee, my beloved, and thee only it is that I look to receive this zest for life, this height of luxury. I admire the thought of that author that who compared a man deprived of the society of his wife to the half of a pair of scissors. I have sometimes fancied myself to be such an useless, unconnected. Thou hast given me distressing accounts of thy eyes, and the state of thy health; I fear to think it possible that attacks of th upon these should have returned since thy letter of Sept. 1802 was written, in which from Boston; but the cold weather is terrible for thee O that thou wast here in this genial climate. It is not at this time too warm, and even in a prison we would be happy if together. This is a large house [Maison Despaux] in which eight English prisoners officers now live. We have our own apartments and servants, and a garden of about 2 acres in which we walk as we
[page 62]
as we are disposed. A wall surrounds thise garden and house and the gate is kept by a sentinel to prevent us from going beyond it. Our allowance from the French government is sufficient to furnish a tolerable table, and indeed, as prisoners we have little to complain of except that we are not permitted to live at large on our parole or to partake of any amusements beyond our limits garden wall. We are divided into two messes Mr. Aken (master of the Investigator) and Messrs. Deal & Seymour two midshipmen of the Dedaigneuse frigate and myself, form one, and three captains in the army and another gentleman, the other mess. Oh how earnestly have I desired to have had thee with me, I should hardly call myself unfortunate had I thy fond delightful society. Couldst thou my dearest have been satisfied to be here? - I think indeed thou wouldst for a time; neither wouldst thou be without female society. There were four ladies taken prisoners, two have been permitted to go with their husbands to India, and the others are living at a house about 4 miles in the country: they have met with handsome treatment here, upon the whole their husbands being indulged with a country house on their account instead of this house being shut up in this place house which is the common place of confinement for other officers. I am not without friends here, even amongst French men, on the contrary I have several and but one enemy; unfortunately the last is all-powerful here, nor will he on any persuasion permit me to pass the walls of the garden, although some others who are thought less dangerous have had that indulgence occasionally. Had I indeed every indulgence that could be given, still it would not do away the injustice in detaining me contrary to the express orders of the French government as contained in my passport; but the unnecessary hardship and indignity with which I was sometime treated, certainly adds to the injury. Oh dDid the governor [Decaen] know from what whom he keeps me, and what extatic happiness awaits my return, the least spark of humanity would be sufficient to make him hasten instead of retarding departure but this man has no humanity for Englishmen. I look forward indeed with hope, that the French government will order my immediate release and also that this order will arrive by or before December. In that case I shall arrive in England about April or May. The moment of landing, I shall write to thee at Partney to meet me in London; or if thou hast any visit to pay in London about that time, perhaps thou will be there in May. It would indeed be delightful to meet thee there, and the moment I arrive I shall fly to Mr. Bonner in Fleet Street for information. Heaven grant that no sickness, no misfortune may prevent thee from meeting me and being pressed to my enraptured heart. Indeed my Ann, thou knowest not how very dear thou art to me. At the same time that I respect and reverence thy very superior qualifications, I love thee most tenderly. I feel that, thou art a part of me. Thy joys, thy pleasures, or pains thou I feelest as thou dost feel them are also mine. There is between us that sympathy that which subsists between the different limbs of an anin one human body; miserably torn asunder
[page 63]
we have indeed been, but we will reunite, never more perhaps perhaps to be seperated if my honour can by any other means and be preserve, and our second marriage shall be more delightful than the first. Heaven grant that [word crossed out and indecipherable]neither ambition, or cruel necessity may ever again seper divide us from each other by the intervention of a trackless sea.
I think my dearest love, it would be useful to thy health to ride on horseback in the fine weather; thy strength suffers from want of exercise. Do not let a little expense prevented thee from any gratification of this sort. Buy a little horse, my love, with the inclosed bill and take the air as often as thou canst, I am sure it will do thee good. - We will so enjoy ourselves when I can get a few months in the country. We will make a tour amongst all thy friends and relations and mine, and for a little while no expense shall stand in our way.
Adieu, my best beloved, for a time. To thy good mother and Belle [Tyler] remember me most kindly, - I am a letter in debt to the former but cannot pay it now. As for that idle thing, Belle does she think I will bring her any pretty feathers or little fishes when she has not written me one line? no indeed for these live-long three years last past? no indeed, not a rusty nail! Now I dare say she would like a speckled piece of the coral reef upon which we were ship wrecked? or a pretty green octagon pebble from the top of the highest hill in New Holland cloudy peaked mountain? or a stump shell brought up by the lead from
200 fathoms deep at the bottom of the sea? or a little sea horse cased with horn as big as my thumb and taken out of the maw of a shark? or perhaps a set of Trims finger nails which he shed in the Gulph of Carpentaria? but not a the least tiny bit will fall to her lot. I have some cockle shells that weigh a hundred pounds a piece, and make are useful very convenient for wash-hand basins, and many "other wonders too tedious to mention"; and I shall see about it when I come home; perhaps she may get one of them, - no, I will give her a large cage full of jumping spiders, as nimble as a fleas, only so much bigger and but as big as fro small frogs. Wont they be a curiosity? everyone has nine eyes and a little tail; and indeed they are thought by all who have seen them to be very mighty curious.
Health my dearest love, most anxiously do I wish thee. This is now a fine season with thee in England. Adieu, and mayest thou be now happy in the enjoyment of it.
Thy most affectionate
Mattw. Flinders
Kind remembrances to the Franklins, Mr Tyler and thy aunt. I am learning French. The bill is inclosed for thy use if thou shouldst have any occasion for it.
To W. A Standert Esq. Norfolk St. Strand London - Sir - Pay to my wife Mrs. Ann Flinders or to her order the sum of twenty pounds sterling and place it to the account of Sir - &c. M.F
[page 64]
[Letter No. 55]
To Thos. Franklin - Spilsby Lincolnshire
Isle of France Dec. 28. 1804
My dear friend
A transient opportunity offers itself for letting my friends know that I am still confined in this place, and with no certain prospect of being soon set at liberty. I know not what will be the result of the unjust and illiberal inhospitable treatment I have suffered for more now than twelve months past, but am not without hope that in the end it may turn out to my advantage. The imprisonment of an officer employed on public service, to whom a passport has been given which he has not violated, is a national insult to our country and a breach of faith on the part of the French: should it be taken up in this point of view, the consequence must be that a recompence for my loss and suffering, and the whole transaction will, as I hope, redound to my honour, and the disgrace of my oppressor. This perhaps is only a pleasing dream, but I have nothing but hope to keep up my spirits, or indeed to attach me to life, and therefore I encourage it. This severe trial of my patience will have its use in regulating many parts of my future life conduct; but how much am I suffering in the mean time? My promotion, and the credit that may arise from my labours, are retarded, nay perhaps destroyed; - my fortune is suffering; my friends and family are I know how or where; and my beloved wife! - oh my friend, what do I suffer when such reflections as these assail my peace. Your imagation, feeling and friendly as it is, cannot know what I sometimes suffer, how my heart is torn asunder by between indignation of at my the tyrant who so unjustly keeps me in prison, and my fears and anxiety for the dear partner of my affections and for my valuable friends. Tell them, my dear friend, that yet I am in tolerable health; that I am in expectation every week of some orders arriving from the French government which shall order me to be released, but that the time of their arrival is uncertain, as indeed are is the tenor nature of what these orders may be; though it is hardly to be believed that they will contain anything worse than to send me to France. I wrote only to you by this opportunity, but in a week a better offers and I shall write again.
Should the admiralty determine that my voyage is to be completed I shall be desirous of John going with me; therefore, if you and he approve of it, he should not go out of the way. - I cannot specify individually but remember me most affectionately at Partney, Enderby, Boston, Donington, Spalding and Tidd. I am your affectionate friend Mattw. Flinders
[page 65]
When you write to my friend Wiles tell him not to think hardly of my neglect in writing to him. He must inpute it to my constant occupations, and the difficulty of getting letters sent to him from these distant places. Present him with my affectionate regards, and tell him that I look forward to the time of meeting with him in England with a pleasurable anxiety.
[Letter No. 56]
For Mrs Flinders
To the Rev. W. Tyler - Partney near Spilsby, Lincolnshire
Mauritius Dec. 31. 1804
I might distress relate to thee my best beloved, with my the anxious fears, unhappiness, indignities & disappointments I have undergone in this island; but it would only be to distressing thee and myself. They are not so great I look forward now, every week, for some intelligence from France or England that shall set me and my unhappy comrades at liberty; but should none such arrive before the middle of March next, I shall begin to be hopeless. This period, however, is yet distant.
On the anniversary of the day of my first imprisonment (Dec. 16) I made a strenuous effort to obtain freedom, but was unsuccessful. I then endeavoured to obtain some small portion of liberty, but was equally unfortunate, both requests being remaining unanswered as all my other former applications on the same subject have constantly been. But it is enough: - I shall learn patience in this island, which will perhaps counteract the insolence acquired by having had unlimited authority command over my fellow men. You know, my dearest, that I always dreaded the effect that the possession of great authority would have upon my temper and disposition. I hope they are neither of them naturally bad, but when we see such vast difference between men in dependents and men in power, every man who has a mandate any share of impartiality must fear for himself. My brother will tell you that I am proud, unindulgent, and hasty to take offence; but I doubt whether John Franklin will confirm it although there is more the truth in the charge than I wish there was. In this island, however these malignant qualities are so ostentatiously displayed that it is impossible to avoid noticing them, for and I am made to feel their sting most poignantly. My mind has here been taught a lesson in philosophy, and my judgment has gained an accession; of experience that will not soon be forgotten. Although I had often enough read and sometimes heard that innocent
[page 66]
-cent people were oppressed, yet I scarcely believed that one man could accuse another, and without specifying his crime imprison him another contrary to pledged national faith and the voice of common humanity, whilst the whole time he knew him to have committed nothing worthy of punishment; much less did I think such a circumstance an outrage should be committed against me, who never intended harm to anyone. I now find that innocence is no certain safeguard from punishment under arbitrary power, although from the principles of justice and humanity generally inherent in the human heart it is often sufficient; the only certain means of insuringance against the oppression of innocence is to disarm the swollen tyrant of power, or if power is necessary to enforce his lawful authority, to make it subject to such control in its particular effects as impartiality and reason shall set over it.
My health is much better here than I could have expected, considering the nature of the climate and my imprisonment; and my appetite is so good that I believe it has a spite against this island an intention of revenging me on the governor by occasioning a famine in the island. Falstaff says "confound this grief it makes a man so thirsty: Ggive me another cup of sack" Instead of thirsty, read hungry; and for cup of sack, read, mutton chop; and the words would fit me very well. If I could but be assured of thy health, my peace of mind would be much less disturbed, but thy last letter of September 1802 leaves me in much apprehension, especially as the winter was coming on; but what do I say, this is now the third winter and I have no intelligence. In mercy, Heaven, preserve the life and health of my beloved! Had but my wishes been realized, of which thy last letter to me at Spithead gave hope, then I should I have had an additional surety of thy health; thou wouldst have had the most delightful of all employments, and thy mind would not have dwelt so much on an absentee and care would have been divided between one present and one absent. Thou knowst my whole heart on this subject: I do indeed regret, and repine at the disappointment. I may never live to see my representative enter the field of honour: by this I do not mean the field of blood, but of as a competitor for honest fame in the cause of his country, of science, or of virtue; and as to the common midway between virtue and vice, honour and disgrace! No, I would have nobody connected with me who has not the spirit to stip mend
[page 67]
something upon the old se-saw pace. Such a vegetable state I abhor. Let him excell in something, or I would rather that my name should descend with me into the oblivious grave, as very probably it now will. I must quit the subject, and conclude this hasty letter, in which I had intended merely to tell thee of my health, the uncertain prospect of liberty, and to repeat once more to thee that with unalterably love I am, thy
Mattw. Mattw. Flinders
My best regard attend all the good family, as well as our other dear friends elsewhere. I am anxious to know where my cousin Henrietta, is and how; but know nothing
[Letter No. 57]
To W.A. Standert Esq. 23 Norfolk St. Strand London.
Isle of France May 14. 1805
Dear Sir
By a letter dated Nov. 4 last to your father, I forwarded a power of attorney to you, and conceiving you will have received it, I address you as my agent
Herewith is inclosed a list of papers necessary for passing my accounts as Commander and Purser of the Investigator (see the list in public letter book of May 13. 1805) but the papers are imperfect, many having been lost at the shipwreck of the Porpoise, and many were not completed at the time it happened. I know not what you can make of them, but conceive it possible that with the assistance of Mr. John Olive, my former clerk, of whose residence my brother can probably inform you, that they may be made complete as far as they go; and that when you have ascertained what papers are deficient, a letter address to the admiralty inclosing Mr. Fowlers certificate and representing the case of the shipwreck and my imprisonment here, may perhaps obtain a dispensing order to the different boards. You can certify to the Admiralty that I have transmitted all papers that were saved and Mr. Olive can do the same from his own knowledge. If you obtain his assistance, I request you to reward him in proportion; and if th this assistance should be considerable and enable makes my accounts capable of being passed, I shall take his interest into my care, as though he had not left me in the critical situation state he did.
A lot of instruments in my charge from the Navy Board is also
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is also inclosed, and after taking a on receiving it and the trunk which contains them, it will be necessary for you to write a letter to the Board stating that such instruments have been sent to you, and requesting to know into whose charge they are to be delivered. The receipt for them being then delivered into the Board will take them off any charge I have written to the Board and inclosed a certified list of them, with Mr. Akens receipt.
With respect to the contents of the trunk, the two uppermost parcels of papers you will take out relating to my accounts, and the instruments, you will take out and dispose of, as before mentioned. The log books, and everything remaining else is to remain without disturbance until my arrival; unless you have an opportunity of delivering the four parcels of private letters into the possession of Mrs. Flinders, in which case it is to be done on her desire.
Lest the bills left at Port Jackson to be forwarded to your father should have miscarried, I herewith inclose you duplicates for the following sums
| Thirds | Seconds | |||
| To pay to Oct. 4. 1801 | £33:2 | | | To pay to June 13. 1802 | £33.2 |
| For Do. to March. 21. 1802 | 66:4 | || For necessary money |
22.13.01/2 |
|
| Mr Evans bill | 27:3 | | | Mr. Fowlers bill | 20.13.3 |
| Mr. Westall | 15.- | | | 76.8.31/2 | |
| Mr Bauer | 10.- | | | Firsts | |
| Mr. Bell | 10.- | | | For pay to Nov. 28 1802 | £66.4.- |
| Mr. Brown | 25.6.7 | | | For Do. May 15. 1803 | 66.4.- |
| | | Mr Aken bill for pay | 27.3.9 | ||
| 186.15.7 | | | Mr Palmers bill | 54.17.- | |
| Three pilots certificates for | 9.-.- | | | 290.17.01/2 | |
| Mr Sinclairs receipt for | 5.-.- | | | Mr Akens note for | 50.- |
| Mr Charringtons note for | 5.-.- | | | ||
| £205.15.7 | £340.17.01/2 | |||
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I am exceedingly desirous to receive from you a statement of my accounts; and Mr. Aken will inform you how a letter may be sent to me.
I have no present prospect of being set at liberty; and it is possible probable you know better than me what is doing about it. Mr. Aken can give you information concerning my external affairs.
It has been a part of every letter I have wrote to your father, to desire him to invest what money of mine might be in his hands in the public funds, and I repeat it to you and Should you have received anything have been received from my family since the decease of my father I wish it to be disposed of in the same way. It will be proper
I beg my good friend your father, to accept my compliments and good wishes, and I am, dear Sir,
Your humble servant
Mattw. Flinders mentioned the disposal
of Etienne.
To Mrs Flinders Partney near Spilsby Lincolnshire
Isle of France May 15. 1805
My dear love
Even yet have I no certain prospect of liberty. Orders or letters of some kind, I have reason to believe have been received by this governor [Decaen] concerning me, but I cannot learn any thing of them; however, my companion in misfortune, Mr. Aken, has very unexpectedly obtained permission to depart on his parole as a prisoner of war, which gives me an opportunity of writing to England, and sending many papers relating to my voyage. I have desired him to call upon Mr. Bonner, from whom he will learn who is in town of my friends, and answer all their questions. He is also to lay a train of correspondence by way of which I may receive letters here, should it appear that I am still likely to remain a prisoner. He will also write to thee, and say what he shall be able to have learned from the Admiralty or by other means, of the probability of my release. Thou dost not know Mr. Aken; he came into the ship at Port Jackson, to succeed Mr Thistle. He is a plain man, but a good one, and earnest to do all he can for my relief, in return for good offices I have done him.
As yet I am totally a stranger to the following important circumstances. What the state of thy health is. Whether I am promoted to the list of post- captains. What has been done with the little fortune left me by my dear departed father. Whether my agent has received
[page 70]
bills for about £500 I have transmitted at different times. How my mother in law is situated, and my good but poor uncle and aunt at Spalding. Whether T.F. is married or any others of that family. Whether thou hadst any concern in writing the "Village Anecdotes" written by Mrs. Le Noir of Yorkshire, of which I have seen a review. with twenty These with twenty-thousand other things concerning thee, thy family, and our friends, and I am most desirous to learn; and therefore they will form a part of thy letter. It is not a little interesting to know also what the public say of my voyage, my imprisonment, and of me; but thou knowest well enough that
I am ambitious of fame.
For some time my health has been neither well nor p ill,, but such a maukish kind of health as a prisoner who was not much oppressed with any particular distemper, may be supposed to have. My employment is to write up the accounts of the Investigators voyage, and my amusement to read, and walk about our inclosure. Once in a week or fortnight, a French gentleman, named, Pitot, comes to visit me, and a most kind and intelligent friend he is. I think he feels more for my situation that I do for myself, for he has the takes the shame of its being his country that oppresses me, in addition. He is not the only friend I have here, but is the most constant, and the only one who will run the risk of t under this arbitrary government of being thought disaffected, by often visiting me. He has written several letters to eminent men in France concerning me, and as thou wilt by this time understand something of French, I send thee a copy of the shortest of them, which is addressed to the celebrated astronomer Mons De Lalande
(See public letter book)
This letter and three others, with one from the French admiral Linois, accompanied one of mine to France addressed to Mons. Fleureu, a councillor of state and grand officer of the new legion of honour; a man much interested in geographical inquiries, whose influence with the government to I requested, that I might be ordered to France to be tried, and punished if I had broken my passport, or set at liberty if I had not. What the effect may be I cannot tell, but in eight months more I hope to hear something more favourable than remaining here in this solitary island, under the power of a suspicious tyrant who knows not to appreciate the nature of my employment or my efforts to forward its accomplishments
[page 71]
in forwarding a service so universally beneficial to maritime nations and general knowledge, but and more specially to maritime nations to maritime nations and the extension of natural knowledge. A stranger to science and the milder virtues, it is by the weight of power that like a second Brennus he bears down the scale of justice. I call him Brennus the second, but he calls himself General De Caen.
Should thou wish to Mr. Aken to call upon any particular person in town, thou or any one particular person to see him, it can be done by
means of Mr. Bonner who will know Mr. Akens residence
"I cant get out"! Cried the Starling. God help thee, says Yorick, but I'll let thee out. May Fleureu have as much humanity
P.S. I have sent home to W. A Standert a trunk containing various things to remain until my return, and amongst the rest four parcels containing in which are all my private letters,
written and received. If thou wishest to have them in thy possession, for they are not sealed up, and hast any trusty persons to receive them they will be delivered on thy request; and shouldst thou have curiosity to open them, I have no objection.
[Letter No. 59]
To the Rt. Honble. Sir Joseph Banks Bart. K.B. &c. &c. &c. Soho Square
Isle of France May 16. 1805
In my last letter to you, Sir Joseph, dated Feb. 24, I mentioned
the ill state of health of Mr. Aken the master of the Investigator, my companion in misfortune. This seems to have induced the French general to accord his petition of to be set at liberty, and in a few days he sails, after having signed a parole as a prisoner of war. It At first this appeared to me very extraordinary, that after it had having been all along held out that we were not prisoners of war, but only detained for reasons of state, that this should be done; and
Conceiving it might be caused from orders received from France to let us depart in this way, but which he would not do without our application, I also sent as humble a letter as I could bring myself to write, in the hope of being getting my obtaining liberty also; but no answer has been, or is now likely to be returned it: and I believe it was the representation of Mr. Akens ill health that obtained his release.
I am therefore preparing to send home all the accounts in my possession
[page 72]
whether relating whether to the Investigator stores or the voyage Of the by Mr. Aken. Concerning the voyage, there will be sent all my original charts, in number sixteen, including the general chart, in which some late alterations in the borrowed parts have been made. With these goes an explanatory memoir as far as it is written, and the remainder will follow by the first safe conveyance. A [indecipherable word crossed out] copy of my log book written in this island will also be sent, which goes up to March 1803 when the we quitted the north coast on account of the rottenness of the ship and is nearly as far as I can go, my last journal being refused to me.
This log book contains an account of all our transactions, remarks, boat-excursions on surveying, astronomical observations &c. inshort, almost the whole that I have to relate of concerning the voyage so far as it goes; general observations upon the winds, tides, currents &c. excepted. This book, Sir Joseph, with the charts and memoir, I am extremely anxious you should see, because you will then be able to form a just judgement of my abilities and exertions and success in prosecuting the voyag investigation of New Holland. You will see by the course of our tracks, and their distance from the shore, and the soundings, which how far we have done all that could be done under the existing circumstances, and how whether it is likely we have missed any thing of importance in the parts examined. I acknowledge my vanity in hoping great desire vanity in hoping to rise in your estimation upon the perusal of my labours, for I do value your good opinion very highly and have tried to deserve it; and throughout the voyage it has been no small stimulus to my exertion in almost every instance, that the execution of such a particular thing would be
agreeable to Sir Joseph Banks: Such a thing must not be left in its present imperfect state, for Sir Joseph will be told that his protégé has not all the ability and industry he is willing to think. My vanity emulation reached even further, for when I considered that Sir Isaac Newton was an Englis Lincolnshire man, that Sir Joseph Banks was also, and that even I had that honour of belonging
to being born in the same county as Sir Isaac Newton and Sir Joseph Banks an I determined at least not to be altogether unworthy of them it; and though I could never hope to approach near to their wide-spread and immortal fame, but determined to keep not to lose sight of I struggled to keep in the path that led towards it. Blame not my presumption, Sir Joseph, the attempt will make me more worthy of your consideration, however far I shall fall short my ambition may fall short of its aim and I sigh to and I sigh to
[page 73]
and I sigh to think how far this it must fall short. This cannot surely be envy; that passion quality cannot arise without an inward acknowledgment or claim to some equality of merit in some point either of merit, situation, or in some point; thus when captain Bligh condescended to speak against my appointment but there can be none of these in this case.
I have desired Mr. Aken to wait upon you, Sir Joseph, in
Soho Square to call with this letter himself in Soho Square, that if you wish to ask him any ques he may satisfy your inquiries concerning my situation; and should he you be in
the country he will wait in town as long as four or five weeks to receive your commands or wait upon you in the country if you desire it
I cannot doubt, Sir Joseph, but that some attempts have been made to obtain my release from the French government, and probably all that were likely to be attended with success; but I am wholly a stranger here to what has been, or is likely to be done, except that it has been wispered to me that
the General De Caen has received the copyies of a letter from Lord Hawkesbury and the
answer of Mr. Talleyrand concerning my imprisonment; but what the contents where was not added This violent animosity between the nations on account of the invasion, has will I fear be a great preventative to communications of any kind and will still be so.
About two months since, I wrote a long letter, or rather a petition to Mr. Fleurieu at Paris, praying his intercession with the government that I might be sent to France, and an examination made
into the circumstances. Of this letter I forwarded a copy to the Admiralty about the same time, and shall probably be able to send a duplicate by this conveyance. The French naval commander in chief here, admiral Linois, wrote at the same time a letter to Mr. Fleurieu, recommending my case t unpleasant situation to his notice; and a another French gentleman here who is pleased to be my friend, wrote to Bougainville, Lalande, Chaptal, and Depuy, pressing their influence for my release or removal to France; therefore I hope, that in time something may be done this way should earlier methods fail. The admirals letter is a cautious one, and by no means so strong as his private sentiments are represented to me; the following is a copy of it - (See public letter book)
Mr. Aken will lay a train of correspondence for me by way of America; by from which, if there is should be no certain prospect of my immediate release, I may receive letters. Might I beg of you Sir Joseph
[page 74]
to favour me with a few lines; it would be a certificate that I was not wholly forgotten by those whose remembrance I am most anxious to cherish, and therefore be a very great satisfaction in this tedious confinement, to Sir Joseph
your most obliged and faithful servant
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 60]
To Mr. Charles Bonner 86 Fleet Street London
Isle of France May 16 1805
Dear Sir
One of my officers who has been long a prisoner here having at length got leave to depart though I cannot, I have requested him to call upon you to learn if any of my friends are in town, and to answer such questions as you and they may wish to put to him. You see, my dear Sir, I treat you with the familiarity of a friend: I think you are such and therefore trust you will excuse it.
You will find Mr. Aken a plain good man, and as he will tell you all that I can in a letter, and much more, I shall only add that I am, dear Sir
your friend and humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 61]
[May 1805]
Memorandum for Mr. Aken
The dispatches and charts are to be considered as the principal object of care, and not to lost sight of be out of your possession if possible Should you meet with a man of war bound straight home, & the captain thinks proper to take you, it will be advisable to go, with the people, but not under any other case to go in a merchant ship.
On arriving in America apply to the British consul, Mr. Barclay for advice
and assistance in procuring a passage for yourself and people as speedy as possible, and to London if it can be. and find some person who will receive my letters from England and forward them to the Isle of France under cover, as we have agreed. perhaps Mr. Barclay will do me this favour. Write to me from Am:
On arriving in England put the men on board a guard ship if you can, or on board some ship on the home station, and take a receipt for them; and report to the Admiralty how they disposed of. If they are wanted to be taken in ship going abroad, represent that they may be wanted for my court martial: George Alder in particular.
Should the ship you put into any English port
for 3 or more days
[page 75]
it will be necessary to disembark, and go up to London; but if it is a very distant port, the trunk and boy might go round in the ship. On arriving, the first thing is to wait on the secretary of the Admiralty with the box and charts, sending up your name and business to him in a short note or card previously written; and on seeing him representing something of my situation here in order to learn if any steps have been taken for my release. Ask something of the payment of your expenses also, and tell him of the train of correspondence.
Next call on Mr. Standert, deliver my letter, and settle about the boy, and leave the sextant stand, with the trunk.
The time keeper is to be delivered to Dr. Maskyline or his order with my letter, on the first opportunity: a day or two is not of importance, and you can write if it is inconvenient to go.
My private letters for the country Mrs F. to be put in the post office at London if you up direct; if not, at the first place you can.
Call on Sir. J. Banks, and say that you will attend his commands if he has any with you. Should he be in the country, say that you will call again at the time they may expect an answer from him, or leave your direction, or both
Call on Mr. Bonner and inquire if any of my friends are in town that you can see. Answer Mr. Bonners questions and leave your direction, after informing him of our plan of correspondence.
Should it happen that you go to Revesby Abby near Spilsby, you will find Mr. Franklins family in the latterly place, and at two miles from it at Partney lives Mrs. F. at her father-in-laws the Revd. W. Tylers. On your return to London, turn out of the way to Donnington to see my mother in law.
After learning what steps have been taken about my release, write them to Mrs. Flinders, and tell her how letters may be conveyed to me, if I am not likely to be liberated
>From America my letters are to be sent under cover to
[page 76]
[Letter No. 62]
To - Temple Esq. South Shields
Isle of France May 16. 1805
Sir
Mr John Aken master of the Investigator having expressed a desire that I would speak to you of his conduct whilst under my command, I take the liberty, Sir, of addressing you to say, that he has always conducted himself as a sober, careful and trusty officer. He is much better informed in matters of navigation, than the generality of those who go to sea, and is I conceive a proper person to take ta charge of a merchant ship upon a distant voyage. Should you think fit to employ him in that capacity, you will certainly have cause to be satisfied with his care and fidelity in the fulfilling the trust reposed in him.
Requesting you to accept my apology for this intrusion from one who has not the honour of your acquaintance, I conclude with assuring you of the consideration of
Sir, your most obedient humble servant
M. Flinders
[Letter No. 63]
To Lt. S. W. Flinders - Care of Mr. W. A. Standert - Norfolk St.
Isle of France May 17. 1805
My dear Samuel
Mr Aken has obtained his liberty to depart on parole from this island, though it seems this is not to be granted to me. There is I believe some discussion concerning my imprisonment between Ld.
Hawkesbury and Mr. Talleyrand, but of what nature I know not, and as to what the event will be I am equally a stranger. Mr. Aken will lay a train of correspondence, by which letters can be conveyed to me here; he will inform Mr. Standert of this, so that if steps shall not have been taken for my liberty, I beg of you to write to me. Say how you are situated, what the family affairs are, what the talk is of me and of another the completion of the voyage, what your prospect and mine of promotion, where is Mr. Fowler, Franklin and Olive, what you have seen of Sir. J.B. Mr. Dalrymple and Dr. Maskyline. Pray leave your rough observation books in a safe place in town, for they will be required to make up the astronomical journal. I have
[page 77]
I have sent home all my original charts, with a memoir to accompany them. In the memoir are tables of all our lunar
observations in which the reduced central distance makes one column, but as I had not entered these from you, they are necessarily left open in you observations. I expect this memoir will come into Dr. Maskylines hand, and it would be advisable for you to wait upon the doctor at Greenwich if you can; if not send your books to him to complete the tables from, or otherwise, send tables of your observations, containing the day, the reduced central distances and the longitudes; but of the wreck reef and subsequent observations send all the data; the doctor will gladly receive them for the Board of Longitude and thank you for them. I have mentioned you in my letters to him.
I wrote you a letter dated Aug. 25. 1804, and redated Nov. 4. having had no opportunity of sending it before that time. If you could make it convenient it would be very advisable for you to see Mr. Aken, from whom you will learn the whole circumstances of our imprisonment here.
I am not in bad health, though you will conceive not in very good spirits. Adieu, my dear Samuel, may success and happiness attend you, is the sincere desire
of your affectionate brother
Mattw. Flinders
I hope you have not introduced Bellasis or his wife to any of our friends. Many people here know them well, and he is reported to be a shaffling, unsteady, insincere, and scarcely honest, without principles and though she was a kept mistress when he married her, yet she was much blamed for it
To Mrs Flinders Donington near Boston - Lincolnshire
Isle of France May 18. 1805
My dear Mother
My last letter to you was begun June 10. 1803, ended Aug. 25. 1804, but not sent till Nov. 4. I there mentioned my hopes of being in England about July 1805, but alas that time is now very near approaching, and my prospect of being released from this island is as distant almost as ever; and when I may arrive it is totally out of my power to say, or scarcely to form a conjecture
[page 78]
The master of the Investigator, Mr. Aken, has however obtained his leave to depart, and by him I write to the greater part of my friends, and send home many papers relating to my voyage
The last letter that I have received from England was dated September 1802 since when I am a total stranger to every thing that has happened and I know not what to fear. In my last letter, I desired that the interest of the sum left to me by my dear departed father should be applied to the education of my two young sisters, and I desire the same thing now if it can be done. I am a total stranger to where or in whose hands this part of my property is lodged, but rather suppose it is under your direction. If it is in the funds it should be transferred over to my name and notice given of it to my agent Mr. Standert of Norfolk St. Strand London: but it is probable that my brother will have seen this matter regulated.
I requested also in my last letter that ten or twenty pounds should be given to my uncle and aunt at Spalding, out of my money; and if this has not been done I request it may now, for I do much fear they are distressed. We have indeed many poor relations, but when I can come home, between Samuel and me I hope we shall be able to do something for most of them, one way or other. Of my cousin Hennys happy marriage I begin now to despair, but I hope Penelope will be well settled by this time
It is a severe addition to the unhappiness of being imprisoned here, to think how much my presence is wanted at home; and the thoughts of my dear wife almost brings tears to my eyes. Her health is so bad that I am under the greatest apprehensions on her account, and there are some of my friends who, disapproving of my marriage, are not disposed to look upon her with kindness; but I trust and hope, my dear mother, this is not the case with you, for I cannot have a friend who is not a friend to her. Were all my relations, friends, and acquaintances put into one sack, and my wife in the other, she would certainly weigh them down in my estimation. I have made my choice and will stand by it
When you write to Susan, pray give my best love to her. I hope she and her husband are doing well, and I shall endeavour to see her when on my return to England,
but have not written for I know not what to say to her as yet, having but slight accounts
[page 79]
of her husband and his conduct t towards her.
You will have had much pleasure in the company of my brother Samuel; he has a very good heart and a good understand, and will be an honour to the family. We have not indeed been so good friends as might have been wished, owing a good deal to the difference of our situations, but I nevertheless respect and love him very much, and almost look upon him as my son; for I claim some share of credit for his good qualities, and from having fortified him against receiving bad ones.
I beg of my young sisters to accept my best love, and that you, my dear Madam, will consider me as your af most affectionate and dutiful son.
Mattw. Flinders
My respects and compliments attend our good friend Mrs. Shepherd, the Dods family, R. Gleed and his wife, James Shilcock, and my three Green cousins, and the good Mr. C. Trimnel and his family at Bicker. I beg William at Boston and his family to accept my best kindest remembrances.
[Letter No. 65]
Miss Flinders at Mr. Hursthouses Tidd near Wisbeach - Lincolnshire
Jocose and mournfulMay 18. 1805
[Letter No. 66]
To Mr Thos. Franklin - Spilsby Lincolshire May 18. 1805
Statement of Acct. since letter of June 27. 1802: Advice for John -
Mentioned Monsieur jques Deglos Negt. à l'isle de France
[Letter No. 67]
To the Rt. Honble. Sir Joseph Banks Bt. K.B. &c. &c. &c.
Isle of France July 5. 1805
Since I sent you Sir Joseph the paper upon the variation of the compass about twelve months since, I have reconsidered the subject, and written the paper afresh. If you have not presented that to your Society, and I am fully sensible it was unworthy of that honour, I am desirous that this may superside it, if you think it worth the attention of so learned a body: I beg to submit it entirely to your judgement. Should the admiralty intend the to publish the memoir sent home with the charts, the chapter upon the variation would be improved by a collation with the inclosed letter; for I have made some additions to the chapter since the copy of it was sent home
My last letter to you was dated May 16, and sent by the master of the Investigator [John Aken], who, having obtained his leave to depart, took his route by the way of America. He had not been gone many days before and English squadron of four ships appeared off the island, and are now cruizing off it; and about a fortnight since two cartels arrived here with French prisoners from Calcutta and Ceylon. In return for these, all the Prisoners of war in this island are to be sent back; and I only am to be excepted.
[page 80]
It seems, that, notwithstanding my imprisonment has continued near nineteen months, the French governor has not received orders from his government as to the disposal of my person and papers. They
have told him he did not right to detain and secure me, but their final decision is deferred to their next dispatches. These are expected very soon, and then, possibly, I may be either liberated, or sent to France to be tried as a spy. From what I have written to you before, Sir Joseph, you will know, that, except from French partiality and national antipathy, I am under no apprehension for the consequences.
The French captain, Bergeret, who arrived from Calcutta, professed to be much interested for me; and since he has much influence fo with general De Caen, it is probable, that I may obtain some little indulgence of liberty after my countrymen are gone. Both justice and humanity ought
to have obtained this at least for me before, but there are obsolete terms here it is only to private favour or party interest that that any concession is made in th by this arbitrary government general.
Upon the supposition that the first F dispatches from the French government will occasion my removal, upon a reasonable computation I expect to be in England, or in France, about
February or March 1806; and at which time I hope anxiously hope and pray, that I may find you, my best and most powerful friend, in the possession of health and happiness, and my country enjoymenting the sweets that must arise from an honourable peace
Had I been permitted to go to India with the other prisoners, it was my intention to have applied to Sir Edward Pellew for a ship to go upon the north-west coast of New Holland, to ascertain the
existence of an entrance into an inland sea near the Rosemary Isles of Dampier, previously to returning to England Europe; for during the continuance of such a war as the present, I can scarcely hope to get a ship in England to complete the Investigator voyage; This project, however, is now dissipated.
With sentiments of the greatest respect and esteem, I am
Sir Joseph, your most obliged and obedient humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
I just now receive the extract of a letter written by the marquis Wellesley to general DeCaen which is as follows "I avail myself of this opportunity to request "Your Excellencys particular attention to the truly severe case of captain Flinders, "and I earnestly request your Excellency to release captain Flinders immediately, "and to allow him either to take his passage to India in the Thetis "(cartel)" or to "return to India in the
[page 81]
"in the first neutral ship."
In answer to this, the secretary of General De Caën writes me "Je "desirerais de tout mon coeur que le Capitaine Général pût accéder à la demande
"de son Excellence Monsieur le Marquis de Wellesley, mais les motifs de votre "detention ayant été de nature à être soumis au gouvernement Français le "capitaine général ne peut, avant qu'il ait reçu reponse, rien changer à la mesure "qui a été prise à votre egard"
However little satisfactory this letter may appear, it is by much the most the most so of any that I have received from the authority of general De Caen; for it lets me know to what I have to trust,
and circumstance which is, comparitively, an honour done me (A P.S. to this informing of my permission to reside at Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France.
[Letter No. 68]
To captain John Shortland H.M.S. Trompeuse in India
Isle of France July 6 1805
Account of my situation here
[Letter No. 69]
the fair copy given to Shillinglaw
To Mrs. Flinders - Partney near Spilsby Lincolnshire -
Isle of France July 7. 1805 Shillinglaw.
Kendal
My dear love
Since the sailing of Mr. Aken, the following circumstances have occurred. He had been gone but few days before an English squadron arrived off the island under commodore Osborn, which, had he been a fortnight later, would have effectually stopped him. Not very long afterwards arrived a cartel from Calcutta bringing captain Bergeret and the French officers of La Psyché with some others, upon their parole, and for the purpose t of taking back all the English prisoners in this island to India. By this cartel, I have received an answer to my letter written in May 1804 to the Most Noble the marquis Wellesley, Governor General of India, which contains the following extract from His Excellencys letter to the French general De Caen "I avail myself of this opportunity to request your "Excellencys particular attention to the truly severe case of Captain Flinders, and "earnestly request Your Excellency to release captain Flinders immediately, and "to allow him either to take his passage to India in the Thetis, or to return to India "in the first neutral ship"
This letter I received through the medium of the secretary of general De Caën, with one accompanying it wherein the secretary says "Je desirerais &c. so that I now know upon good
authority what I have to trust to. Privately I am also informed, that an officer with dispatches from France is expected every week; and then, if the French government shall not have forgotten me, and shall not be desirous to keep me a prisoner in this island any longer
[page 82]
I may expected to arrive either in France or England about February or March next.
I tell thee these circumstances in the same kind of way in which I have learned them, without any gloss or palliation, for I scarcely know myself what confidence to put in the hope of liberation, for it is liable to be overturned by so many accidents; and the conclusion
is above drawn is upon the most favourable side and therefore rests upon changce for its accomplishment.
Pray, my love, if thou knowest Mr. Akens address, write him the heads of these circumstances, they will be interesting to him; my friends and relations, also, I wish to be informed of what
hope there is of my what the little hope I have of liberty.
I am in tolerable health, and as there is some prospect of obtaining a little more liberty for exercise after the all my countrymen are gone, and I shall be the only English prisoner in this island, I hope to gain an accession of health and strength; for this climate is far from being a bad one,
though upon the whole it is too hot. My faithful servant Elder still continues with me. I gave him his choice g to go away with the other prisoners in the cartel, or to stay; but he seems determined to stay by me, until we shall weather this storm of adversity
I think, my love, that the family at Boston are more thy favourites than any other of my relations. Pray write my affectionate remembrances to William and his family in particular. I think Mr.
Hursthouses family at Tidd are, upon the whole, the my greatest favourites; and it is their kind and generous conduct to my cousin Henrietta that has inclined the balance in their favour; but by so much the more as I love and respect thee above any one in the world, by so much shall I be most attached to them whom, shall be kindest and most attentive to thee on my return, I shall find to have been most kind and attentive to thee.
Adieu, my dearest love, rest confident in the inviolable love,
friendship, and esteem of thy
most affectionate M.F.-
Wrote afterwards a P.S. to this letter at Mr. Pitots, giving information of having obtained permission to reside at Wilhems Plains: and mentioned having seen the bankruptcy of W.F. in a newspaper
[page 83]
[Letter No. 70]
Mr. C. Smith - Botanist - at Pulo Pinang - To the care of Messrs. Cambell & Co.
Isle of France July 7. 1805
My dear friend and old mess mate
Not withstanding that in my letter to you of January 6. last, I told you not to write to me here, for that I could not persuade myself but that in three or four months I should not be gone from hence, I am yet a prisoner, and with no better hopes of liberty than at that time. My expectations on this head have been so often disappointed, and there is so little attention paid to my misfortune, although the national honour both of England and France must have some concern in it, that I now sit down in a state between apathy and despair. It is a happy
characteristic quality in the human mind as well as body, that a frequent repetition of misfortune oppression deadens those irritable feelings which always rise against the first efforts of injustice, in the same manner as a man obliged frequently to expose himself to the rays of the sun without clothes, will soon be able to bear it without having blisters raised on his skin so that when we are not able to overcome, nature qualifies us to bear them with patience
By the Thetis, cartel, that arrived here some days since from Calcutta, with captain Bergeret of La Psyché and his officers, I have received a letter from the chief secretary of the Indian
government in answer to one I wrote to the marquis Wellesley in May 1804. In this letter I have an extract from the marquis' letter to the general De Caën, which is as follows "I avail myself &c. This came to me through the secretary of this government, and at the same time he writes to me, that "he should desire with all his heart that the captain-general "might be able to accede to the request of marquis Willesley, but the reasons of "my detention being of a nature to be submitted to the French government, the "captain-general cannot, before he has received an answer, change any thing of "the measures that have been taken relating to
me" on my account".
It is however, told me, that dispatches are daily expected from France, but when it is considered, that the European and Indian Seas are covered with British cruizers, and that, though the dispatches should arrive escape them, there may either be nothing in them relating to me, or perhaps an order to continue my imprisonment, - it is plain, that my expectation of a speedy release should ought not to be very sanguine
All the English prisoners, myself and servant [John Elder], excepted, are to leave the island in the cartel; and then, by the interest of my friend captain Bergeret, it is possible, I may obtain
leave permission to live somewhere in the country, where I can take exercise, and not be shut out from all the world as hitherto I have mostly been.
On the arrival of the cartel, I had great expectation of receiving a letter from you my means of Mr. Campbell, and am mortified at the disappointment.
[page 84]
Indeed, my friend, you are not a good correspondent; but as I know the goodness of your heart, and think you have not lost your regard for me, I cannot quarrel with you for it; but, indeed, you ought not to let slip so many opportunities of writing to me, knowing, as you do, how much I am interested in your welfare.
Should not opportunity offer hereafter of
writing to me here, do not my dear friend, neglect to give me a long letter directed to my agent Mr. Standert. This, I think, is due to the our long acquaintance, and the regard with which I am
your sincere and affectionate friend
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 71]
To Captain Vashon of H.M.S. Pitt
August 11. 1805 Maison Despaux I. of France
Dear Sir
I have been informed of a paper you sent in to me by a Danish ship, but which the master of her was afraid to send me without going through the office of the chef d'Etat-Major; consequently I have never received it; it is, however, gratifying to me to know that you had recollected me. My extraordinary situation here is not, I think, unknown to you, and therefore it not necessary, and would be too tedious to dwell upon it; I have, however, written a brief statement to Sir Edward Pellew by this conveyance.
The marquis Wellesley made an application to general De Caen for my release by the Thetis - cartel, but the generals secretary informs me, that no alteration can be made in my situation until orders are received from France. For these I have been kept waiting, near it seems, twenty months, and how much longer my imprisonment (for I have been always confined), may continue, appears to be as uncertain as on the first day
Steeles list of Dec. last informs me that my former mess mate, Shortland, is come out in the command of the Trompeuse, but I hear nothing of his arrival and suppose it is either a mistake or that some accident has happened to him. You will I think be glad to see him, should he have arrived.
Your former messmate, Crosley, came out with me in the Investigator as far as the Cape, but finding his health inadequate to the voyage
[page 85]
he went no further. Your expedition in the Providence and the hard treatment you received on her loss were not seldom the subject of our conversation; and I congratulate you, my dear Sir, on having so successfully overcome your persecution. I believe nothing has been heard of my old shipmate Ogilvie, or any of those who went on board the Swift? that was a melancholy business!
On your return to India, be so obliging as to present my remembrance to Lord George Stewart, and if he is not gone home, to captain Heywood. These are, I believe, all that I have any acquaintance with in your division. At the same time I beg of you to accept my best wishes for your success, and that you will believe me to be, with much regard.
your faithful and obedient servant
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 72]
To Capt. Henry of H.M. 19th dragoons - in India - Augt. 14. 1805
[Letter No. 73]
To Captain Bergeret
Maison Despaux Augt. 14. 1805
My dear Sir,
It is with much pleasure and many thanks to you
gratefulness for your kind application to general De Caën in my favour, that I receive your letter of this day. My present state of health does not make it convenient to me to remove for a few days yet to come, but so soon as I it will I shall gladly communicate to you the place where I should wish to reside; and in the mean time I shall make the necessary enquiries and arrangements. It would be convenient to me to know whether I am permitted to chuse any part of the island for my residence; or, if objection is made to the vicinity of the sea shore, at what distance from it I may fix upon an habitation, as also, whether any my parole or what other security will be required for my conduct, or my. If you can be so obliging as to give me some information upon these points by my servant, who will call tomorrow morning, you will add to the many kindnesses conferred upon, dear Sir
your faithful and obedient affectionate friend & humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
[page 86]
[Letter No. 74]
(Many Letters written to Mr. T. Pitot, of which no copies are kept, from Wilhems Plains) -
Wilhems Plains Sept. 20. 1805
My dear friend
It was with great pleasure that I have just now received your letter, for I began to fear you had been taken ill at Poudre d'Or. For your packet of interesting news, I thank you very much, and it is the more agreeable to me that the beseiging of Jamaica, and the landing of 30,000 men in Ireland are not confirmed in it.
Is Madame Rouillard the sister who resides at Poudre d'Or, and whom you usually go to visit?
Upon the subject of friendship and obligation, I foresee we shall
continue to have some difference so long as our relative situations continue the same. It will always be in your power to vanquish me, by reducing me to the dilemma which this question must produce "Would you not have done the same for me in similar circumstances? If I answer was to answer, no; I show myself unworthy of your friendship; and if yes, my own argument is defeated. It is to your generosity, I believe, that I am indebted for your forbearance of it. In most points, I fully agree with your sentiments upon the subject of friendship, so far as you have
developed them; but I think you may be assured, that the conferring of benefits, so far as they form a part of friendship, ought to be mutual; observe, I do not mean that they must be exactly balanced, for that friendship which is served out by weight is unworthy of the name; but there ought to be a degree of reciprocity between them, to ease the conscience of the receiver; to prevent the sting of dependence from entering too deeply into his soul. If I do not make
myself clearly understood, you will probably comprehend what I mean in framing an answer to the following question, which I put to you. Suppose yourself to have acquired two new friends, for whom you have an equal esteem and respect, and between whom there is no other difference than this, that your friend A has conferred numberless obligations upon you, but it has not never been in your power to do him any service, though your have anxiously sought
for opportunities: A is complete within himself, and in some measure beyond the reach of your services; but your friend B, on the contrary, has been unfortunate, his situation has seemed to require your assistance and you have given it gladly, being
[page 87]
satisfied of his worth, and from your friendship for him; he is grateful to you for what you have done, so that his eyes swim in tears, but he has no means of serving you. Now, my friend, let me ask you which of these two, A or B, you love best: to whom does you heart give the preference? I doubt not on which side your answer will be, but I beg of you to examine your feelings, and account reasonably to yourself for the preference. In so doing, I think you will fully understand my sentiments upon the subject of friendship, and why I say there ought to be some degree of reciprocity.
I do not, however, place the criterion of friendship either in
the conferring or receiving of benefits, though I allow admit them to be good accessories. It is in the almost indescribable communion of mind, the similarity of sentiments and of taste, and that jumping together of the heart upon occasions that call forth the feelings of humanity, which combined with a sincere esteem for the virtue and ability of our friend, and a wakeful anxiety for his welfare and happiness; - these are the foundations of ardent genuine friendship, and before which, benefits and obligations have scarcely a name. I do not hesitate to avow, that I loved you more for giving me the early intelligence of the arrival of the Bellona in the Grand Port, which you thought was a frigate from France, than for the greatest of those benefits you have conferred upon me; there I saw the heart of the friend; and though it was not, like your letters to Fleurieu and others, a full-length portrait of friendship, it was a sketch, done in such an artless though masterly stile, that it will never be erased from my memory. - But you will think me a visionary, leaving the solid for the artificial enjoyments of life; and if you do, I must forgive you; for you are not the first person nor is this the only subject upon which I have been so accused: but I have some other things to tell you
Mr Plumet brought me two shirts,supposing them to be
mine I had left them at his house. One is mine, but the other is marked T.B. Be good enough to make my compliments to Mr. Beyard, and tell him it waits his arrival in my pavilion. Mr. P. invites me to pass two or three days with him, offering as inducements a sight of the crater of an ancient volcano which is in the vicinity, an introduction to Mde. Airolles &c. Mr. Monchamp I find lives half a league lower down than Mr. Plumet, and upon all these considerations, I have formed an intention of accepting the invitation; but I first wait to know when you make your
[page 88]
visit to this Quarter, and whether it would not be more agreeable to you that we made the excursion together.
The last two days I have employed about the cascade of the river of Tamarinds. Absolutely your brother must come out here, for the view is much superior to any thing of the kind we saw on the road. I am now qualified to be his conductor either for the best distant view of the cascades or to the cascade itself. There are four falls within about half a mile of space. The first is perpendicular about 75 feet; the second near 200; the third from 50 to 80; and the fourth between 100 and 200. Three of these are visible from a point of view on the other side of the deep valley of Tamarinds; which valley appears as a deep dark abyss between the cascades and the point of view, the descent into which is almost perpendicular for a thousand feet. This view is to the left; and to the right is the sea, about five miles distant, over the low plain, visible through the opening which the mountains seem to have left for the passage of the river, the windings of which can with difficulty be traced along the bottom of the abyss, through the opening, and cutting its meandering route to the sea: but it must be seen, and with the mind of a poet or a painter, to be thoroughly understood; the description from a man who is neither, must be very inadequate to give a moderate conception of its grandeur
If you have seen Mr. Murat, he will tell you that the bad weather
prevented our excursion to the lake of Vacouas from taking place. The other evening I was going to make a visit to Mde. C., but I found the whole family going out to visit a neighbour. The way in which the ladies were mounted was partly new to me, but I will tell you more of it when I see you. Madam said, that she expected Monsieur out at the habitation in a day or two, and that then she should be glad to see me to dinner and to visit them. By this I understood, that my present visits were not altogether agreeable, which accounts for my having received only one invitation from Madam since my arrival in the quarter, which was about three weeks since when Monsieur came from the town. The several other times that I have been there, were either from Mr. Murats invitation, or visits that I made
in a neighbourly way. Observe, that I do not feel myself at all offended with the confirmation of what I suspected, for when an invitation is given me, it is my intention to accept it, but I cannot go any more without an invitation. I expect with some impatience when
[page 89]
Madame D' Arifat and some other neighbours shall arrive, who will be more friendly and less suspicious.
Adieu, my dear friend, believe me yours,
most sincerely and affectionately
Mattw. Flinders
P.S. -
[Letter No. 75]
To the Agent for prisoners on board the - Cartel, Port N.W.
Wilhems Plains Sept. 23. 1805
Sir,
Upon the supposition that you are not unacquainted with the
situation imprisonment of the Commander of His Majestys ship Investigator in this island, nor altogether a stranger to my name, I take the liberty of addressing you, to say, that at present I am residing at the habitation of Madame D'Arifat in this quarter, with the liberty beg, if you have any intelligence interesting to me, any late English papers, or magazines, and particularly a Steeles List of a later date than the 1st of Decr. 18054, that you will oblige me much by with a sight of them. My friend Mr. Thomas Pitot, a merchant in the town through whom I send this will forward to me any thing you may have the goodness to favour me with, and it which shall be returned at any the time you may specify.
Since the departure of the English prisoners of war from this island, I have been permitted to reside in this quarter, at the habitation of Mde. D'Arifat 15 miles from the town; with the liberty of the country for six miles round; and where, should you find it convenient to take a ride out, I should be happy to see you; at the same time, as this is a suspicious island, it would be proper to inform Mr. Monistrol, if you should form the intention, and obtain his approbation. You will easily procure a black slave to shew you the way.
Trusting that the peculiarity of my situation will be admitted as a sufficient apology for thus addressing a gentleman, with whose name, even, I have not the honour to be acquainted, I conclude with assuring you of the consideration with which I am
Sir, your most obedient humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
[page 90]
[Letter No. 76]
To Colonel Monistrol - Chef-d'Etat-Major
Wilhems Plains Sept. 24. 1805
Sir,
I beg leave to inform you, that I do not find any opportunity here of availing myself of the orders you were good enough to give me for the provisions of my two men. I have waited upon the Commandant of the district upon the subject, but find there is no deposit of provisions or commissary in this quarter. I have therefore to request, you will order have the goodness to make order a me a proportional allowance of money in lieu of the provisions; and on receiving your approbation, I will return the orders for the provisions for the month of Fructidor and the complementary days to your office
I have rec already received the greatest advantage to my health, from the good air and the exercise I enjoy here in
consequence of His Excellency the captain generals permission to reside in this district.
I have the honour to be, Sir, with much great consideration
your most obedient humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 77]
To Captain Bergeret
Wilhems Plains Sept. 24. 1805
My dear Sir
Thinking it probable that you may have some difficulty, or that it is not agreeable to you to speak to Mr. Monistrol upon the subject I mentioned to you in a letter about a fortnight since, I have today written to Mr. Monistrol; the commencement of an fre other month requiring that this little affair should be forthwith settled.
I enjoy excellent health here; better, I fear, than you do in the
town. I have visited the lake Vacouas, & the cascades of the Riviere des Tamarinds, and intend to leave unseen nothing interesting within the sphere of my six miles radius. There are many grand views in this island, and the weather seems now to be set in fair, for during this laste week it has scarcely rained here at all.
I hope to have The pleasure of hearing from you very soon, is anticipated by your obliged friend and humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
[page 91]
[Letter No. 78]
À Monsieur Thomas Pitot Au Port
Plaines de Wilhems Sept. 24. 1805
Mon cher ami
Je vous prie d'avoir la bonté d' envoyer les incluses à leurs adresses. J'ai reçu les gazettes de Mr. Kendal, mais sans auccun billet; si vous apprenez le tems du départ de cet Monsieur, vous me ferez plaisir de me faire savoir; j'en suis un peu interessé à son départ, parce qu' il porte quelques lettres de moi en Europe.
N'ayant pas beaucoup des choses à vous dire aujourd'hui, j'ai pris l'hardiesse de vous ecrire en Française, m'assurant que votre critique sera faite avec amitie; Cependant, Elder me dit, que nous ayons besoin de quarante ou cinquante livres du riz. le quel je vous prie de faire mention à Caëtane
Votre réponse sur le question sujet de votre visite
a dans cet quartier, j'attend à tous les moments
Je vous salue avec sincérité et affection
votre ami Mattw. Flinders
Avec Dans l'espoir d'etre favorisé àvec vos corrections sur cette ma
premiere premiere lettre Française la premiere, j'en ai retenu une copie
[Letter No. 79]
To Colonel Monistrol Chef d Etat Major-General
Wilhems Plains Sept. 26. 1805
Sir
A few hours after the letter was dispatched which I had the honour to write to you yesterday, I received information from captain Bergeret that a composition, in lieu of the provisions to my seamen, had been agreed to by Monsieur le Préfét; I therefore take the liberty of inclosing the three orders for the last month, requesting they may be accounted for to M. Thomas Pitot in the same manner
I have the honour to be, Sir, with great consideration
your most obedient and humble servant
Mattw. Flindlers
[Letter No. 80]
To. Capt. Bergeret a short note
[page 92]
[Letter No. 81]
To Captain A. Burmidge of the Clyde - Cartel Port N.W.
Tuesday Aug. Oct. 1. 1805
Sir,
I receive the favour of your letter of the 29th and am sorry that I cannot have the pleasure of seeing you in the country; and more especially since I find your ship Mr. Campbell is your owner. With Mr. C. himself I have not the pleasure honour of being personally acquainted but through the medium of our joint friend Mr. Smith of Pulo Penang we have known each other several years, it is with Mr. R. Campbell, his brother, that I have some intimacy, and at this time, Amongst others of my letters and papers, there are at this time some letters in the secretarys office of general De Caen, from for his Mr. R. Campbell to his brother from Port Jackson, which I may perhaps some time be able could much wish to obtain and forward to Calcutta but it is impossible at present: they are from Mr. R. Campbell.
For your obliging offer of supplying me with some necessaries, I return you my thanks; but my wants exceed what I can receive from you in the way you propose. You will not less oblige me by furnishing me with the following articles, at such moderate prices as will fully insure you against loss every kind of loss, or such part of them as may be conveniently in your power
Maderia - a few dozens not exceeding six
Sugar - A bag
Sugar -candy - A few pounds
Tea - A small case of 18 or 20 pounds
Long cloth - For a dozen shirts
Muslin - For a dozen neck clothes
Pega Napkins - A dozen
Blue Dungaree - A piece
Masula putam snuff - A bottle
For these things, Sir, or such of them as you can spare I would gladly settle with you in dollars, but I find so much difficulty in obtaining cash for my bills upon England here, that I should rather you would let me have them accept of my bills upon Mr. Standert my navy agent in London; for the amount; or if you please, I will settle with your Mr. Campbells agent in London on my arrival there, which I think cannot now be delayed many months longer
[page 93]
you may wish to know, and can communicate any intelligence to him that you think may be interesting to me.
You will be so obliging as to inform me whether you there is any objection in your instructions to your taking a letter from me to Mr. Campbell: in the Thetis and Prime
there were none
I have the honour to be, Sir
your most obedient humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
If you can give me any Some intelligence of the present situations of Mr. R. Campbell, and of Mr. C. Smith, you will oblige me would be very gratifying to me.
[Letter No. 82]
Le desire d'adoucir la solitude dans la quelle le sort vous contraint à vivre, me porte à vous proposer, monsieur, de venir chaque jour sans ceremonie partager le simple ordinaire de nos repas, sans y ajouter rien des vôtres. Vos gens appreteraient pour eux seulement. Si vous acceptez ma proposition, cette offre je vous la fais de tout mon cour, par les motifs cités plus haut, je verrais donc votre acceptation avec grand plasir, mais néanmains, s'il vous est plus convenable, si vous aimez mieux continuer à vivre comme vous l'avez fait jusqu' à présent, je ne m'offenserai nullement de votre refus, persuadée que la gêne est le tourment de la vie; agissez donc à ce sujet librement franchement je vous prie.
( From Mad. D'Arifat
[Letter No. 83]
Oct. 10. 1805
To Madam D' Arifat
I cannot enough thank you, my dear Madam, for your obliging and very friendly offer, and was I to consult only my own gratification I should certainly accept it with the greatest thankfulness; but when I take all the concurring and consequent circumstances into consideration, I see that propriety requires that my table should remain where it is; therefore, with the frankness which you permit me to use upon the occasion I beg leave to express my acknowledgements for your goodness, of which
[page 94]
I am fully sensible, at the same time that I see the necessity of declining it. This will not prevent me from accepting such occasional invitations as your convenience may think proper to favour me with, nor I trust be any interruption to that friendly communication which I am so desirous anxious to maintain with a family so amiable, and to whom I owe so much obligations.
When I proposed to add something to your dinner yesterday, it was merely upon the supposition, that immediately on your arrival you might
[Letter No. 84]
To Mr. Campbell merchant at Calcutta
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France
Oct. 12. 1805
Sir,
I must acknowledge myself to be disappointed in not having receivinged by captain Burmide any letter from you or Mr. Smith my friend Mr. Smith; it is however accounted for, by the expectation that it seems was entertained at Calcutta that captain Bergeret would be exchanged for me; but this cannot take place, nor can my exchange in any way without the order of the French government in Europe. It seems that I am a prisoner of state, and at the disposal only of the marine minister in France, and therefore must remain until here until his orders arrive, however long they may be delayed: The applications therefore of the marquis Wellesley and of commodore Osborn for my release or exchange were, consequently, of no avail. The reasons for my detention, I have, at length for understood from the French government gazette the Moniteur, of July 11. 1804, and which are, in the abridgment, that my passport was for
the Investigator, and not for the Cumberland, (the little vessel in which I arrived here after the Investigator became rotten and I had been wrecked in the Porpoise;) and that suspicions are entertained that I had an intention in touching at this island I had the intention to make myself acquainted with the circumstances of thise colony: it is acknowledged, however, that I did not know of the present war having taken place when I formed the intention of coming here.
At present, I am in expectation that orders will soon arrive for my release concerning me, but I have entertained the same expectation for these last twelve months; their arrival arrival of orders upon the subject, it is therefore very uncertain, and the nature of those orders when they do arrive, is equally so: for it is not upon the my innocence of crime that the intention of my passport has really not been broken remains unviolated, but upon the political state of England and France in certain points that is most likely to decide the question; at least every thing I have seen of the government in this
[page 95]
island induces me to think so. I therefore hope, that if any future opportunity to this island offers itself, you will do me the favour to write, and if you should have no letter from my friend Smith to inclose, you will give me the most material information concerning him. Should I not be here, or the person intrusted be unable to convey the letter to my friend Mr. Thos. Pitot, for me, it can be returned or destroyed.
When captain Burmide informed me to whom his ship belonged, he, at the same time, politely made me an offer of some necessaries of which he supposed I must stand in need. I wished to provide for all my wants, not doubting but he would supply me at an much easier rate than purchases can be made here; but he was not able to furnish me so extensively, and for the part he has supplied refuses to accept payment. I have accepted received his present considering it to come from you in consideration of his owner, captain Burmide being a stranger to me, but at the same time feel myself not less obliged to him for the
liberality of conduct.
Since the departure of the two former cartels, I have been permitted to reside in this district, which is in the middle of the island, with the liberty restriction of not going further than six miles from the habitation where I am fixed. Upon the whole, I am agreeably pleasantly situated, as a prisoner in the neighbourhood of several far agreeable families from whom I receive all the attention that I could possibly expect.
Mr Robert Campbell, I find, is gone to England for a time; the letters he committed to my care in Sept. 1803 are still detained amongst others by general De Caën. If ever I obtain the repossession of them, they shall be immediately forwarded
I beg the favour of you to mention me to Mr. Smith when you write to him; and if he or you should have occasion to write to me after my departure from this island, that you will address
these your letters for me to Mr. Standert of Norfolk St. Strand, London my agent
I am, Sir,
your obliged and obedient humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
I know not whether I rec you received a letter, I took the liberty of sending many
months since, to be forwarded to governor King?
[page 96]
[Letter No. 85]
To captain Burmide of the ship Clyde - cartel - Port N.W.
Wilhems Plains Oct. 14.1805
Sir,
I received by my servant your last letter, with an account of several articles you have been so obliging as to give send me, and for which you are so liberal as to refuse any payment: From the politeness of your conduct and the correspondence I have had with Mr. Campbell, I accept them upon those terms, and beg of you to accept receive my acknowledgments
I have delayed to this time answering hour letter in the hope of seeing you, but being afraid you may now sail without being able to come out here I now inclose to you a letter which I beg the favour of you to deliver to Mr. Campbell; it is all that I wish to trouble you with myself, but I beg to recommend to your care those letters that my friend Pitot may be desirous of sending by your ship
Should you finally be unable to make a trip out to Wilhems Plains, I hope you will favour me with a line previous to your sailing. Wishing you a prosperous voyage back to Calcutta, I remain
Sir,
your obliged and obedient
humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 86]
À Monsieur Thos. Pitot - Au Port
Vendredi Oct. 18. 1805
Mon cher ami
C'est lorsque je n'ai que tres peu de choses à vous dire, qui je m'enhardis à vous écrire en Français. Je vous donnerais plus souvent la peine de lire et de corriger mon jargon conformément à votre offre amicale et obligeante, si l'arrivée de Madame D'Arifat et de sa charmante famille ne m'avait donné deux instructeures* si capable et de
* Ce mot je transporte de l'Anglais, et sans doute l'Academie des Sciences m'en voudra bien rendre des graces; après lesquelles it est posible, que j'enrichisse votre langue de plus
[page 97]
si bonne volonté qu'il me devient inutile d'occuper votre tems precieux d'une affaire aussi ennuyante. À present, j'ecris pour vous montrer, que si je ne suis pas "in consequentia" au moins je ne suis point "in antecedentia".
Mes lettres vous ont dit tant de fois du bonheur que je trouve ici maintenant, que je ne tourmenterai pas mon pauvre dictionaire pour chercher des mots Francais de le repeter. Je ne crois pas que je puisse trouver une autre famille dedans les rivages le l'Isle de France, dont le gout accorderait si bien avec le mien
N'ayant reçu aujourd'hui aucune lettre de vous, mon ami, j'ignore si votre frere viendra demain ou non: si'il ne vient pas, cela me fera beaucoup de chagrin
Avec le plus sincere attachment, je suis, mon cher Monsieur
votre affectioné
Mattw. Flinders
(Note. This is my second French letter. It was perused and corrected by Miss Delphine D. but it is written here and was sent with about one half of her corrections: had it been without faults it would not have been thought to mine, which I wish it should be for a few days.)
[Letter No. 87]
To Mr. Thos. Pitot - Port N.W.
Oct. 22. 1805
How much I am obliged to you, my best friend, for your kind concern to send me out so soon my letters, I cannot express to you; but knowing in some measure my sentiments and feelings, you will well imagine it what my feelings they are towards you must be on this occasion; especially when you know, that I have received two letters from my beloved wife, whose last letter was dated whom I had not heard of or from these for more than three years past: and contained an account of her very ill health, but which is now re established these letters give me an account of the re establishment of her health which, when I heard before, was in a declining state. A third letter is from my friend Sir Joseph Banks, who tells me, that he has well-founded hopes of my liberation being obtained through the medium of the National Institute, so soon as the Emperor returns from Italy; and as it appears that he is returned by the last accounts, the first arrival from France will, I hope, bring me a return to liberty, my country and my family.
[page 98]
The inattention of a Spanish nobleman, to whom Sir Josephs application to the National Institute was intrustinged, appears to have been a principal cause of the delay. A fourth letter is from our friend Robertson, who was in London and well; but uncertain whether he should remain there for a time, or very soon come out again to India: he waited for letters from there Calcutta. He speaks of your kindness former attentions to him in grateful terms, and desires most particularly, that his kindest compliments should be made to you and your family. A fifth letter is a joint letter from two of my relations.
In general the accounts of my friends are satisfactory; but I have lost an uncle, to whose will, it seems, I am left an executor, with a small legacy. This is another call, which requires my presence in England, and I find that some others of my relations have suffered in their circumstances and want my assistance
It is not improbable that you will be able to procure some English gazettes or magazines from this brig: if you do, I know well you will oblige me with a sight of them.
I am as usual in exceeding good health here, and as happy with the family whose friendship I you have procured me as my situation can almost admit
Adieu my dear friend, accept my the
friendly affectionate regards and grateful acknowledgements of
your sincere and obliged friend
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 88]
To Madame D'ArifatOct. 22. 1805
Permit me, my dear Madame, to recal to your recollection the obliging offer proposal you made me on your first arrival at the Refuge, to live with your family; which offer proposal I was prevented from accepting from the fear of offending you, by offering an adequate pecuniary consideration a repugnance to a an unnecessary pecuniary obligation on one side, and both unnecessary and improper, and from the fear of offending you by offering an adequate consideration. on the other. At present I think I know the goodness of your heart sufficiently to be certain that you will not be offended with an offer which, so far from originating in any want of respect, proceeds wholly from the great esteem I have for you and your amiable family, and from the desire I have to of enjoying the
[page 99]
gratification and advantage of as much of your society as possible. Permit me then, my dear Madam, to bring myself and forty piastres piastres or at least thirty, piastres per month to your table. I receive sixty; and with the remainder I shall provide for my two faithful attendants [John Aken and John Elder]. If this arrangement shall prove agreeable to you, I shall be a great gainer by it, even in a pecenary point of view, but the advantages I shall reap in other respects will be above all price for my allowance has never yet been sufficient to supply my table; but the advantages I shall reap in other respects will be above all price. Do not think, my dear Madam, that I expect by these means to exonorate myself from all obligation to you; on the contrary, you will add much to it by complying with this request of
your most obliged humble servant and obedient
M.F.
[Letter No. 89]
The Answer [from Madame d'Arifat]
Je n'ai pas repondu de suite à votre écrit, Monsieur, en ayant été empêché par la compagnie que nous avons eu, et puis je l'avoue, votre proposition m'a cause quelque pèine. J'étais bien éloigné de penser que vous eussiez envisagé sous le point de vue d'obligation pecuniaire de vivre habituellement avec ma famille et moi; assurement je n'ai jamais prétendu vous en faire contractu aucune, et n'ai jamais envisagé que le plaisir réciproque qui pouvait resulter d'une societé plus intime. Je ne vous ai offert aucune magnificence (les moyens n'en sont pas à ma pouvoir) mais
seulement, et dans toute la simplicité de mon âme, un petit ordinaire tel qu'il se prépare pour ma famille et moi. Il m'en coute infiniment d'accepter votre proposition, mais enfin aujourd'hui que vos motifs de refus me sont connus, qui je ne puis me dissimuler que ce n'est que par fierté que vous vous éloignez de nous; la position ou nous nous trouvons vis-a-vis l'un et l'autre m'oblige à ceder, et je cede; les choses seront done ce que vous voulez qu'elles soient.
Oct. 24. 1805
[page 100]
[Letter No. 90]
À Monsieur Thos. Pitot Au Port N.O.
Plaines de Wilhems Nov. 6. 1805
3rd French letter
Mon cher ami
Je vous remercie tres sincerement de votre lettre de hier. La
[lieu à la question que je vous faisais et à laquelle]
curiosité qui avait [donnée occasion à cette question que] vous avez entièrement
[avait] [provenait]
répondue [etait] seulement pour [but de] savoir si ma residence ici [était]
[de] [demande faite par
d' une offre [sur] la part de Madame D'Arifat, ou d'une [application sur celle
vous] [dans le cas ou ma premiere idée eut été fondée, d'apprendre]
de le votre]; et [s'il etait sur celle-la, pour apprendre] les motifs par desquels
[Mad. D. avait pu être portee à me faire] [ma]
[elle était portu de faire] cette offre si obligeante. Vous infererez de [la] question que cette aimable famille me devient interessante de plus en plus Madame D. et
[plupart]
sa fille ainée sont en vérité fort superieures à la [plus part] des femmes qui j'ai
rencontrées. À un dégré d activité, d'industrie, et de constance peu commun,
[joint] [une]
cette jeune demoiselle [se joind] une penetration et [un] soif pour la
[ont étonné]
science qui m ['a donne la surprise]. J'avais eu la bonheur de rencontrer
auperavant deux jeunes demoiselles extraordinaires, l'une desquelles est
[des]
aujourd'hui ma femme, et Mademoiselle D. fait une troisieme, qui sous [les]
[occupé] [les pages]
circonstances differentes auraient [occupées] un rang brillant dans [la page]
de l'histoire, ou entre les bienfaiteurs du genre humain, ou entre les heros
célebrés. [celle]
À ces qualités peu communes elle ajoute [celui-la] d'être une dame
aimable, et je suis fort trompé si elle ne ferait pas une femme affectionée et une
mere excellente. Elle posséde ma très-haute considération et mon estime,
[tous ceux]
comme je crois [qu'] elle posséde celles de [tout la monde] qui ont la
[connaitre]
bonheur de la [connaissance]
Ce que vous me dites, mon cher ami, de votre soeur Rouillard m'a
[fait] [fidelle]
[donné] un tres grand plaiser. Le portrait [fidel] d'une telle affection
fraternelle est charmant, et it fait honneur egalement
[page 101]
egalement à la bonté de votre coeur, et au charactere de votre soeur.
[Je n'ai pas besoin de vous dire combien j'aurai de plaisir si je trouve]
[C'est une chose inutile à dire combien it me fera de bonheur, si je pusse trouver] occasion de faire connaissance avec une personne si estimable.
En lisant a mauvais Français, vous me ferez l'honneur de
[ajouter foi aux]
[me donner la croyance à ces] sentiments que je suis incapable d'exprimer, ou qui j'exprime si [surtout à l'affection]
mal, et [en particular pour l'égard affectione] avec lequelle je suis votre ami le plus sincere et obligé
Mattw. Flinders
Ayez la bonté de me renvoyer atte lettre corrigée de votre main.
[Letter No. 91]
Mrs. Flinders Partney near Spilsby - Lincolnshire
Williams Plains in the Isle of France
Nov. 20.1805
Thy dear letters of May 12. and June 14. 1805 I received, my best love, on Oct. 22 last, by a brig which arrived here direct from London. they were inclosed with one from Sir Joseph Banks, one from my cousin Henny and sister Hannah and one from my friend Mr. Robertson through whose obliging case they were conveyed to my friend Pitot at the town of Port N.W. and from him to me. What a relief did these letters bring to me! Since Sept. 1802 I had known nothing of thee or any one of my relations; and my letters of that date had told me of the death of my dear father and of the miserable state of thy health. I knew not what to fear. I was obliged to drive as much as possible all reflections that related to England from my mind, to avoid being completely miserable; whereas now I can dwell upon the domestic scence my imagination continually raises with a solid and heartfelt satisfaction. I know that I have still a beloved wife whose bosom healthful frame is agitated only by her sighs at my absence: delightful flattering thought. Her sole distress as She has no other distresses: delightful flattering thought. And I now know also by
[page 102]
these letters that steps have been taken to obtain my release, and that there is every prospect of their being attended with success. I know also the situation of almost the whole of my friends: unfortunate, indeed, some have been, but to know even that is better than the tormenting state of suspence with which I have been wracked these last three years. Receive my best beloved, my thanks for thy communications, but most especially for thy sweet assurances of unalterableed affection; and with them receive my vows of fidelity
continued constant unabated love: to love thee more than I have done, and now do, I think cannot be, thou hast the sole undivided possession of my heart
By the account of the letters thou has received from me it appears since my confinement here, I see that my two first letters to Mr. Tyler have miscarried, the one dated Dec. 31. 1803 and the other April 14. 1804. They were sent by French ships, and as I had not much hope of their arrival, or if they should arrive, that they would be unopened, they were very short and merely intended to let thee know where I was. There are two other letters which had not arrived when thy last letter was written, the one is dated May 15 1805 and the other July 7. 1805 with a postscript in August. This postscript was written from the town after I had obtained permission to reside in this district. Three Two cartels had arrived from India which carried away all the other English prisoners and the French governor [Decaen] then permitted me to leave the prison and chuse a residence in the inland part of the island under my parole of honour not to go further than six miles from it without
permission. I had the offer of three of four different residences, such several of the inhabitants of this island, as are acquainted with the circumstances of my imprisonment being emulous to be foremost in their civilities to me. I chose this, nearly in the middle of the island, as being least likely to be objected to by the government; which it was offered me by Madame D'Arifat an elderly widow lady, of an excellent understanding and disposition, and respectable character. Her family consists of three sons and three daughters four of whom are grown
[page 103]
grown up and compose one of the most amiable families this island can boast; but it is with the eldest son, of about 27 years, and the eldest daughter of about 20 that I have more particularly attached myself. Thou canst not conceive how anxious they are to see and be acquainted with thee, to have thee amongst them. Though unknown, I scarcely think thou art less dear to Miss Mademoiselle Delphine D'Arifat than to many of thy relations: She talks of making a voyage to England in the peace in order to see more of our English manners and to make acquaintance with thee
In this retreat, my time is either employed in visiting those
places which are in within my six miles which have any thing of curious or interesting in them, in visiting the gentry of the neighbourhood, or in learning French. The whole family are my instructors, and in return I am the tutor of the greater part of the family in the English language: one day we speak nothing but French and another nothing but all English, and we mutually reciprocally make a tolerable progress.
>From ten o'clock to dinner time we are employed in reading and in writing: they correct my bad pronuncition and my mistakes and I do the same for them. Thus we are mutually useful and I believe agreeable to each other: We even talk upon religion and politics, and though we are almost constantly of different interests and opinions yet we never seperate but upon good terms.
Thou will see that I am as pleasantly situated here at present as a prisoner can well be. This has been my course of life generally since the family arrived from the town to this their country residence, which was about six weeks since; before that time I was rather solitary, but the novelty of the situation and my books even then found me full employment. Comparitively with my situation in this island for the first 20 months I am now very happy; and yet I often retire to the little pavilion which is my study and bed room, and with my flute in my hand and sometimes tears in my eyes I warble over the little evening hymn song of which I sent thee a copy. Ah my beloved, then my heart overleaps the distance of half a world and wholly embraces thee
[page 104]
>From the letter I received from Sir. J.B. I expect that the first ship of war that shall arrive here from France will bring an order for my liberty. Such an arrival, however, very seldom happens, and I have been so often disappointed that I am almost afraid now to permit myself to expect with much anxiety. Perhaps six months will terminate my captivity, possibly three may, and it is even possible that one month may be the termination. According to the first I might expect to be in England by Nov. 1. 1806; according to the second, by Aug. 1st 1806 and the last by April or May 1806.
I did not find the letter of Sir. J.B. so kind as I could have wished. I see that he is not satisfied with the conduct I have observed towards the French government here. I have rather considered the justice of my cause than policy, and have in his estimation and have therefore, in his estimation, treated them with too much haughtiness, and by that lengthened, or perhaps caused, my imprisonment. I am sorry for this opinion which he seems to entertain, but it is very difficulty for a man to treat another with respect, from whom he is conscious of having deserved well, but by whom he finds himself ill treated and deprived of his liberty and otherwise ill-treated. Should the same circumstance happen to me again, I fear I should follow nearly the same steps.
The account of my cousin Henny's situation at Spalding, as well as her own letter give me pleasure; but more particularly the situation of my two young sisters under so able an instructress. I propose to write to them all by this same conveyance. The bankruptcy of my cousin William both surprised, and grieved me. I cannot think it has arisen from the impropriety of his own conduct: a want perhaps of calculation, or the folly or villainy of others has occasioned it: his re-establishment seems to bespeak this, and gives me as much pleasure as his re-establishment itself. - What can be the distresses into which the Franklins have fallen: I am not less interested for
them than for my own relations. The present situation of John F. and young Lound did not enter into thy list. My poor uncle Samuel Ward has, thou sayest, paid the debt of nature. From his character I have always
[page 105]
suspected that he would leave his property to our family although our intimacy with him as not, of late years been very great. I fear his other relations, equally near to him, are more in want of it. The principle of justice within me would make me divide what may come to me amongst the most indigent of my cousins by the nephews and nieces of my mother, but when I reflect that even this little addition to my fortune will be the means of shortening the
time I may be obliged to be absent from thee to gain a moderate competence for us, I shall hardly be able to bring myself to do it. I doubt not but Mr. Tyler will take care of my interest in this affair, and to him I wholly leave it until my return - I do not well understand the nature of the difference between an executor and an executor in trust, nor why both are necessary in the execution of a will?
I thank thy sister Belle for her letter, though I have not received it. Kiss her for me, and say I am her very affectionate friend and brother. I esteem her so much that I ha
recommended her to Samuels particular attention, but I know not if he thought further of my advice. In these sort of affairs the opinion of the dearest friend has but little weight. I shall write to Samuel also by this conveyance (though as yet I know not what it will be or when) I am anxious for news from Standert I have sent him home a considerable number of bills, but have not received any account of one of them. I desired my brother to arrange my business with him, as well as that of the money left me by my dear father; and since thou doest not say any thing upon either of these subjects, I suppose that thy money has been regularly paid and that nothing is materially amiss. This is, my love, a most interesting subject to us: on it depends the period when we shall be able to sit down quietly without further occasion for voyages of discovery. Shouldst thou not know certainly that orders for my liberation have been sent out, at the time thou mayest receive this letter, pray write to my brother for an abstract of the state of my property to the best of his knowledge, and also write to Mr. Standert for the same, and inclose them to me by the first conveyance, having reserved a copy for a future occasion
Remember me my love, most affectionately and respectfully to thy dear
[page 106]
mother and to my friend Mr. Tyler and to thy aunt. Write my congratulations to Mrs. Booth on her marriage, and present my affectionate regards to all the Franklin family. Entertain hope, and Repose confidently in the unalterable affection of thy M.F.
I wish thou hadst said what regiment of cavalry it is that James F. goes out to join at Bombay: if it is the 19th dragoons I am acquainted with captain Henry of that regiment who I think would shew him some attention on my account: he and his wife were prisoners in the Maison Despeaux with me: If an opportunity for India offers I will write to captain H. concerning him
Remember me affectionately to my cousin William and Penelope F. -
when thou hast an opportunity. It is very long since I have written to my sister Susan, but pray assure her that she is very dear to me. What thou sayest of her business not answering makes me gives me pain. I think all my relations are becoming unfortunate in their concerns: they are all miserably poor. Notwithstanding my misfortunes I think seem to be the luckiest of the whole: my father was the principal support of the name and it seems as if I was destined to take his place.
[Letter No. 92]
To the Rt. Honble. Sir Joseph Banks - Bt. K.B. &c. &c. &c. London
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France
Nov. 28. 1805
I had the honour and exceeding great happiness to receive on Oct.
22. last, your obliging and most welcome letter, Sir Joseph, of June
20. 1805 inclosed with several others from my
friends relations, through the
obliging friendly care of Mr. Robertson. Accept, Sir, my unfeigned thanks for the trouble you have taken, both to procure my liberation from the French government and to calm the inquietudes of my wife Mrs. Flinders.
My letters of May 16. and July 5. 1805 will inform you, Sir Joseph, of the state of my accounts of the Investigators voyage, and of a permission I received, after the departure of all the prisoners of war, to leave my prison place of confinement and reside in the country on my account of my health. I have now for nearly three months resided here in this district, almost in the middle of the island, with a permission to extend my walks, with a very agreeable, and respectable family, from whom I receive every kindness and attention and with the permission to extend my walks six miles round. Being unable to prosecute further the account of my our voyage for want my remaining books and papers, my time here has been occupied in gaining
[page 107]
some knowledge of the French language: this has been both my business and amusement, and for three months past, and unless general DeCaen shall be pleased to give me more books and papers, will continue to be so, until the arrival of orders from France which shall chuse determine my future destination. It is told me that the general himself expects that the first orders he shall receive relating to me will be to give
me liberty. And since I know, that through your obliging and powerful intercession the National Institute have
interestinged themselves for me, I rest with some confidence that it will be so really be so, and that their arrival will not be many months delayed. What I fear most is, that the vessel which may bring them them dispatches will throw them overboard on meeting with our squadron ships, which since the arrival of Sir. E. Pellew in India have been almost constantly cruizing upon these coasts, as indeed two frigates now are
In the greater part several of the letters I have written to you Sir Joseph and to the admiralty, I mentioned that Mr. Brown and Mr. Bauer would remain eighteen months at Port Jackson expecting from Sept. 1803 waiting for my arrival with another ship, or for orders from their Lordships. I hope that I have been understood in this respect: though I am not without anxiety in this respect upon the subject, since your letter mentions nothing of the circumstance: Should these
two gentlemen be arrived I beg them to accept of my friendly remembrances; as also my friend Gov. King, to whom I am under considerable obligations for the zeal with which he assisted me in the prosecution of our voyage and his personal kindness to me. Since my residence here in this district I have not had the least communication with general DeCaen; but this the liberty I now enjoy is a sufficient proof that he has ceased to consider me as a spy; and I firmly believe, that if he had not said to the French government during the time of his unjust suspicions of me that he should detain me here until he received their orders arrived concerning me, he would have gladly suffered me to depart long since for he has the character of having a good heart, though too hasty and violent
With the most anxious wishes, that when I shall be so happy as to revisit England, I may find you my most powerful friend in perfect health and that you may not find me unworthy of the protection and patronage you have so liberally bestowed upon me I remain Sir Joseph
your most obliged and most obedient humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
[page 108]
[Letter No. 93]
To Miss Henrietta Flinders - Spalding
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France
Nov. 21. 1805
Plaines de Wilhems a l'isle de France
Nov. 28. 1805
Ma chere cousine
Votre courte lettre ab de date de de Juin 15. j'avais était reçue avec le plus grand plaisir, c'est la seule lettre que j'avais eu de la votre vous depuis mon départ d'Angleterre en 1801, malgré notre convention de maintenir une correspondence intime. Mais, ma cousine, mon intention actuelle n'est pas de vous faire des reproches; j'ajouterai la foi à tout ce
que vous me dites des lettres
que vous m'avez écrit, mais lesquelles je n'avais pas même reçu une, et de plus, je vous congratulerai de tout mon coeur sur la situation heureux dans laquelle vous vous trouviez à la date de votre lettre, il m'a donné infiniment de la joie. Le seul epâtiment peine que je vous infligerai, [word crossed out and indecipherable] est, de lire cet mauvais Français essai de mauvais Français que de quelle langue j'ai ramassé depuis un peu de mots dans les trois derniers mois où il m'a été permis à sortir de prison. Pour Depuis cet tems-la,
d'apprendre la langue de ce pays, il a été et le plus considerable de mes emplois et mon amusement; vous pourrez jugerez de combien mon attente ple cet
emxemple, si il y a de probabilité que je réussisse de gagner assez de la lang pour être entendu.
Il me donne beaucoup de plaisir pour Je suis bien aise que mes deux jeunes soeurs out le bonheur et l'avantage de vos soins. Hannah me dit qu' elle apprend le Français, et j'espere que Henrietta fera la même sorte chose arrivera à
Henrietta, et que leur mere n'en les tirera pas trop vitement: Leur donnez cette lettre à traduire Je vous en prie de faire part à eux de mon affection fraternelle. Peut-être cette lettre leur servira pour une leçon de traduction; si'il ne leur donnera aucun progrès en le Français, au moins ils en y apprennent que leur frere ainé ne se trouve pas trop vieux encore d'acquirir de la connaissance
Adieu ma chere cousine, Croyez moi toujours notre ami sincere et tres affectioné
M.F.
[page 109]
P.S. My Ann tells me that your good father and mother are both living and well: but you my cousin say nothing of them, or of our friends at Tidd. Do not think that my own misfortunes prevent me from remembering and being anxious to hear of friends whom I love and esteem so much as these: You did not do well my cousin to leave them unmentioned. - Thank you a thousand times for your attention to my beloved wife. It is you, of all my relations, that I have recommended most to her intimacy and confidence. I am sure you will find her worthy of yours. - You will smile at my attempts to write French, but you will also see that the purpose of it is to stimulate my sisters. You will learn from my
wife the particulars of my situation here.
[Letter No. 94]
To Lt. S. Flinders at Mr. A. Standerts Norfolk St. Strand London
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France
Nov. 23. 1805
My dear Samuel
It is now just a month since I had the exceeding great happiness of receiving a packet of letters from containing letters dated in May and June last from my wife, Sir J.B. our cousin Henny and sister Henrietta Hina, and from my friend Mr. Walter Robertson, a surgeon on the Bengal establishment who was a fellow prisoner here with me and through whose care the packet was conveyed to me. From my dear wife I learn, that after a short absence time after your arrival you was appointed to the Hindostan and that in June last you was on board the Prince George in the channel fleet, but that you had thoughts of going on shore for six or eight months on account of
your health. You will judge of the gratification this packet gave me by knowing the simple fact that the letters received at Port Jackson which informed us of the death of our excellent father, were the last letters, as well as intelligence, that I had received of any of my friends, except that I had seen the bankruptcy of William mentioned in the papers. A letter from you, my dear Samuel, would have increased my pleasure, and more particularly as none of my letters mention any thing of the state of my accoun pecuniary affairs, the public opinion of our voyage, my imprisonment here, or the prospect we have of promotion. To the situations also of Mr. Fowler, John Franklin and the rest of our shipmates in the Investigator I am also a stranger.
[page 110]
I gives me pleasure that to know, that you did not waiste much time on shore after your arrival; and I hope, that your will be abl health will enable you to continue in actual service until my arrival return. Your situation on board the Prince George is not indeed very active, but if you have good discipline it is a favourable for you one for six or eight months: you know that it is a favourite plan of mine for a midshipman or young lieut. to change ships often, both because the being amongst strangers excites emulation, and because it gives an opportunity of observing the plan of discipline of different officers: After a time, however, these
changes are no longer good: when you find a good officer who is disposed to serve you it is better to stick by him. By the last Steeles list I have seen captain Epworth is your commander; but I know not how far he may answer the character last mentioned: should you be still with him, pray offer him my compliments.
The My letter from Sir J.B. tells me only of the steps he has taken to obtain my liberation through the means of the Institute of Paris; that he has no news relating to discovery, that captain Bligh is nominated governor of N.S.W. in place of gov. King (I supose by Sir. J.B. interest.) this is all. I can tell learn nothing of the probability of our voyage being completed or what I am to expect on my return: Sir J. seems to have feared that the seal of his letter would be broken by the French.
I have written two letters to you from hence, the last dated in May 1805 by Mr. Aken, whom I hope you may have seen. You will at least have learnt a means of conveying letters to me here, and should you not have received information that an order for my liberation has been obtained from the French government, I hope you will write to me often and fully, upon all the circumstances that you know will be interesting to me. By Sir J.s letter, the Institute expected this order would be procured immediately that the French emperor returned from Italy, so that I am in expectation of liberty before six months more shall be elapsed, and perhaps possibly in two; after which you may expect me in England in 3,4, or
5 months.
A cartel of exchange having been established between this island and India, the whole of the English prisoners departed about ten two weeks months after Mr. Aken, and the French general then per-
[page 111]
-mitted me to reside in the country, at a habitation in the middle of the island, with a permission to extend my walks and visits six miles all round. I am happily situated in an agreeable family consisting of Madame D'Arifat (a widow lady) three sons and three daughters. They learn me French and I teach them English, and since I have completed the my charts and written up the my accounts of our voyage as far as I could obtain materials from my stock in the hands of general De Caen, my time for these three months has been almost wholly employed in the manner above mentioned this is agreeably to my general plan never to lose an opportunity of learning any thing useful. My health has been very good since I was let out of prison confinement: this district being more than a thousand feet above the level of the sea, the air is as cool as the level of the sea is shore would be 10º further south. I find the neighbouring gentry civil and hospitable, and I have more than one intimate friend; consequently my condition is not at present very miserable: my voyage, my wife, my promotion, my friends, and the state of my uncertain state of my property are my sole sources of uneasiness; and to prevent the
remembrance of these from depressing my mind I keep myself almost constantly employed
Adieu my dear Samuel, be emulous of distinction, and at least endeavour to deserve it; and believe that you will always find a real and sincere friend in your
most affectionate brother
Mattw. Flinders
[page 112]
[Letter No. 95]
To Mr. John Aken - at W. A. Standerts Esq. Norfolk St. Strand
Wilhems Plains - Isle of France
Nov. 23. 1805
Dear Sir
It is now six months since your departure and I begin to look for a letter from you, dated at New York, every day. About two months after you had left us a cartel of exchange was established by commodore Osborn who was off the island, and Mr. Monistrol, and two cartels ships with French prisoners arrived arrived soon after, one from Bombay and the other from Bengal. Mainwaring, Basden, Malard and Arthur went away in the former, and Dale and Seymour with almost the whole of those from the Grande Riviere in the other. Two days afterwards I received information from Mr. Monistrol that the general [Decaen] had accorded me permission to live at Wilhems Plains at the house of Madame D'Arifat (where I now am). Captain Bergeret with all his officers and people arrived in the Bombay Bengal
cartel and he has continued to be friendly to me nearly as before, though I think not quite so anxiously. After quitting the Maison Despeaux I staid four days in the town at full liberty with Mr. Pitot, and he then conveyed me out here. The sole restriction upon me is, that I have given my parole not to go beyond six miles from the habitation: this is liberal treatment for a spy.
At this place I am happy much beyond my expectation. The first six weeks I resided in the a little pavilion, and Elder and Smith in a another. The family then arrived from the town, and Madame D. offered me her table in the most polite manner, but I declined it because I did not wish to incur so great an obligation; afterwards, however, I found the family so intelligent, and so agreeable, and I was so desirous of being constantly with them for the advantage of speaking French, that I begged to be admitted to their table with 40 piastres per month. This was agreed to with some difficulty, and I therefore now only sleep and write in the pavilion. The family consists of Madame, a son of 27 years old, three daughters between 21 and 13, and two sons between 10 an 7.
I rise early and bathe, and walk till breakfast. From thence till
[page 113]
two I am employed in writing and reading French under the tuition of the two eldest daughters, and in teaching them English. In the afternoon I read or write or walk, and in the evening read French or converse with the family. This is my most common routine, but it is occasionally varied by excursions to lakes, cascades, mountains and vallies, and by visits to the neighbouring gentry who are very hospitable: So that you will see I am as comfortable as a prisoner under my circumstances can well be
One month since I received a packet of letters from my wife, Sir. J.B. and some others of my friends in England, sent by our friend Robertson by a brig which came direct. The letters came safe to Mr. Pitot and from him to me without being opened. They have afforded me the utmost satisfaction: perhaps some such occasions may offer themselves to you, and I doubt not if they do you will embrace them, and give me an account of all the circumstances that have attended you from the time of quitting this island, as well as of the situation of our former shipmates, what the public seem to say of our voyage and my imprisonment and the probability of its being completed: Certainly however I depend upon your having established a conveyance by the way of America.
Hoping this letter will find you in health and that you will get all your affairs settled to your satisfaction, I remain, dear Sir
your very sincere friend and once fellow sufferer
Mattw. Flinders
[page 114]
[Letter No. 96]
To Mrs. Flinders - Donnington near Boston - Lincolnshire
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of F.
Nov. 23. 1805
My dear Mother
My last letter was dated May 18. 1805 and sent by Mr. Aken one of my officers who had been confined here with me, but who was then permitted to depart on his parole on account of his health. I hope you will have seen th received that letter, and perhaps seen Mr. Aken. An exchange of prisoners having taken place between this island and our settlements India, all the English in this island here, myself and two servants excepted, departed about three months since, and the French general [Decaen] then permitted me to leave my prison and reside in this district, which is nearly in the middle of the island with the permission liberty of six miles all round; and as I am received here into a very respectable and agreeable family, that of Madame D'Arifat and at present enjoy good health I am very happy comparitively with my former situation
I had the unexpected happiness, about to receive, one month since, a packet of letters from England dated so late as June and in which was a few lines from Henrietta my sister Hannah for which I very much
thank her. From this letter, and from the accounts of my wife I indulge the hope that Hannah will be a well-informed and accomplished young lady such as I wish my sister to be, and I hope neither she or her sister fr will be taken from under the care of my cousin Henny too soon. I love them and consider myself bound to them as their brother, but my affection and concern for them will be much increased if, on my return, I find they have made good use of their opportunities for improvement, are kind dutiful and affectionate to their mother and elder friends, kind to each other and prudent in their general conduct without being either servile or too suspicious. Example, however, in all these points is infinitely beyond precept, and I do not know where they will find a better than in my cousin. - On my return, so soon as I shall be able to establish myself in a house, either in London or in the country
[page 115]
country, it is my intention, if I find them such as I hope and expect, to have one or other of them to live generally with my wife and me; both for the purpose of shewing them something of the world, and that we I may assist in forming their understanding and extending their knowledge. They will always have in me a protector and a most affectionate friend and brother. I am at present learning the French language here, and on my return I expect my sisters will talk to me in that language, and some time hereafter correspond with me also in it. When they see their brother at the age of 32 applying himself to learning, they will not think they are too old to learn at 17 or 18. It will be well to keep them from reading novels, Evelina, Clarissa Harlowe3 and two or three others perhaps of that class excepted, at least until they are twenty years of age. Young girls often contract such romantic notions from novel reading, that their future lives are embitted by not finding that perfection which for the most part is not in human nature, and is never to be expected
One letter in the packet was from Sir. J.B and informs me, that the French national Institute have had interested themselves in my favour, and expected, that so soon as the Emperor returned from Italy ( which I suppose must have taken place the beginning of August) they hoped to obtain an order for my release; sometime, then, between this and six months hence I shall probably be at liberty, and in England 4 or 5 months after that event shall take place; so that even yet it is likely to be the greater part of a year before I shall have the happiness of seeing
you
I have learnt the circumstance of my uncle Samuel Wards death, and that he has left Samuel and me £200 each, and I suppose the same to my sister Susan but I know not. This event is another reason that makes my presence in England necessary. Through the negligence in some measure of my agent [W.A. Standert], I am in a great degree of ignorance concerning the state of my affairs. I ought to have some money in the stocks besides what my dear father and uncle have left me, but at present I have no account of any more than about £300. I hope however, that my brother will have done
them something towards arranging matters with my agent. I shall write to Samuel as well as to several others by this same conveyance. Nov. 28. Be assured my dear Mother, of
[page 116]
my affectionate regard and concern for your welfare and happiness. Immediately that I am so fortunate as to arrive in
England, I shall communicate the intelligence to you, and so soon as my affairs will permit shall make you a visit at Donnington. What my plan may be afterwards is wholly undetermined, I can tell nothing until I know the reception I shall meet with, and whether my voyage is to be completed or not. I shall endeavour, however, to remain at least 10 or 12 months in England before I embark upon another expedition, part of which will necessarily be in London, but the other part shall be in the Lincolnshire.
Present my remembrances to Mrs. Shepherd, Mr. Dods family, to Richard Gleed, and his wife lady and all our good friends at Donington and in the neighbourhood, and believe me always my dear mother,
your most affectionate friend and son
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 97]
To W.A. Standert Esq. Norfolk St. Isle of France Nov. 30 1805
Inclosing Mr. Akens and Mr. Lt. Flinders'letters to be forwarded
[Letter No. 98]
Mr. W. H. Robertson - inclosed to Mr. Bonner Standert with the others - Nov. 30.
[Letter No. 99]
To Mademoiselle D Arifat - Flacq.
My pavilion at the Refuge Jan. 1. 1806
(Not sent, a complimentary note sent instead)
Mr dear Miss D'Arifat
Permit me on the opening of the new year to present you with my respectful compliments, and best wishes for your happiness during its continuance, and at the same time do me the favour of to accept of a little fan, similar to two others your Mama has permitted me to present to your sisters; the smallness of its value price is by no means a
measure for of my regard, but will demonstrate the sense I entertain of your delicacy, and my fear of its acceptance being refused of your lest you should refuseing to accept it of a present that was of any value: for to be refuse, have the little overflowings of friendship and esteem refused by those we love and admire and respect is a severe punishment to a heart possessed of any sensibility: you will not for a very trifle inflict it upon one you have ever honoured with the appellation of friend
For your own sake I wish you all manner of happiness with
[page 117]
your friends at Flacq, and every amusement the quarter can afford, but for my own interest I wish you may have a little solitary time to recollect your in which to remember the absent; there is no fear that you might forget, for a moment, your excellent mother or your amiable and dear sisters and brothers, but there is a certain unfortunate Englishman at the Refuge who is scarcely less anxious of a place in your recollection even than they but who fears to be forgotten in this absence. At six in the morning, for example you might remember that the school commences sometimes think "Ah, the school is now commencing at the Refuge, they miss "me now, and are thinkin "Ah, they are now walking out at the "Refuge to visit the fowls, I and my umbrella will be missed". At ten, "the school "s now commencing, and they will be thinking of me. I wonder whether my sister "is severe enough in her lectures with Mr. Flinders. Has Madam A. entered "herself in to the school or not? Does she make fewer errors in writing than I did. "I should like to see the little circles upon her paper." At dinner time, you will might remember occasionally we are drinking to your good health, and will may perhaps have a sentiment of curiosity to know whether Madam A. drinks wine or not. In the evening, at cards whist you may still recollect us; and after supper, when you see the moon, it might remind you that I am taking a solitary walk beneath its beams; thinking sometimes of my beloved friends in England from whom I have been so long absent, sometimes glowing with and at the recollection of whom my heart melts within me; sometimes glowing with indignation at the unworthy and inhospitable treatment I have received from a nation a nation who professes to patronise those very sciences to in whose service my life has been so often risked: at other times full of ardor at the prospect of overco very soon overcoming my difficulties, of convincing my enemies of their injustice, and receiving the honourable reward of my service; but still oftener than these, if you know my heart, you will remember, that in my evening walks, I am thinking with admiration and gratitude of those few individuals in this island, who in opposition to the rigour of their government have extended towards me the hand of consolation and even of friendship; and chiefly
[page 118]
of that good and kind family who have received me into their bosom and of which, my dear friend, you are so distinguished bright an ornament; not less distinguished by the good excellent qualities of the head than by those of the and heart, both of which which you possess, receive in you a double value in my estimation from being combined the circumstance of their being combined in the person of one who distinguishes me by the til title of friend. Your beauty but this is the affair of your lover Remember the expression à jamais, and if you forget any thing, let the word doucement! escapes your lips, remember the pain it once caused me. Your beauty - but this is the affair of your lover, and therefore no concern of mine, since I have no intention to flatter you
I very much hope that your time will be partly occupied in learning English with Madame Gonderville, both for your sake, my
friend, as well as that you will then sometimes recollect your tutor. This caution you will say does not shew an over confidence in your friendship; but there is an old proverb which says "women are fickle". I cannot say that I have by any means found them so by any means, but there is always some truth in old proverbs, and our acquaintance is but of three months standing yet. It would indeed be a miserable disappointment to find such a slanderous proverb verified in one who appears to possess a firmness of mind that few men can boast. It was my anxiety, rather than my fear, that made me commence this phra paragraph in the manner I did it is.
May I beg of you to present my friendly compliments to your brother, and thank him for me for his remembrance of me.
>From the excellent character I have heard of Madame Gonderville in your house, as well as that she is from her being my country woman, I have the greatest desire to have the pleasure of her acquaintance. You will oblige me by presenting my respectful compliments to her, and if it should ever be my fortune to visit Flacq, which I think before I quit this island, which seems probable, I shall certainly take the liberty of paying them in person. Adieu my dear Miss D Arifat until we shall have the happiness to see your return to the Refuge; believe me to be with the highest respect and esteem, your affectionate friend, and most obedient humble servant.
Mattw. Flinders
[page 119]
[Letter No. 100]
To Captain Henry of H.M. 19th Regiment of dragoons in India
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France Jan. 2. 1806
My dear Sir
On August 14. last I wrote you from the Maison Despeaux, at which time I had no certainty of obtaining permission to reside in the country. A very few days, however, after the departure of the cartels with the other prisoners this permission was accorded me, and I have now been here, in the middle of the island, above four months with the liberty of walking a radius of six miles, which you know gives a circumference of thirty-six miles. I am living with a very agreeable family consisting of Madame D'Arifat - a widow, with three sons and three daughters, and occasionally I visit two or three other families in the neighbourhood. I employ myself rather assiduously in learning French and in teaching some of the family English. Upon the whole, I am as well situated as a prisoner can well expect to be, but my dear Sir, I am still a prisoner, and my confinement is advancing into its third year. I still please myself however with the hope of being speedily liberated, and still hope that the grounds of my present expectation are more solid than formerly.
Between two and three months since, I received a packet of letters from England, in which was one from Sir Joseph Banks. He informed me, that from the circumstance of theire being no communication between the two governments nothing could be done for me by the admiralty, but that he had himself written to the National Institute to obtain my release, and had received an answer as favourable as could be wished; but that his letter having been delayed eight or nine months by the att inattention of a Spanish nobleman by whom it had been sent, the emperor Napoleon had departed for Italy before the application could be made to him. This intelligence was dated in June, and the emperor was expected to return very soon after, so that by the arrival of the first public dispatches I hope for an order to this government, either to set me at liberty or to return send me to France
[page 120]
One of my letters told me, that a young gentleman, James Franklin, the son of a family with whom I am much connected, is coming to India with a commission in a regiment of cavalry. If this should be your regiment, you will oblige me by paying him some attention and assisting him with your advice
By Mr Baudin I learn, that my application to my Lord Bentinck for the liberation of the two Messrs. Merles was complied with, and that his lordship has also taken the trouble to interest himself in my liberation. If you are in correspondence with his lordship, pray be so good as to express my obligation for and sense of his attention.
I would give a good deal to know the situations of all my friends and acquaintances dispersed from the Maison Despeaux amongst which whom, my dear Sir, you and Mrs. Henry interest me the most. My The imprisonment here is a term of my imprisonment here is still very uncertain, I wish therefore that either you or your good lady would do me the favour to write, and direct to me under cover to Monsieur Jque DeGlos, Negociant à l'isle de France, and it will come into the hands of Mr. P. who will convey it to me. Should I by good fortune have departed, it will either be destroyed or sent after me
Accept my dear Be so good as to present my respectful and affectionate regards to Mrs. Henry, and remember me kindly to captain and Mrs. Moffat, if within Dansey, and any other of our Maison Despaux friends within your reach; and believe me always
your affectionate friend & humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
Captain Bergeret is still here, and visits me sometimes in my retreat
[page 121]
[Letter No. 101]
To Mr. Captain Augustin Baudin - Port North-West
Wilhems Plains strike>Dec. Jan. 10. 1806
Dear Sir
I received your very obliging letter of the 5th. some days since, but deferring answering it until I could say whether I should be able to see you in the town in a few days. I am yet uncertain of this, though I hope it, but could no longer defer giving an answer to your friendly letter. Accept, Sir, my best thanks for your kind concern and the trouble you have taken for me
The steps which my lord Bentinck has taken for my liberation are very flattering and agreeable to me, though they have not been attended with the desired success. The marquis Wellesley, and the commander of the English squadron off this island have also made similar demands for my liberation, but with no better effect; nor do I think that any measure can obtain my liberty until General De Caën shall receive orders from the government in France. These I hope will arrive before long many months pass, since by a letter from England dated in June last, I am informed that the National Institute of Paris had promised to interest themselves in my behalf immediately that the Emperor Napoleon returned from Italy, which I suppose must have taken place five or six months since
At present, I am situated with an agreeable family and in a healthy part of the island; and I have the liberty to go six miles in every direction. My friend captain Bergeret and Mr. Thos. Pitot visit me from the port occasionally; and upon the whole, I am as happy as the peculiar circumstances of my situation detention will permit me to be; but a man who is suffering in his rank his & fortune, who is deprived prevented from the credit due to his labours, who is losing his time, and who is unjustly kept from his fa country and his family, cannot be supposed to be very happy.
With many thanks for the interest you take in my situation, and for your obliging offers of service, which I shall not fail to accept if occasion requires, I am, dear Sir
Your much obliged and affectionate humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
[page 122]
P.S. Should it be out of my power to visit you in town, I beg the favour of you to write me a few lines before previously to your departure, should you find it impossible rather to make me visit here
[Letter No. 102]
A Monsieur Thomas Pitot - Au Port
Plaines de Wilhems ce 25 Jan. 1806
Mon cher ami
de ne vous avoir pas
Je me fais des reproches souvent (pour que je ne vous ai) ecrit plus souvent en Français, puisque vous l'avez désiré, et que vous avez la bonté de
par orriger mes lettres, et que Cette lettre ne sera ni étudiée ni corrigee (de) l'une
ni fournira (au de) ou l'autre de mes instructeures et par consequente, elle vous (servirez) la des meux (pour) la preuves (du) progrès, plus ou moins extensif étendus, que j'ai fait en apprennant à écrire votre langue
J'apprens Par mon domestique (j'entend), que hier au soir matin votre sont frigate La Semillante et le corsaire La Bellone (ont) sortis du port pour attaquer notre pauvre bâtiment le Pitt, avec a-peu-pres un millier d'hommes à bord, et que l'intention était de le prendre (par) l'abordage, et même pendant la nuit s'il était (serait) possible, Tout cela montre bien l'appréciation faite par votre gouvernement de l'adresse et de la bravoure de mes compatriotes: Vos vaisseau ayant en leur faveur (sous) une telle poids superiorité de cannon et d'hommes, l'avantage de la marche, et la proximité d'un port ami(cal) il ne sera point du tout honteux pour le capitaine, les officers, et l'equipage (s'ils en succombassent ou se sauvassent par) du notre, de succomber ou de chercher la recit de son et faite: j'attends avec impatience votre (conte) du combat et (du) résultat, (que) j'espere le recevoir le plutôt possible
Je vous remercie pour les quatre-vingt piastres que j'ai reçu je viens de reçevoir par mon
domestique (Pour moir), j'ai été un peu malade, depuis deux ou trois jours, mais à present je me porte meux. Mes aimables hôtesses (toujours) se portent toujours bien et elles sont toujours charmantes et bonnes
Acceptez mon cher ami, l'assurance de ma bien sincere amitie Mattw. Flinders
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[Letter No. 103]
To Mrs. Flinders - Partney near Spilsby Lincolnshire
Wilhems Plains - Isle of France March 19. 1806
America
My best love. The hopes I had entertained of liberty, when I wrote thee last, on Nov. 20. 1805, seemed now almost dissipated. In continual expectation of arrivals from France, I delayed writing from week to week, and at last came an officers with dispatches; soon after arrived a frigate with other dispatches, and I waited in the utmost anxiety for some orders or intelligence from general De Caën. At length I learned, that my name was not mentioned in the letters he had received from the government. - I wrote then to the general, again requesting him to send me to France, seeing that there was no probability of my situation being remembered by the French ministers in the midst of the great interests with which they were occupied. His answer was, that he could not make any change in my situation before he should receive the orders of the marine minister; that by every occasion he had requested to receive these orders, and that he would again press him upon the subject. - It appears, that the minister himself does not chuse to make the decision, but waits the opinion of the council of state, which in the seems to be too much occupied with the great events to think of a poor prisoner so far distant.
At this moment, my hopes are indeed very feeble, I know not upon what point to fix them. Of themselves, it seems
clear it is most probable, the French government will do nothing. My letter to Mr. Fleurieu and those of my friend to other considerable men in France seem to have had no effect; and the efforts of Sir Joseph Banks even, seem to have failed; it is however possible, that the Institute wait only for a more convenient time to make their application, than in the midst of a war in which the emperor Napoleon is engaged in person. The idea of being kept here until the peace
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is terrible, since that period is so very uncertain. I have once thought, of thy coming out here, shouldst thou find that no orders have been given for my return to Europe, and should a good conveyance present itself. But the delicacy of thy health, the danger and inconvenience that might attend thee on the voyage, the difficulty of finding a proper and confidential person to accompany and protect thee, are too great to be overcome, buried, as thou art, in the country, and unconnected unacquainted with sea affairs. Of all things in the world, I most desire they presence here, since I cannot come to thee; but of all things in the world I should most dread thy undertaking such a voyage without being protected and accomodated in a manner which it is scarcely possible any opportunity should place in thy reach. Let the conduct of a woman on board a ship without her husband, be ever so prudent and circumspect, the tongue of slander will almost certainly find occasion, or it will create one, to embitter the future peace of her husband and family. Thou wouldst have first to go to America, most probably, and afterwards embark on board another ship for the Isle of France; but what a route for thee! I dare not think of it. (Only with all these concurring circumstances is it possible. - That they health was good, - that thou shouldst be accompanied by a father, an uncle, or a brother, or that thou wast acquainted with the captain of a ship or some respectable man coming here, who had his wife with him and would undertake to protect and befriend thee; - that thou shouldst have learned, that no orders had been given concerning or were likely to be soon given concerning me; and that thou couldst procure bills of exchange from Mr. Standert, for £200, £300 or £400 upon some respectable merchant in the Isle of France, in India or America, for our use here; and which, on such an immergency, I hereby request him to procure for thee on my account. On the concurrence of these circumstances, I would then, my love, leave it to thee and to the judgement of thy friends to decide, and I should receive thee with transport: but even with all these concurrences, I could
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not ask thee to undertake such a voyage so much do I dread the effects of so much the fatigue on thy health, and of ten-thousand circumstances that might occur to a person whom I so entirely love and so tenderly love. - My friend Thomas Pitot has offered to receive thee into his family on thy first arrival and to give me me letters of recommendation for thee to several persons in different ports of France, in case any accident might conduct thee there on the passage, and as it is always best to be provided against all circumstances, I will ask him for one to two, though without any idea of their being used: letters of recommendation to some persons in the port of America would be more likely to be useful, and these, in case of the voyage being actually undertaken, might be procured in England, for the port to which the vessel might be bound.
We should indeed be very happy here, with this excellent family where I am placed; but what difficulties, fatigues, and risks thou wouldst have to arrive at this happiness. No, my dearest love it cannot be. I ask thee not to undertake it. As I said before, in the case of all circumstances above mentioned concurring to thy wish, I then leave thee and thy family and friends to decide; but if they do not all concur or what is circumstances equivalent to them, my extreme concern and anxiety for thee oblige me to act the master, and deny my consent.
In thy letters of May 12 and June 14. 1805 which were received together on Oct. 22. as I informed thee in my last of Nov. 20, thou hast made mention of another packet of letters which had been forwarded to me, and my friend Robertson did the same; but none written either before or since have arrived. I was a long time uneasy about Mr. Aken, but I have learnt, that the ship James was taken by one of our frigates, and therefore suppose he was prevented from writing to me from America, and went immediately on to England. Should it have happened that my letters written in November have miscarried, I beg of thee to write to Mr. Aken and tell him of my present situation. It is now ten months since he left me, and in two months more I shall expect some ac-
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-count of him dated in England. My faithful servant Elder still continues with me, and I do not think will leave me before we obtain our liberty together though I have offered to demand permission for him to depart, and which would doubtless be granted. He is indeed a very valuable and faithful servant. Did I really suppose thou wouldst undertake the voyage, I should send him to England to return with thee.
March 20. The eldest Mademoiselle D'Arifat desires me to present thee with her compliments and to assure thee, that if thou shouldst make a voyage here, thou wilt find in her a friend. The three young ladies have wove a necklace of their hair, which I am desired to present to thee by the first occasion. - This moment I learn that a good occasion of sending letters presents itself, but it only leaves me a few hours to complete; this letter, therefore, and one to Sir Joseph Banks is all I can have ready. There is not time to get the letters of recommendation from my friend Pitot. But in a few days, I will write to thee again and inclose them, and take that occasion to remember some others of my friends
I beg Mr. Tyler, thy mother, and every one of thy family to accept my best wishes, and thanks for all the kindness they have conferred on me through thee. Though thou must count upon thy letters being often lost do not forget neglect to write to me every occasion. Mr. Hippius or Thomas Franklin could probably inclose thy letters to some merchant in New York or some other part of America, with a request to have them forwarded to the Isle of France Direct them under cover
A Monsieur
Monsieur Jques De Glos
Negociant
à l'Isle de France
my friend Pitot will then get them, and from him they will come to me. Pray write to my mother, my brother, my sister Susan, and to my young sisters and Cousin Henny, and say every thing that is affectionate to them for me as well as to Wm. F. Adieu my best love, I am in good health, and equally comfortable in my situation as when I last wrote to thee. Thine, most affectionately and for ever. M.F.
P.S. I have requested Sir Joseph to give thee all the information he possesses from France, and his opinion upon the propriety of undertaking the voyage here. If he writes thee nothing in two or three weeks after the receival of this thou canst write to him on these subjects. I have wrote to captain Henry of the 19th dragoons concerning James Franklin.
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[Letter No. 104]
To the Rt. Honble. Sir Joseph Banks Bt. President of the R. Society &c. &c. &c.
(America)
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France
March 20. 1806
It is not long since, Sir Joseph, that the officer arrived from France with dispatches, by whom it was expected, that orders would be sent out concerning me; and still more lately La Canonniere a frigate, with the brother of general De Caën on board, charged also with dispatches; but by neither of these occasions has the minister of the French marine sent out any orders either for setting me at liberty or sending me to France, although the Emperor must have returned to Paris two or three months before her departure. In the supposition that the French ministry were too much occupied with the
present occurrences in Europe to bestow a thought upon me here, I wrote a the following instead a letter to general De Caën requesting of him to be sent to France of which the enclosed is a copy
(See public letters of March 9. 1806)
The answer returned was, that he could make no change in my situation, until he should receive orders: "that he had
requested the ministers instructions "by every occasion, and would again press him upon the subject". My hopes of being released from this island seem now more distant than ever, and can only fix themselves with any confidence upon the period when peace shall take place. It is however possible, that the National Institute, whom you Sir Joseph, have so kindly moved in my favour, may have only waited for a favourable occasion of making their application with effect and that it orders may even arrive in two or three months. I am willing to entertain this hope, as an alleviation to the idea of spending this, the best part of my life, in inactivity, without promotion and far from my family and friends. - If an order for my release should be obtained, it would be more certain to be received, if a duplicate of it could be obtained procured and sent out to the naval commander in chief in India. From the months of April to Januar December, there are commonly some of our ships cruizing off this island; and it is very probable, that the
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French ship which may be the bearer of dispatches, on being chased, would will throw them overboard;
and this might happen successively, and be the cause of my detention being lengthened for at least a year; but if the commander in chief was furnished with a copy and ordered to transmit it to the Isle of France, it would come in by a flag of truce, almost without any trouble: Doubtless the same order that shall occasion me to be set at liberty or sent to France, will include my books, papers, and charts &c. of all which a part is still kept from me.
I have learnt privately, that in the dispatches with which I was charged by governor King, and which were taken from me by the French government general, mention was made a demand was made for troops to be sent out to Port Jackson, for the purpose of annoying Spanish America in the event of another war, and that this is considered to be a breach of my passport. Tis pity that governor King should have mentioned any thing that could involve me in the probable event of a war, either with the French at Mauritius or the Dutch at Timor or or the Cape; or that having mentioned anything relating to war, he did not make me acquainted, in a general way, with the circumstance; in which case I should have thrown them overboard, on learning that war was declared for fear of their being seized, but as I was circumstanced situated, having little apprehension of being made a prisoner, and no idea that the dispatches had any reference to war, since it was a time of peace when I left Port Jackson, I did not see the necessity of throwing these dispatches them overboard at a hazard. To be the bearer of any dispatches in time of peace, cannot be indirect incorrect for a ship on discovery more than any other, but with a passport and in time of war, it certainly is not improper. I do not however presume to blame governor King; after a misfortune has happened, we all see very well the proper steps that ought to have been taken to avoid it; but to be endued with a never failing foresight is not within the power of man; I only request that he, and all the friends of science will would use their endeavours to remedy the misfortunes that have befallen me and the produce of my voyage in consequence.
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In the letters that I received from Mrs. Flinders at the same time that I was favoured with your letter of June 20. 1805, she speaks of coming out here to me. Since my detention, after continuing more than two years, now seems prob. may probably seems likely to be extendinged to the the uncertain termination of the war, perhaps to ten years, I have left it entirely to her determination to make the voyage or not, provided she can be certain that no orders for my return to Europe have been given, and provided she meets with such an opportunity of conveyance as I have pointed out. May I request of you, Sir Joseph, to favour her with the information you may have received from France, and your opinion upon her undertaking the voyage. No pers man can know better than you the risk a what the difficulties of such a voyage is for a woman, and your heart will tell you the distress and hardship of a seperation, without end, of two young people so attached to each other as we are.
I have lately employed myself in writing a journal of all my transactions since the Investigator became incapable of prosecuting the voyage, up to the present time. It will be finished in a month or two, and I then propose to transmit it to you, Sir Joseph, to be published with or without correction, to be delivered to the admiralty, to be kept till my return, or to be burnt, as you shall think proper. In you it will be contained all the information concerning our shipwreck, my voyage in the Cumberland, and imprisonment here, which you will desire.
I enjoy tolerable health, but am much harrassed with my hopes being continually disappointed, - with the completion of my voyage being so long interrupted, and the possibility of the French sending out to examine the north west coast unexplored parts of New Holland whilst they keep me here in prison: I should suppose, however, that no passport would be granted them, whilst theirs remains in continual violation. Should a peace speedily arrive, and their Lordships of the Admiralty wish to have the N.W. coast of New Holland examined immediately, I will be ready to embark in any ship provided for the service that they may chuse to send out. My misfortunes have
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-tunes have not abated my ardour in the service of science. Whilst exploring the north and west coasts, Timor, the Isle of
France, Pulo Penang, are much more convenient places to touch at for refreshments than Port Jackson, and the two last are much more capable of supplying naval stores or the reparations which are often necessary. This, in the event of sending out a ship another Investigator here immediately after the peace, would doubtless be considered, and most probably Lt. Fowler or my brother chosen be chosen as first lieutenant to bring her out to me. +
With the highest consideration, gratitude, and respect, I have the honour to be, Sir Joseph, your most obliged & faithful humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
+With five or six asses to carry provisions (which and they might be procured here) expeditions might be made into the interior of Australia from the head of the Gulph of Carpentaria in 18º. and from the head of the great gulph on the south coast, in 32º. until the courses should nearly meet: five hundred miles from each way would most probably be sufficient, since the country does not appear to be mountainous a view of my general chart will exemplify this. In case of being again sent to Australia, I should much wish that this was a part of my instructions. Again, If the admiralty should obtain my release should be obtained, and the Admiralty be desirous that I should explore the north and west coasts immediately, the commander in chief in India might be ordered to furnish me with a vessel, to complete the service, which might be returned restored after the service was completed, and I could return afterwards to England in one of the Indiamen: you will however most probably think that my return to England with my books and papers is necessary before undertaking any other expedition
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[Letter No. 105]
To Lt. Sam. W. Flinders - at Mr. Standerts No. 25 Norfolk St. Strand
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France March 29. 1806
My dear Samuel
In November last I wrote you a letter, informing you of my present situation in the interior part of this island, with a
permission to go six miles all round. At that time I was in expectation that the first arrival of dispatches from the government of France would bring me liberty, or at least order me to be sent to France to be examined, with my books and papers. By three different occasions, the governor here, general De Caën, has lately received dispatches, but no orders relative to me; my hopes are, therefore, now more feeble than ever since the general will not send men to France without orders and it appears ing that amidst the great events with which the French ministers are occupied, they have either forgotten or have not time to think of me here: and It seems is now to be a great problem, whether I shall obtain my liberty during the war. You who know the activity of my imagination and my ardent desire to complete the examination of Australia, as well as the great necessity of my presence in England to regulate my affairs, will be able to judge of how much I suffer by this protracted detention, both
for myself and those to whom my presence might be serviceable, particularly to you my dear brother.
Oh Samuel, how much I hope to find you fully worthy of my warmest friendship and confidence; of the goodness and firmness of your heart, and of your honourable principles I entertain no doubt; but your desire to excel, your activity, your application, not solely to one branch part of your profession, but to all the material branches of it, - the want of a sufficient degree of these it has been, that has prevented me from pouring my heart into your bosom. Now, at a distance, when I do not see these, and when my fraternal imagination paints
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you with all the good qualities you before professed, and with an acquirement of new in place of your faults, how much I love you! Remember Samuel you are my only brother, and the person whom I consider first in the world to preserve and to increase the honour of our family. Except our branch, there are none of our name who have much prospect of eminence. I have done something, but the misfortune of my imprisonment may probably prevent me from doing more, do you then my brother supply my place and make yourself a name to yourself and to our family. In case of my dying without children, it is my intention to leave the principal part of my property to you after the death of my wife. It is not much in itself, but as an addition to what you may have and to yourself and from your commission, it will be considerable. Before leaving England, and when I possessed much less than I hope I do now, you know I made a will in which my wife was my sole heir; and but without loving her the less, I intend now to make an alteration in it, and shall probably transmit it sealed to Mr. A. Standert. She will possess the interest during her life, besides the usual annual pension to officers we after which nearly the whole will come to you and your children.
The only letters I have received since being here, and of which I made mention in my letter of Nov. 1805, gave me no details relative to my affairs; - where the sum left me by our father was deposited, or that from our uncle Ward; - whether Standert had received the various bills I have transmitted to him, or whether his son had received the power of attorney I sent from this island for his son; Nothing relative to the money voted to us by the E. I. company, or the settlement of the little account with your companions in the Rolla. So that I am absolutely ignorant of the state of my affairs, and whether I possess five or fifteen hundred pounds or more. Of the probable completion of the voyage, of the opinion entertained of what we have done, and of my imprisonment here I am equally a stranger; I can however easily divine, that during
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the continuance of such a war as the present, no voyage of discovery will be thought of. My promotion is another subject of
inquietude. In a Steeles list of December 18054 I found my name still on the list of commanders, but I am not altogether without hopes, that on the arrival of Mr. Aken with my charts and journal, which I suppose would be in October, the Admiralty would give me promotion. If this should have taken place before Lord Nelsons severe and glorious terrible action off Cadiz I shall be somewhat advanced, but if not, as is most probable, how many captains will there be senior to me who ought to have been after me. The loss, indeed, which I sustain here altogether is incalculable; and I have no fixed hope, except from peace, of my imprisonment being terminated. Had not my return to
England been impeded I should probably have been upon the post- captains list in June or July 1804
In the last letter to my wife, I said, that if she knew that no orders had been given by the French government for my return to Europe, and if she should find a good occasion, to make the (such as I pointed out) of making the voyage, that I then left it to her judgment and that of her family for her to come out here to me or not. Was she with me and I knew the state of my affairs I could make myself tolerably happy here, for I am situated in a most amiable and respectable family; but the dread of the fatigues and risks she must undergo, and the difficulty of finding a proper person to accompany her, prevent me from requesting her to come, it must rest with herself and upon the turn-up of circumstances. I have however
forbidden the voyage, if one of the opportunities which I have described does not offer: the honour of a woman on board a ship, is too delicate a thing to be risked likely to be aspersed, without proper guardianship; however circumspect her conduct might be, the tongue of slander will find some occasion to defame it, if she is not protected by a father, an uncle, or a brother, or by some respectable family. If she asks your opinion upon the voyage, I doubt not you will give it very sincerely, being satisfied that my happiness and honour are as
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dear to you, as yours are to me. The conclusion of my paper reminds me to desist writing; therefore, requesting you to write to me by all occasions, directing them your letters under cover to "Monsieur Jques DeGlos Negociant à l'Isle de France", I conclude with assuring you, my dear Samuel, of the utmost affection regard and concern of
your most affectionate brother M.F.
P.S. April 11
Elder and Wm. Smith are only is with me here, all the others who came in the Cumberland are departed in American ships, one way or other. I should much wish to know if John Franklin or Young Lound are with you. I have just seen in the times of Oct. 13. 1805 a long extract from the Sydney gazette relating to me
[Letter No. 106]
To Mr. Wm. Pearce, Admiralty Office - London
Isle of France March 29 April 11 1806
(America
Boisgris - Lubeck
duplicate)
duplicate April 26. 1806
Dear Sir
The obliging letter which you did me the favour to address to me at Port Jackson after the promotion which took place on the conclusion of the late war, was duly received. I soon after embarked for England, which prevented me from writing to you then, and since my imprisonment in this island, the continual expectation of being set at liberty and returning, have caused me to defer it from month to month, to the present time; but I beg of you, Sir, to be assured, that your attention, no less than the memory of your my friend, your respectable brother, is deeply imprinted in my recollection. It will not be unknown to you, that I suffered shipwreck in the Porpoise, on board of which ship I embarked as a passenger to return to England after the Investigator was found incapable of prosecuting the voyage
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voyage of discovery, and that in my way afterwards to Europe in the little schooner Cumberland, I was obliged, from the leakiness of the vessel, to put in to at the Isle of France, where I found that war was again declared, and was made a prisoner, and my charts and journals seized, notwithstanding the passport which their Lordships had obtained from the French government for the protection of my voyage. - After a little time I obtained a part of my charts and papers, and employed myself in my confinement in constructing completing them, and from time to time have transmitted many charts, books and papers to Mr. Marsden relating to the discoveries I hadve made in Australia. These have, I believe, been received, and will convince their Lordships that I made the best use of the means in my power to fulfil their instructions; and I had hoped, that in reward for the excessive labours and risks I have undergone, and my unjust imprisonment in this island, that they would have put me upon the post captains list, as my lord Spencer had promised should be the case on my return from the voyage; but amongst the various causes of chagrin that present themselves to me here, it is not the least to find the best part of my life evaporat consuming away in misery, without its [word crossed out and indecipherable] being softened with the certainty that my rank in the service was at least increasing, for the seniority of a Commander can scarcely be considered as anything. Sure I am, that if all that I have done, and have unjustly suffered was known, this step would be considered to be but a moderate recompense. It has then appeared to me probable, that for want of sufficient explanations, some part of my conduct either here or during my voyage, has been misunderstood and condemned. The seizure of dispatches here from governor King has struck me as being the most probable cause: it certainly was in my power to have destroyed them, between the time of learning the declaration of war and coming in to Port N. W.; but these dispatches being written in time of peace, I was and expecting moreover therefore containing nothing interesting to the French gave account; and moreover I from the expectation that my passport would have been sufficient to protect everything on board, I did not think myself
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by any means authorized to destroy them. Unfortunately it appears that governor King had made [word crossed out and indecipherable] propositions to the ministry in the dispatches inimical to the allies of the French in case of a future war, with which he did not make me in the least acquainted. I am fully aware of the merits of those brave officers who have risked their lives so gloriously in the service of their country, but surely those who have at least equally risked their lives in the service of science and humanity, and for to augment the honour of their nation, are also deserving. A man If incessant persevering and successful labours, though followed by misfortunes which originated from the badness of the ship in which I was sent out, gaive a claim, I can then put in mine with confidence; for to the period that the Investigator was condemned, perhaps no navigator had done more in the same time, or passed through the same similar dangers with equal greater success: it is for their Lordships to judge how well my labour was is
executed. No man, perhaps, is more capable of appreciating the merits of a voyage of discovery than Mr. Marsden, did his more important and increasing occupations leavinge him twice to think of them. Had I the honour of a sufficient degree of his acquaintance to take the liberty of writing a private letter to him, I should request him to make intreat their Lordships attention to the very uncommon peculiar hardships of my situation; as it is, I have thought, that the friend former friendship of your good brother
was sufficiently interesting and the personal interest concern that you take in the promotion of science and the interest of those engaged in its service, were motives sufficiently strong to induce you to recommend my case to his attention. If their Lor the relative situation of they government with that of France prevents their Lordships from obtaining my release, they have at least a means within their power of alleviating my misfor unmerited situation, secluded as I am from all the objects of my ambition as from those of my affection: your knowledge of naval affairs will make you sensible of the truth of the one, and the goodness of your heart to feel the force of the other.
In promoting my cause, which I conceive to be that of justice and humanity, you will be entitled to my warmest acknowledgments, and to be assured dear Sir of the best returns it shall ever be in my power to make; as well as of the sincere regard with which I have the honour to be, dear Sir, your obliged and faithful
I request the favour of you to present my remembrances to Mr. Hollongworth, the father and son.
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[Letter No. 107]
The Rev. Mr. Tyler - Partney near Spilsby Lincolnshire
Isle of France April 1. 1806
Lubec
My dear Sir
My confinement in this island still continues, and since the some late arrivals from France bring no orders relative to me, it is very much to be apprehended that no change will take place until the uncertain period when we shall be blessed with peace. As a prisoner I am by no means disagreeably situated, on the contrary I am living with a most amiable family, and have the liberty of extending my excursions six miles all round the habitation; but still I am a prisoner; and how much do I suffer at being kept from all that is dear to me!
>From the [word crossed out and indecipherable] probability that I may be kept here for years to come, I have very much desired that Mrs. Flinders could come to me, and in a letter sent about a week fortnight since, I said, that if there were no orders sent from France for my return to Europe, and if a good occasion offered, that I then left it to her judgement and that of her family and friends to undertake the voyage or not The fatigues of the voyage and the difficulty, situated as she is, of being accompanied by a proper person, or of finding a family coming to this island, do not permit me scarcely to wish her to undertake it. In all probability she would be obliged to go to New York or some port in America, from whence to take shipping for this island. I have no idea whatever that circumstances should so concur as to enable her to undertake the voyage with tolerable convenience, and what I have said but as it is always possible that many unforeseen events may happen, it is better that she should be furnished with my ideas upon the subject in advance. The points most necessary are, to be certain that no orders for my return have been given, or will are likely to be soon given by the French government, that there is no certainty of a speedy peace and that she can be accompanied by a proper person to protect her; that is by a person whose presence from the ties of relationship or from other circumstances, shall be a sufficient guarantee to me and to her family against the aspersions to which women on board a ship are almost always exposed. I should most prefer the company of a respectable family where there were coming from England to the Isle of France in which there
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were one or more married or elderly females, but of this I see no prospect whatever. In the possibility that this case,
however should happen, I inclose an order upon my agent for the sum of £200, £300, or £400 to pay the expenses of the passage, and to purchase bills upon th some merchant in this island in America or in India. If my agent should be unable to obtain these bills, you perhaps might through Mr. Hippius, Mr Franklin or some other friend in London; or otherwise a part might be expended in merchandise to be brought here, of which good broad cloth, blue and black, should constitute the principal part: hats and boots also, are good articles: a part or the whole might also be brought out in Spanish gold doubloons without loss with a profit, they being worth sixteen dollars each here. If she should be accompanied by yourself or Mr. by some person expressly, though in truth I know of none except yourself or Mr. Hippius that I should chuse to trust with such a charge, his expenses must of course be paid, in which case perhaps £400 might not be sufficient; for the half of that sum ought to be brought here. In this case then, my dear Sir, I authorise you to make use of the sum or part of it, which you may have received on my account from the demise of my poor uncle Ward.
The whole matter then will stand thus. To know obtain information from France through Sir. J.B. If no orders have been issued or are promised to be, to obtain information and the prospect of peace is
distant uncertain, to obtain information of any neutral vessel bound to this island, either direct or by the way of America; either American or Dane, or Hamburgher, and to know if any family is embarked on board which is known to be respectable, and will receive Mrs. F. into their care and protection, if the not, that to know whether she can be accompanied as above mentioned. Without the concurrence of these circumstances, or others which are adequate to them and which at present I do not foresee, the voyage must not be thought of. If they do concur, it is then, my dear Sir, for you to lay before my wife, the fatigues she m and difficulties she may probably undergo, the expenses of the voyage, and such other concurring circumstances, and to give her her your advice thereon; after which, and such other opinions and advice as she may wish to ask (amongst which I recommend Sir J.B., my brother Samuel, and Mr. Aken) I leave it wholly to her decision.
[page 139]
For myself, as I told her in my last letter, of all things in the world I most wish her presence here, but of all things in the world I most dread her undertaking the voyage; and from the great improbability of a favourable concurrence of circumstances, I entertain no expectation that the voyage can be undertaken.
I doubt not, my dear Sir, that with my affairs in your hands you will do the best for my interest. If you have no better arrangement you can pay the sum left me into the hands of my agent to purchase into the 3 per cent consols, where what I have besides is, or ought to be, deposited. I much wish to have a letter from you, and hope, by the first occasion to receive one. My letters should all be directed under cover to Monsieur Jques. De Glos, Negociant a l'Isle de France.
I beg to be remembered most affectionately to Mrs. Tyler and all the members of your good family whom I love very much. To my dear wife it is my intention to write in a few days again. Surely I shall sometime see you all again, and I hope in peace and in happiness. At present I intend fixing myself in your neighbourhood on my return after my work in London shall be completed; but our projects for happiness are so often disappointed in this world, that it is almost folly to make any situated as I am so far distant and a prisoner. Adieu my dear Sir, may Heaven protect and favour you in all
your proceedings, since I doubt not they will be all just; and I beg of you to believe me to be with the greatest regard and affection
your friend and son in law
Mattw. Flinders
April 11. I learn just now from an American merchant in this town, that either from Messrs. Smith and Buchanan of Baltimore - from Augn. Bousquet or Stephen Girard of Philadelphia, or from Messrs. Gouverneur and Kendell of New York, a letter of credit might be obtained upon Messrs. Buchanan and Bickham of Port North-West, in this island; who are respectable merchants. The most sure way then would be, for Mrs. F. to bring a sum with her, is to obtain in London a letter of credit upon one of these houses. If it should be impossible, I recommend the doubloons, which will pack in a small space amongst her linen. P.S. I do not wish Mrs. F. on any account to set off before three months after the reception of this letter or between seven and eight from this date.
No 1 Order for £400
To W.A. Standert Esq. No. 25 Norfolk St. Strand London
Sir
Please to pay to my wife, Mrs. Ann Flinders or her order the sum of four hundred pounds sterling on receiving this note No 1 (No 2 of the same tenor and date being unpaid or any less sum on my account, or please to procure for her a letter of credit to the amount upon such person persons as she may indicate. In doing which you will much oblige Sir
Your friend and servant - M.F.
P.S. April 15. I inclose to you my dear Sir, one copy of the letter of credit for 300 piastres in case any unfortunate accident should conduct my dear wife to France, and that by chance she should be in want of money. You, are at liberty to open her letter should she be absent, and you think proper to do it
[page 140]
[Letter No. 108]
To Mrs. Flinders - Partney near Spilsby Lincolnshire
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France
(America)
April 4. 1806
My best love
In the case of a concurrence of such circumstances, unexpected by me, as should enable thee to undertake the voyage to this island and which I pointed out in my last letter to thee of March 19 last, and in one to Mr. Tyler which accompanies this, I have requested of my friend Mr. Thos. Pitot the letters I mentioned to thee; he not only complies with my desire, but promising me 8 or 10 4 or 5 to his friends in different parts of France, and but also a letter of credit upon one of his relations for three hundred dollars, lest accident should conduct thee to France and thou shouldst find thyself without resources. These I shall inclose with this letter, and thou wilt see by them how very sincere a friend I have here; it is scarcely possible to have one dearer. There is more thought of me here, and I think in France, than in England, or even amongst my own relations and friends, thee always, my best beloved, excepted: a prophet is no prophet in his own country. The desire of the family in which I have now lived six months, is not less to oblige and console me with their friendship and kindness, than that of my friend Pitot: Judge then my love, if we could not be happy here: there are many good people in the world besides in England. - Shouldst thou come, no doubt all my friends and relations will take the occasion to write me fully of every thing interesting to them and to me. Thou wilt bring me an exact account of my affairs with Mr. Standert, of the disposal of my property from my father and my uncle Ward, in which my love it was a little remiss of thee not to make some mention in thy letters of May and June 1805; and if, as I expect, thou shouldst not come, thou wilt write to me of these af matters, directing thy letters under cover under cover to Monsieur Jques De Glos - Negociant à l'Isle de France and it is probable I shall also be able to tell thee a means of directing them first to America by the post, in which case thou canst write constantly, paying always the postage to London. Thy letters should be written upon letter paper, close the writing close and crossed
[page 141]
if necessary, then directed under cover as above, with the letters A.F. in one corner, in which case they will come to me without being opened and thou wilt have no occasion for any other envelope than that for America. and afterwards a second cover directed to America. Tell Standert and every body, also, to direct the same way and put the same two letters.
We are told here that a plenepotintiary has been sent to treat of peace with the French emperor, and are not without hopes that in a month or two we shall hear of the prelimenaries of peace being signed. What a joyful event will this be to me! Nothing in the world could give me so much satisfaction. How swiftly shall I fly to thee, my best life! Oh how my heart pants for that moment! The prelimenaries may not perhaps pr cause me to be liberated, but it will give me almost the certainty of being so in a month or two afterwards. In six seven months after the prelimenaries, or after the definitive treaty, thou mayest begin to look for me, or to expect to hear that I am at Paris, for it is most probable I shall find it necessary to pass by the way of France, on account, amongst other reasons, of its being more expeditious than by America: but all this depends upon a circumstance which as yet rests upon no foundation. I cease at present my writing until I receive the letters &c. from my friend
April 12. I have received four letters from my friend Pitot, which I inclose. They are solely written in case the ship, on board which thou mightst embark, should touch at, or be carried into, a French port. Madame D'Arifat will also join a letter to one of her friends in another port, and I expect to receive from Mr. P. before closing this letter, a letter of exchange credit upon Mr. Brunet of Rochelle, the brother-in-law of Mr. P's sister, for 300 dollars, in case thou shouldst be pillaged. I send also the direction to some person in America, through whom thy letters strike>can are to be sent. I have not the least idea that fate should conduct thee to France, but for one that I so entirely love, and who has thoughts of undertaking so long a voyage for my happiness, I cannot take two much many precaution. Heaven grant that they, as well as thy voyage, may have all been thought of unnecessarily. Let me again repeat to thee, my love, that notwithstanding all that I have written about thy voyage, I have no idea that it will, or can, be undertaken. Thou must first be certain, that no orders have been sent from France for my return to Europe
[page 142]
or are promised to be sent; - as far as thou canst be, that no treaty of peace is on foot; and then to inquire if an occasion offers for this island, either direct or by the way of India America, such as I before described to thee, and have repeated in Mr. Tylers letter; if not, that thou couldst be accompanied and protected on the voyage by a steady relation; not so much my love to protect thee from violence, which thy character and pure manners are sufficient to repel, or that I do doubt thy virtuous inclinations; but to secure thee against the slander that to which an unprotected woman on board a ship is almost always exposed. Of th all the men that I know, who are in no degree of relationship to thee, I should have the greatest confidence in the conduct of Mr. Aken, and his respect to and care of thee, but it would be only th in the case that all other resources failed and that thou wast determined at all risks to come, that I would have thee ask his protection. In America fre-Whoever comes expressly with thee must have his expenses paid, and a recompense according to circumstances for his time. In America, frequent -quent occasions happen for this island, and such as might be convenient for thee, and if Mr. Hippius was making a voyage to America, he might probably find the opportunity of placing thee on board a ship coming here to thy and my satisfaction, without coming himself. In short, many things might happen that I cannot foresee, and on this account it is, that I have taken these precautions; but all the probabilities that I have in view, tell me, that the scheme is altogether romantic and the danger and uncertainty too great to be risked: but I must leave a little room, to tell thee what may occur between this and the closing of my letter. note Pitot is pronounced Peto. In the case of going to America, it would be highly proper to obtain a letter of recommendation to some respectable family in the port to which the ship might be bound, and the money (not less than £200) to be brought with thee, would be best done by requiring my agent to make himself responsible for the sum, to some mercantile house who will give thee a letter of credit upon America, The foll from whence thou wouldst obtain another upon this
island upon Messrs. Buchanan and Bickham. The latter gentleman tells me, that such may be obtained upon from either of the following persons houses and places; from Messrs. Buchanan and Smith and Buchanan of Baltimore; Messrs. Gouverneur and Kendell of New York; Augn. Bousquet or Stephen Girard of Philadelphia: I think Thomas Franklin and Mr. Hippius could
[page 143]
Mr. Thos. Franklin - Spilsby Lincolnshire
could aid thee in this part of thy business: but I must leave a little room to tell thee what may occur between this and the closing of thy letter.
Note, that Pitot is pronounced Peto
April 13. Whatever occasion may offer for the voyage, do not my love undertake it before three months are expired from the reception of this letter or from between 7 and 8 months from this date. I have a project in my head, which if it succeeds may save thee the trouble the danger, and the expense.
April 15. I inclose the letter of credit for 300 dollars. The address under cover to New York, which Mr. Pitot has given me to Mr. Henry Cherriot Merchant; but it will be necessary to say to him that the inclosed letters concern Messrs. Pitots although not directed to them, and to pray him to forward them, charging any expense of postage he may be at to Mr. Pitot. Or, the first cover may be directed à Messrs Pitots, negociants à l'isle de France.
Again, after the address to Messrs. Pitots, thou mightst inclose the letters to - Barclay Esq. His Britannic Majestys consul at New York, writing him a short note at the same time, stating my imprisonment here, and begging him to forward them by the first ship for the Isle of France. That the expenses of postage he may be at, thou wilt repay to any one in London he may point out: I prefer this last plan.
Thus my love, I have endeavoured to provide for all emergencies. Confident in thy prudence and in the faithful affection, thou wilt guide thyself as thou shall see proper after what I have said; and which everway they may be directed, rest confident of my approbation, of and of my warmest and never ceasing affection. Adieu then, my best and only love. May heaven bless and keep thee in health, and in all things prosper thee, my best beloved
thy husband and dearest friend most affectionate friend
Mattw. Flinders
[page 144]
[Letter No. 109]
To Mr. Thos. Franklin Spilsby Lincolnshire
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France
America
April 12. 1806
My dear friend
There seems to be a probability of my being detained here so long as the war lasts, and I am therefore exceedingly desirous of having my beloved wife with me, but the difficulties, dangers, and expenses of a voyage deter me from requesting her to come. As however I cannot foresee all the circumstances that might happen to favour the voyage, I t in case a fortunate opportunity should arrive, and she should be desirous of embracing it, I have taken all the precautions, and made all the preparations in my power. In procuring her letters of recommendation for America in case of her passing that way, and in obtaining for her a letter of credit upon the same country, with which she might obtain another for this island, I think you would be able to give her considerable assistance: perhaps also in procuring information from Mr. Pearce or Mr. Hollingworth of the Admiralty, as to anything doing in France or England respecting my imprisonment or me. In the state of our acquaintance and friendship I do not think it necessary to intreat you to assist her in these points, or in any other in your power, I think I know you will do it with alacrity. Should she, contrary to what I expect, find circumstances enable her to undertake the voyage, you will write me fully of all the occurrences that have arrived to you and your family since these three years, of which I am entirely ignorant, and pray send me all the magazines and newspapers within your reach or extracts from them that make mention of my voyage, or imprisonment here for I understand this has frequently happened. I have seen what Collins says in his history of New South Wales and the account in the Times of Oct. 19. 1805. Should Mrs. F. not come, she will be able to inform you of a ready way of writing to me, and I hope you will renew our constant correspondence
I have heard that my brother is on board the Prince George, but I know not where are your brother John and little Lound, for whom I am much interested. Some months since I wrote a letter to captain Henry of the 19th dragoons in India, a letter in favour of your brother James should he meet with him; my wife having informed me he was about to embark for that country with a cornetcy of horse Hannah and Ann have been some time married; I hope, most sincerely,
they are happy. Accept my friend, my most affectionate regards, and present the same to your good father and mother, to Betsy and every other part of your good family from your sincere and affectionate M.F.
When writing to Mr. Wiles do not forget to recall me to his friendly recollections, and to tell him of my situation here
[page 145]
[Letter No. 110]
To Mr. Bickam - Port N.W. - Wilhems Plains Isle of France
April 8. 1806
Dear Sir
I should be glad to profit by the occasion politeness you obligingly offered me, of transmitting some letters to England by the way of America, and shall be obliged to you to inform when me if an opportunity will soon offer.
As I have at present very little prospect of being set a liberty before the conclusion of the present war, it is very possible that Mrs. Flinders may leave England to join me here. The best means of bringing the supplies, of which she may stand in need, will be, I believe, to obtain a letter of credit in London upon America, and with it another from America upon the Isle of France. If you will have the goodness to inform me of one or more good houses in America with whom you are in correspondence, that from one of them she may procure a letter of credit and upon you and Mr. Buchanan you will render me a service, and I shall consider it an obligation. Should you find any inconvenience in it, you will almost equally oblige me by pointing out the correspondents of some other pers substantial person house here, through whom the same might be obtained.
Requesting you and Mrs. Bickam to accept my respect, I am ,dear Sir,
yours very obediently M.F.
[Letter No. 111]
To Mrs. Flinders Donington near Boston Lincolnshire
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France
(America)
April 13. 1806
My dear mother-in-law
My dear mother-in-law I have written so fully to my wife by this occasion, and to Mr. Tyler concerning her projected voyage to this island, that I have little more to add; for should she venture to undertake it, you will doubtless see her first. The little hope that I had of being liberated, is now less since the arrival of several vessels from France, which bring no orders relative to me,
[page 146]
and since the governor [General de Caën] has again refused to send me to France until he shall receive orders. I have written letters to the marine minister of France, to Mons. Fleurieu a man of great celebrity and influence in that nation, to our admiralty, to Sir Joseph Banks, to the governor general in India, and to the commander in chief of the naval forces there; and my friend here, Mr. Thomas Pitot, has written to many other celebrated characters of his nation, but as yet, all is without effect. My beloved wife, in a letter dated June 1805 expressed a desire to come here to me, and although I see no prospect of her being able to accomplish it, I have taken all the precautions, and made all the preparations for it in my power to make at this distance. I shall be able, I expect, to transmit an direction in America by which letters may be conveyed to me at all times; in fine, I have prepared for all events; still hoping, however, that the present prospect, which there is said to be of peace, may not be far distant.
I was much pleased with the letter that Hannah wrote me in June last, I desire she may continue to write to me of her progress in her studies, by all occasions; and you my dear Mother I hope will also write to me by all opportunities. I am at present wholly ignorant of the state of my affairs; whether the money left by my dear father is in your hands, or in those of my agent. I desired that the interest of it should be applied to the education of my two sisters, until my return, and I am pleased to learn from Hannahs letter that this has been done. When their education is completed, you will either add the interest continually to the principal, or pay it to my agent for my use.
In this island, I have enjoyed tolerable health since I have been allowed to live in the country, and am as comfortably situated as a prisoner can well be. Did I know the state of my affairs, a was promoted to the rank of post-captain, and had my beloved wife with me, I could even be happy. Of the two first I hope to be soon informed, but of the last, the great difficulty of a woman [word crossed out and indecipherable] voyaging with propriety, and the uncertainty dangers of the voyage, make me dispairing of obtaining it. I do not indeed wish her to undertake it but under the fmost favourable circumstances, and even then I have desired that she may not embark before three months are expired after the receival of my present letters, lest a favourable occasion should offer for my return. Requesting you, my dear mother, to be assured of my affection and concern for your happiness, and to present my remembrance to our neighbours friends in Donington and the neighbour hood, I remain as ever your sincere and affectionate friend & son-in-law.
Mattw. Flinders
[page 147]
[Letter No. 112]
To Mr. John Aken at Mr. Standerts 25 Norfolk St. Strand London
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France April 14 1806
(America)
Dear Sir
I addressed to you a letter on Nov. 23 last, informing you of the dispersion of our companions in the Maison Despeaux, of my residence here, with, Elder and Smith, and of my having received a packet of letters from England dated in June 1805. Since that time, I have received no letters, nor any account of you whatever, except that the report of the James being taken to Halifax, which however is not confirmed. Mr. Lefebre, the generals aid-de-camp, by whom I expected orders concerning me would be sent of France out, has arrived some time since, and still later two frigates from France, but no orders whatever for my liberation or being sent to Europe. Seeing myself thus forgotten, I
wrote again to general DeCaen (my letter being translated into French by Mr. Pitot) requesting him to be
sentd me to France. The letter was well received; but the answer was, that until he should receive orders, no change in my position could take place: that he had repeatedly demanded these orders, and would again repeat them demand. It appears therefore very probable, that I shall be kept here during the war, and with this idea, I have signified to my wife my approbation of her voyage here, if she can be certain that no orders shall have been given about me on the arrival of my letters, and if she can family find either a good occasion, either by a family coming here to whom she could be introduced, or by being accompanied by one of her near relations. I think it probable, you could be of service in giving her advice concerning the best means of accomplishing the voyage, should she undertake it, and it is probable she may write to you in that case upon the subject. You will know that in rendering her service you will oblige me in the most essential part.
It has struck me, that if you was not discharged from your parole, the admiralty might possibly send you back here with
dispatches to me, or that you might not not dislike of your self to come here, should my wife think of undertaking the voyage: This however must wholly depend upon how you are situated. Should you come on her account, I should gladly pay all the expenses of your voyage and more. I have mentioned you to her as the person in whose respect and attention to her I should have the greatest confidence, next to her own relations. You know the delicacy of a virtuous womans situation on board a ship, how necessary it is, that her apartment should be retired and secure, and that it is not only necessary to take precautions
[page 148]
against violence, but against the least grounds for slander. If a ship could be found where the commander had a virtuous wife on board, it would be an excellent occasion; but I have written to her fully of my sentiments upon this head, and you have nothing there is nothing I request you to do in it, but as she may desire; except perhaps, if your situation admits it, to offer her your services to her in a general way. Although I have taken all the precautions in my power, at this distance, to facilitate her voyage, the difficulty of her coming in a manner agreeable to her and to me,
prevent me from expecting it; and it is only because it is impossible for me to tell what forsee every thing that may happen, that I have written about it at all
Smith having recovered from his broke leg, I got perm and my hopes of liberty being now less than ever, I got permission from Mr. Monistrol for him to go away, and he is embarked on board the Martha Clarke, for Boston. Elder refuses, as before, to quit me, and continues more than ever to deserve my regard; and concern I shall never part with him until he parts with me
I am very uneasy at having heard nothing of you from America, yet I still hope every thing has gone well, both for yourself and the things with which you was charged: I pray you not to search for occasions of writing to me, and give me the detail of all that has happened to you since our seperation. Be assured that I shall always take an interest in your welfare, and I request you to consider me as one of your best friends
With much regard I am dear Sir, your faithful and
obedient servant and once fellow prisoner
Mattw. Flinders
[page 149]
[Letter No. 113]
To. W. A. Standert Esq. Norfolk St. Strand London
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France
(America)
April 14. 1806
Dear Sir
As I have at present very little probability of being soon liberated from my imprisonment in this island here, it is not impossible that my wife may embark to come out here; in which case she will have occasion for a sum of money, and I have inclosed to her an order upon you for £400 or any less sum she may require; if you have not so much money of mine in your hands it will be necessary I beg of you to provide it in the easiest manner you can, either by selling out of the stocks to the amount, or otherwise as you shall see best for my interest, and which, as I am unacquainted with the state of my affairs since three years past, it is not in my power to point out. If she should request it, and it is within your power, you will much oblige me by procuring her a letter of credit for any part of the above sum upon such persons in America as she may point out, and otherwise appointing indicate in giving her information of any vessel bound to this island either direct or by the way of America or India, or in otherwise assisting her as she may stand in need. - Whether she comes or not, I beg of you to send me by the first occasion, an account of my affairs with you, since they were first put into your hands by your father;
the manner of conveying letters to me you will learn from Mrs. Flinders or from Mr. Franklin.
I request you and your good father to accept my friendly remembrances, and I am, dear Sir,
yours very sincerely M.F.
P.S. I have drawn bills for my personal pay up to Oct. 1. 1804. Be so good when you write as to tell me of the propriety of drawing bills here for my personal pay. It is to be observed, that the Investigator was condemned at Port Jackson, and I embarked on board the Cumberland schooner, by order of governor King to return to England, but am detained in this island until orders are received from France so that the Cumberland is not made a prize: You will easily get the necessary information at the Navy Office
P.S. If Mr. Robertson is in England I request him to accept of my affectionate & friendly remembrances and
[page 150]
the same to captain Waterhouse.
[Letter No. 114]
To Mrs. Flinders April Partney near Spilsby - Lincolnshire
(Boisgris - Lubeck Wilhems Plains Isle of France
April 27. 1806
I write a line, my dearest love, merely to say that all circumstances continue the same as when my long letter of Apr. 4. to 15. last was written, which letter, if thou dost not receive before this, will I hope arrive immediately afterwards. That letter It contains many enclosu letters of recommendation for France, and many arrangements; but the paragraph of April 13. must be particularly attended to. By that same conveyance (by America) I wrote to Mr. Tyler, my mother-in-law, Mr. Standert, Mr. Aken, Thos. Franklin my brother Samuel, and Mr. Pearce of the admiralty, and to the secretary. Offer my affectionate regards to thy dear family, to Wm and my sister at Boston, and present Mr. and Mrs. Hippius with my friendly remembrances. At present, I have not time to say more than
that with the most anxious and sincere affection, unalterable regard, I am, my best
beloved,
thy husband and best friend most affectionate friend
Mattw. Flinders
No orders have arrived here since October 1805, those were dated in May and June 1805, and are the only ones I have received since that dated Sept. 1802.
To captain Gaml. M Ward of the American ship Recovery
['Gamaliel Matthew Ward' has been Isle of France May 19. 1806
added in pencil]
Sir
I am extremely sorry to say, that the arrangements you were so obliging as to make for assisting me in my passage from this island, are all rendered abortive by the impossibility there is of obtaining back my parole; nevertheless, Sir, I beg you to be assured, that I am not the less sensible of your very friendly and human conduct; and at any time hereafter should it be in my power to render you service, you will do me a pleasure in offering me the occasion. Had I the honour of being acquainted with His Excellency the governor of Bombay, or with Admiral Sir Thos. Troubbridge who commands His Majestys ships on that station
[page 151]
I should have pleasure in recommending you to their notice and favour; as it is, I am not without hope, that on their being acquainted with the risk you offered to undergo to relieve me from my very extraordinary and unjust imprisonment, that your liberal conduct will be duly appreciated by them, and by every naval officer in His Majestys service
It may be p It is scarcely necessary to remind you, that no mention whatever should be made of the affair so long as you remain in this island
I am Sir, with much regard
your obliged and obedient humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
Late Commr. of H.M.S. Investigator
employed on discoveries with a French
passport, but since 2 ½ years a prisoner
in the Isle of France
[Letter No. 116]
To Mr. Charles Baudin Enseign de Vaisseau on board the
French frigate La Piedmontaise - Port N.W.
Wilhems Plains May 25. 1806
Dear Sir
The sudden manner in which the orders of Mr. Monistrol obliged me to quit the town, prevented me from having the satisfaction of taking my leave of you; and which the esteem I have conceived for you, and the obligations I owe you for your generous exertions to alleviate my misfortunes, make me still regret
You will be going to sea in a few days. May your voyage be as agreeable and prosperous as the honour and interest of my country will permit it to be: should the chance of war throw you into the hands of any of my brother officers, I have no doubt that you will meet with that humanity and attention which they very rarely fail to accord to enemies so worthy of their arms as the French; but especially to those who, like you, have laboured in the spirit of philanthropy to obviate or to ameliorate the evils of war to its unfortunate victims.
[page 152]
I expect daily to be favoured with the copy of your letter from Dunkirk, which I shall preserve as the a memorial of the esteem liberality that prevails in
the rivalship of those employed in the service of science and the cause of humanity.
With much esteem, I am, dear Sir,
your affectionate and faithful humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
[Letter No. 117]
To Major Henry of His Majestys 19th Regiment of cavalry - at Arcot
(Exshaw Aug 1 or elsewhere in India
My dear Sir
Since your departure from this Maison Despeaux island I have written you twice, on August 14. 1805 by Mr.Dale from the Maison Despeaux, and on Jan. 21. 1806 from this place; and some days since I had the very great pleasure of receiving by Col. Kerjean your hasty letter, dated Arcot March 31. 1806.
I need not say that your promotion and health give me much pleasure and or that I sensibly feel the ill health for the indisposition of my much esteemed and amiable friend, Mrs. Henry and once fellow prisoner, Mrs. Henry. Could you not obtain a station in some of the higher provinces of Bengal? I am persuaded it would be of advantage to her health and comfort, and consequently to increase your
happiness.
Having a permission to go to town some days since, I paid a visit to colonel Kerjean to express the sense I entertained of his polite attention in bringing me your letter, and in furnishing me with the Madras gazettes, and his kindness in offering me his services. He received me most kindly obligingly, expressed much interest at the unjust treatment I received, and requested me to command him in any way in which he could send me advice; there is however nothing he can do for me; general DeCaen still refuses attent all applications to send me to France, dispatches arrive without making any mention of me, and my hopes are therefore nearly exhausted
Since your departure, I have found some new friends who have lately
[page 153]
lately written to their friends in France connections in Paris to forward my wishes, and the National Institute of Paris have promised Sir Joseph Banks to use their influence in my favour; I do not therefore wholly dispair of sometime obtaining justice, but in expecting this, the best years of my life are passing away in inactivity; the time wherein I ought to make myself a name is gliding by, unemployed, never to return. When I say unemployed, you who know my restlessness, will understand it within certain limits, for I have always something to do, either in gaining information or with the accounts of my voyage. At present I am occupied in writing a narrative of my shipwreck, with an abridged detail statement of the circumstances preceding it and a detail of the my voyage here and subsequent imprisonment up to the present time by general DeCaen. This narrative, with an appendix containing official pieces documents, will occupy about 300 pages and
will be transmitted to the admiralty in about a month: what they will do with it, or what effect it may have upon their exertions in my favour, time will discover
In a letter I received from Mrs. Flinders in October last, she tells me that James Franklin, a younger son of a family with whom we are much connected was coming out to India with a cornetcy of horse. Should it be in your regiment, or you should meet with him, you will much oblige me by befriending him shewing him countenance. Young men just starting into life are too apt to be foolish; I believe he does not want good sense, but your council will, I am persuaded, do him service, especially if you meet with him before his connections in India are formed. Be so good as to bid him remember, that he is enrolled amongst the number of my friends, and that I hope doubt not his gallant conduct and
behaviour will do me credit: Iam satisfied He will not rest unknown I am satisfied, in a few years I shall hear his name mentioned with honour: Upon my friendship he may depend with confidence.
Since the period of my liberation is so very uncertain, I hope you will not let slip any occasion of writing to me; if you are acquainted with any person in Tranquebar your letters might be forwarded under cover to Mr. Tomy Pitot Negociant à l'isle de France
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and I believe would come safely. At present I am the only English prisoner in the Isle of France, my faithful servant Elder excepted, who refuses to quit me, though I have frequently made him the offer +
With much esteem and affection for you and Mrs. Henry, I am my dear Sir your friend and humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
Wilhems Plains in the
I.of France July 2. 1806
+ Our friend Bergeret is about to depart for France and promises to do all in his power there, for me
[Letter No. 118]
To Mr. Christopher Smith - Pulo Penang - to the care of Mr. Campbell
(Exshaw Augt. 1.) merchant in Calcutta
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France
July 2. 1806
My dear friend
During an imprisonment of more than two years and a half in this island, I have written you many letters, but have not been so fortunate as to receive one from you. I know the difficulty of conveyance, but if you was to keep a letter in Mr. Campbells hands he might sometimes find occasions. You are a bad correspondent, my friend, and with whatever regret, I shall be obliged to give you up at last: I believe it is not less than six years since you wrote to me, that indeed was a long letter, giving me an account of all your proceedings up to that time, and indeed afforded me infinite pleasure, but however good the meal, if it only comes once in six years, we must starve
My situation at present is somewhat ameliorated, having been permitted to reside in the interior of the island upon my parole after the departure of all the other English prisoners in August last; but my hopes of enlargement are almost as uncertain as ever. Sir Joseph B. wrote me in June 1805, that the National Institute had promised to exert themselves in my behalf, but many vessels with dispatches have since arrived from France and I hear nothing, even general De
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De Caen begins to be impatient. My principal hopes of liberty are in a peace, in the effects of many letters that have been written from hence to France in my favour, and in the arrival of Governor King from Port Jackson in England. I see that your Indian papers sometimes make mention of me, as well as those in England. In the Times of Oct. 19. 1805 and the Madras gazette of March 15. 1806 I find long passages upon my imprisonment, and perhaps there may be some in other papers that have not come under my cognizance
I shall write you but a short letter, my friend at present, being determined if possible to be angry with you; and I therefore conclude, with assuring you, however, of the esteem and affection
of your ancient friend and messmate
Mattw. Flinders
P.S. If you write to me, put the letter in a cover addressed to Monsieur Pitot - Négociant à l'isle de France; or if you write to England address it to Mr. Standert Norfolk St. Strand - London for me.
[Letter No. 119]
To captain P.G. King - To the care of James Sykes Esq. Arundel St. Strand
(Larkins July 31) Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France
July 3. 1806 My dear Sir
The letter I addressed to you from my prison in August 1804 I have learnt by different channels arrived safely. In the Times of Oct. 19.1805 I see extracts from the Sydney gazette, and in the Madras gazette of March 15. 1806 I see other extracts, wherein it is mentioned, and my imprisonment in this island spoken of in the terms which it justly merits; and I return you my best thanks for the great attention you have paid to my misfortune. I am informed also that general De Caen has very lately received from you a letter of remonstrance inclosing a copy of my former letter;
this has irritated the general somewhat more against me, and prevented me from obtaining permission to visit some friendly
families in another part of this island than this where I am placed; these little privations however, are more than counterbalanced by the pleasure I have to know
[page 156]
that you espouse my cause with so much friendly concern.
A letter I received from our excellent friend Sir Joseph Banks dated June 1805 informed me, that Captain Bligh nam was then named to be your successor, and that your arrival in England was expected five months after June 1805, the date of his letter. On your arrival in England You will then learn almost all the circumstances from him from Sir Joseph which have occurred to me in this island; a month or two, however, after the reception of this, you will learn them much more fully, from a narrative which at present occupies my time, and will be finished and forwarded to the admiralty in a month or six weeks. This narrative will contain a short sketch of my voyage up to the condemnation of the Investigator, a particular account of the shipwreck, my voyages in the boat and the Cumberland, and all the treatment I received on arriving at the Isle of France and during an imprisonment of more than two and a half years: This narrative with an appendix of official pieces it will contain between 200 & 300 pages. I much suspect, that the admiralty and my friends in England have concluded, for it is difficult otherwise to conceive that my passport should be disregarded as they naturally might, that there
has been something wrong in my conduct, for it is difficult otherwise to conceive that my passport should be so disregarded and that this has made them lukewarm in their exertions to obtain my liberty. Had this not been the case I should otherwise have supposed, that the ministry would at least have demanded my enlargement, and the return of my books and papers, by the ambassador of some neutral power, but if more has not been done than has come to my knowledge, it is to Sir Joseph alone that I am indebted for taking any steps in my favour
I have learned privately, that in your dispatches to the secretary of state, there is a mention of Spanish America, which
rendered my being the bearer criminal with respect to my passport. Tis pity I had not known something of this, for on finding myself under the necessity of stopping at the Isle of France and learning the declaration of war, I should have destroyed the dispatches; but leaving Port Jackson in time of peace, and having scarcely any other idea that that of being received at Mauritius in the most friendly manner, confiding in my passport, I did not think myself authorized to take such a step even after I knew of the war; having no idea there was any thing in the dispatches that could invalidate my passport; neither indeed is it invalidated in justice; but it is said to be the under-plea against me; that which is given to the world (in the Moniteur of July 11. 1804) says nothing of this
[page 157]
circumstance, and is indeed a tissue of falsities and misrepresentations. I had entertained some hopes, that amidst all
that I am suffering here in numberless ways, the admiralty on learning the circumstance my imprisomt. and all the attendant circumstances would have given me promotions perhaps from Dec. 1803, the time of my imprisonment; This would have been some consolation but as far as Dec. 1804 the last list I have seen my name is still amongst the commanders. Perhaps they waited for information of what I had done in the Investigator, and if so they will I hope have received it in Oct. 1805 by the arrival of Mr. Aken with the principal part of my charts and journals, and I think, my dear Sir, you will bear testimony, that considering the early decay of the Investigator, as much was done, and I trust it will be found to be as well done, as circumstances could permit. I will not say much for my ability, but certainly there was no want of zeal on my part. Tis not myself only, but all my officers are also suffering; even Mr. Fowler, who also distinguished himself in his passage home against admiral Linois, has received no promotion or appointment that I can learn. Allow me, my dear Sir, to recommend him to your attention and assistance, and permit me to add the names of lieutenant Flinders and Mr. Franklin and young Lound. I think they will be found worthy of anything you may find occasion of doing for them. I should also mention Mr. Lacey, did I not think he had friends which are all sufficient to serve him
In this island I have many and very warm friends, and indeed no enemies but general DeCaën, who, if I am rightly informed is himself heartily sorry for having made me a prisoner; but led by his violence and unfounded suspicions, he proceeded too far to retract: he remitted the judgment of my case to the government of France, and cannot permit me to depart, or send me even to France until he shall receive orders. The minister of the marine, it seems, found the imprisonment of the commander of a vessel of discovery, with a French passport so diffi extraordinary, and difficult to decide call; that he referred it has referred the case to the council of state; which is and the council has been so much occupied with the war, with making princes of the blood, viceroys, mareschals of the empire &c. &c. that they have no time to think of an English prisoner so far distant. To give you some idea of the interest my extraordinary situation has excited here, I
inclose you the copy of a letter written by a literary societé here in this island to the
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Institute of Paris, which I beg of you also to shew Sir Joseph Banks; but it must not be made public, at least as yet,
least it should be known here reach this island and do injurye to the writers authors with the captain-general: Several other letters to individuals in the department of the marine and in the council of state, he in the same strain, have also been sent or are about to be sent from officers here, and my friend Bergeret, who embarks for France in a few days, promises to employ his influence in the same cause; so that I hope, one day, to have the affair fully and fairly investigated; another years imprisonment will however most probably be my lot.
Should Mrs. Flinders be in London (you will know it from Mr. Bonner No. 86 Fleet Street) I hope she will find you out and make acquaintance with my much esteemed friend Mrs. King. Ah, I hope she and you, and my dear little Elizabeth have arrived in safety and in health. I long to see that dear little girl. Whilst I have been wasting losing my health and strength and peace of mind in a prison, she has been increasing in charms, in knowledge and in making acquirements of knowledge and virtue. Pray kiss her for me, and present her and her excellent mamma with my respectful and affectionate regards
Adieu, my dear Sir; at this time, I trust it is unnecessary for me to beg you will preserve a place for me in your recollection and friendship; and be assured that it is with the highest esteem and consideration, I am
your obliged friend and faithful humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
My faithful servant John Elder is the only one of the Cumberland remaining: all, except myself, were permitted to depart, but he refused to leave me. July 4. If the admiralty should be indolent in their endeavours to procure my liberation, it has struck me, that perhaps a letter from you might stimulate them. Of all the people in England you are best capable of appreciating the value of my discoveries in Australia, - know best how the unfortunate circumstances that prevented me from doing more, - and whether or no I made the best use of the shor the short time before the circumstances happened: From first making Cape Leuwen to the time finding the Investigator was found rotten in rotten at the head of the Gulph of Carpentaria, was a less time than one year
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[Letter No. 120]
To Mrs. Flinders Partney near Spilsby Lincolnshire
Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France
(Larkins July 31) July 4. 1806
Since my long letter of April 4 and 15, and my short one of April 27 last, I have received, my best love, thy letter dated May 20.1805, the duplicate of which, with a letter from Spalding I had received so far back as October 22. 1805, a day I shall never forget, for to receive letters from thee, in this place after so long a night of ignorance and sorrow, was a gratification which exceeded what I can express
No change has taken place with me, since I last wrote, except that general
De Caën has received a very strong letter from governor King at Port Jackson, inclosing a copy of one which I had written, which has much irritated the general, and been the cause of his denying some temporary extensions of liberty to visit some two to three friendly families in another part of the island: the knowledge, however, that governor King so warmly espouses my cause more than counter balances these little privations. By this time I expect the governor will be arrived in England, and if thou shouldst be at any time in London, thou wilt find in Mrs. King a very amiable woman and one who will receive thee with much kindness. I beg of thee to make them a visit, as to those who are and to consider them as amongst my best and most intimate friends and from whom I have received much kindness and friendship: Make little Elizabeth also some pretty present. By this same occasion I write to governor King, whom I consider as one interested to procure my liberation and who does not want the inclination to attempt it: I think he will be able to give thee considerable much information; thou mayest even write to him or to Mrs. King, directing thy letter to the care of at his agent Mr. Sykes Navy agent -
Arundel Street - Strand London
I have spoken to thee of coming out here in case nothing should be done in France towards my liberation or call to Paris, and in case thou shouldst find the occasion and conveniences I described; but my love, the more I think about it the more the difficulties and dangers of the passage, to one I so entirely love, alarm me; and should circumstances be so fortunate as that thou shouldst arrive safe, when I think of the probability that I may afterwards be sent a prisoner to France, and that thou mightst either be denied to go in the same vessel, or cooped up without convenience or attendance, in an unhealthy place, perhaps in that state which most requires care, and further that the expense of thy voyage may be the cause of another absence from thee, my anxious desire to have thee here gives way to my fears: No The expense also of the voyage may be the cause of also oblige me to another absence from thee. No, my love, thou must not attempt it; it cannot be much longer that I shall be kept from thee; either in consequence of a peace, or the exertions that have lately
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been made and are now meeting in my favour, I must, I think certainly, be on my return either to England or France before the expiration of another year; and if justice is done me, perhaps my love with such accessions of reputation and fortune as may permit me to follow the bent of my own inclinations during the rest of life. I had once thought of making my escape, but when I consider how much ho I must leave behind me, and that all idea of indemnification for my suffering must be given up, and my conduct perhaps disapproved in England, - I have determined to see it out, but at the same time to rouse every person in all parts of the world who are likely to interest themselves in my favour. In the gazettes of France, London, the three presidencies in India, and that of New South Wales, and some in America, I see find mention made of my imprisonment, and generally in terms very injurious to general De Caën, and I hope that by this time the admiralty, perhaps, will have given th me the rank of post-captain At this time I am at present occupied writing a narrative of all the circumstances that have attended my confinement here, as well as those of our shipwreck, and it is prefaced with a sketch of the Investigators voyage, making in all, with an appendix of official papers, between two and three hundred pages: it will be finished in a
month or six weeks and transmitted to the Admiralty, and perhaps through Sir. J.B. or governor King thou will be able to get a sight of it. I expect this narrative will stimulate the admiralty to take decisive measures, and it is possible they may cause it to be published.
>From India I have received much attention. Lately I had two letters from Sir. Edward Pellew, who expresses much interest for my sufferings so unjustly, but as general DeCaen will listen to know no exchange for me, he can do nothing more than make representations to the admiralty. If thou shouldst see governor King, he will shew thee a French letter written from this island to the Institute of Paris, which will give thee much satisfaction: one copy of it went from hence two months since, and another a duplicate will go in a
day or two. Myself, I have written again to Mr. Fleurieu, and a also a letter to admiral De Cres, the minister of the French minister marine of which I inclose the copy of the letter, inclosed shew to governor King if he is arrived. I regret not having written to Bonaparte whilst he was first consul; it would then be pro have been probably attended to ; but now, as he is not acknowledged as Emperor of the French by our government, I cannot write to him as such, and without therefore it is unnecessary to write at all.
July 5. Do, my best love, take good care of thy health. Make such visits,
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to thy friends and mine as may tend thou canst make may be convenient. It will tend to dissipate thy
chagrin uneasiness and preserve thee in health. Ah my love, let me find thee constant in thy affections and possessing on my return, and capable of meeting my enraptured heart with equal transport, and the first and dearest of my wishes will be accomplished; but, merciful Heaven, let this be soon. Perhaps, my love, the order for my liberation is even now on its way, or the still more glad tidings of peace. Of the last, much hopes are at this time entertained in this part of the world.
It gives me much pleasure that thou hast cultivated the acquaintance of my cousin Henrietta: She possesses an excellent head and a better heart: I believe, that next to after thee and my brother Samuel, she stands next in my affection. When my sister Hannah leaves school, thou wilt afford me much gratification in having her occasionally with thee: make her thy young friend, she will be grateful for the attention: read with her, reason with her upon what you read and upon the occurrences of life, be her confident; to do which, thou must not so much attempt to make
her rise to thy ideas and sentiments, but must rather adopt hers descend to her: adopt her amusements, take up her own manner of thinking, and lead her on on imperceptibly to the formation of just sentiments and the adoption of agreeable manners: not teach her not to be too confident in the good dispositions of mankind, but to avoid shewing suspicion: not to give too much way to the sensibilities of the heart, but to avoid misanthropy; in fine to live in charity with all men, and think well of all every individual until his actions shall shew him to be undeserving of it. It is permitted to men, and it is sometimes their duty, to brave the opinion of the world, but a female, if she would avoid misery, must always submit to it. Next after considering the laws of her God, she ought perhaps in the next place to reflect, before giving way to the impulse of her feelings, what will be the opinion of the world upon this action. If the world will condemn, or draw from thence injurious consequences,
from it the ought to be abandoned: Perhaps this rule in general ought to extend to all the transactions of life
I hope thou wilt have made an acquisition of a little French; my cousin will assist thee, and on my return we will make further progress: at present I am able to converse upon any most subject, and they tell me, speak passably well; indeed I ought, for these last eight or ten months I have scarcely spoken any thing else; and as my afternoons and evenings are passed with my
[page 162]
good and well informed hostess [Madame d'Arifat] and her three amiable daughters, my tongue is not suffered to lie still. But I must leave a little space for the last day before this letter will depart
July 212. I have lately received a letter from Captain Henry of the 19th dragoons at Arcot, near Madras. He is now major of that regiment, but it does not appear whether or no he received my letter recommending James Franklin to his notice. I have written again to him and in more forcible terms, and if James should be so lucky as to be at the same station, I am sure Major Henry will befriend and advise him for my sake
Should Mr. Robertson be yet in England pray write to him and say how much I am obliged for his friendly attention in writing to me and sending thy letter. It is a service I shall never forget, and increases the desire I had to be useful to that worthy and intelligent man. Is Mr. Aken arrived with my books and charts? This Of this I am ignorant, but and would give much to be satisfied.
July 22. I am now obliged to close. If the news of the Warren Hastings being taken is not known, tell Thomas F. that she was taken near this island in the beginning, by La Piémontaise, French frigate, the beginning of this month after an action of 4h.25' in which she lost her masts and tiller and had 8 men killed an 15 wounded: Mr. Edwick the purser was amongst the other former and captain Larkins among the latter, but his wound not thought said to be dangerous: the cargo of this ship cost more than 600,000 dollars in China Desire T. to make this known should it not be so on the receipt of this.
Adieu my best, my dearest love. Preserve thy health, trust in Providence and in my exertions. I am in good health. Remember me most affectionately to thy family and all mine. As usual I am always obliged to close in a hurry.
Forever thine
Mattw. Flinders
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[Letter No. 121]
Mr. Thomas Franklin - Spilsby Lincolnshire - Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France
July 6. 1806
My dear Thomas (Larkins July 31)
How is it that twice I have received letters from my beloved wife and from Mr. Robertson, and that you have not once written to me, although you knew of the opportunities? This is what I cannot explain satisfactorily to myself. Cannot you conceive that if my old friends neglect me, I must associate to myself with new ones. I am indeed, at this time unfortunate, but my misfortunes have made me more friends than enemies, even here, amongst a people inimical to my country; and yet I have not sacrificed or ceased to maintain its honour or interests in order to join that friendship: but enough, it is only in the article of writing that you have abandoned me.
I inclose a letter for my friend Wiles, which I request you will be so good as forward to him. I suppose it probable, that he may be arrived in England, otherwise I should have spared you the trouble by sending it direct from America
In her last letter Mrs. F. informs me, that John was on board the Bellerophon with captain Loring, which appears to me to be an excellent situation for him to acquire a knowledge of the discipline of the service. I have no doubt but he will make a good, and probably a shining officer. This last depends much but upon the occasions he may have of distinguishing himself, and as far as lies in my power, he shall not want them. About this time his six years of servitude will be completed, and it is probable that on my arrival in England, I shall be able to procure for him a commission;
but lest this should be long deferred I have recommended him, as well as Mr. Fowler and my brother, to the attention of governor King. As however, I have no other claims upon governor King, what he may should he do anything for John, it will proceed from his own goodness, and must be acknowledged as such. My frien >From my friend captain (now Major) Henry of the 19th dragoons in India I have very lately received a letter, but it does not appear that he had received that from me wherein I recommended James to his notice and attention, should he meet with
him. I have therefore written to him again, in strong terms, being more satisfied than before of his inclination to accomplish my wishes; and I think James will find in Major Henry an useful friend, should he fortunately be in the same regiment and have the same station, which at present is Arcot, not far from Madras.
[page 164]
With respect to my present situation and prospects I refer you to Mrs. F. for information. Have the goodness to make my best respects and most affectionate regards acceptable to all the branches of your good family, and still believe me, as ever.
your sincere and affectionate friend
Mattw. Flinders
Present my remembrances to my old master, Lound. Sherrard I understand is oin board the Warrior. He gave me much satisfaction on board the Investigator, considering his great youth; and if he continues to merit it, shall never want my the assistance for his advancement which it may be in my power to give him. My wife does not say whether his certificate and that of John were received, but I conclude they were.
[Letter No. 122]
To James Wiles Esq. Botanical Garden - Liguanea - Jamaica
Continued from July 3. 1803 [actually July 2]
(Larkins. July 31)
P.S. July 6. 1806 The preceding letter was written, my friend, under circumstances very different to those in which I am at present. You are probably no stranger to the change and its causes, but I will give you a short recapitulation. No Ship was found convenient to return continue the Investigators voyage, and I embarked with my officers &c. for England on board the Porpoise: we were shipwreck in the night upon a coral reef 730 miles from Port Jackson. I got back in a six oared cutter, obtained vessels to relieve my people, who remained upon a sand bank, and sent them round by China, but embarked on board myself in a little schooner the size of a Gravesend boat, to pass through Torres Strait,
and direct for England to save time. My voyage was tolerably prosperous for a time, but the leakiness of the schooner and badness of the pumps obliged me to stop at the Isle of France, where I found war again declared. I presented my passport, but was made prisoner, my vessel seized, and my the charts &c. of my discoveries, shattered as they were at had been saved from the shipwreck, taken from me. My remonstrances enraged general De Caën the governor, and he referred the judgment of my case to France, knowing that in expecting their decision I should be
punished with a years imprisonment. The minister of the French marine, it seems, found the imprisonment of the commander of a voyage of discovery, with a French passport, so extraordinary a circumstance
[page 165]
and between the honour of the French nation, and the regard to their captain general, the case was so
difficult to decide, that he referred the judgment to the council of state. The council have been so occupied with the great events that have lately taken place, and with making viceroys, mareschals of the empire and princes of the blood, that they cannot find time to think of an English prisoner so far distant. Thus two years and a half of the best years of my life have already been lost here, a prisoner in inactivity, in a prison; my hopes of reputation - of seeing my name placed by the side of Cook and Vancouver, cruelly retarded if not destroyed. In rank I am losing everything, for the seniority of a commander can be called nothing and until my return, I do not expect to be promoted. What little fortune I have had left me by my father and an uncle, both deceased since I left England, is I know not how or where. And all this, for what? - Indeed I scarcely know, for it may satisfy national animosity but certainly it can be productive of no good to any individual upon the face of the earth
The subject, as you may suppose, has been much canvassed, and is likely to be still more. The want of hospitality, of justice, of humanity, and the breach of national faith are too conspicuous in this transaction not to excite much animadversion: the reputation also of the French nation, as the protectress and encourager of science, is will be deeply wounded by it. Even Frenchmen consider the treatment I have received with indignation, and as a specimen of their sentiments, I enclose a copy of a letter, + which you are at liberty to shew to your particular friends, but it
must on no account be made public, lest the writers may be injured in the opinion of the government here.
Did my paper and time permit, I could write to infinity having no want of subject; but will at present only add, that my sentiments for you, my dear friend, are the same as ever. If I have not written you often, since my occupations have been so numerous and varied, do not judge me hardly: it is not for want of esteem. I have often written to Smith written to our friend Smith from
hence, but probably from the extreme difficulty of conveyance, have not heard from him these six years. Adieu, and believe me
your very sincere and affectionate friend
Mattw. Flinders
(+ that from the Society of Emulation to the Institute)
[Letter No. 123]
Monsieur Froberville - A Mocha
Refuge July 7. 1806
Dear Sir
Since it appears
probable we may not have the pleasure of seeing you here very soon, and you have expressed a desire to know my
sentiments opinion upon Sidner which you did me the favour to present to me; I will not delay to tell you, not my judgment upon your performance, but the sentiments which the perusal of it excited in and left upon my mind, further than this my want of in I am incapable of giving an opinion. The events seemed to me to be conducted with much simplicity, and
[page 166]
agreeable to nature. Of the characters, particularly of Engelmann, Mad. Craynoff and Emilie, I desired to have a more
particular intimate knowledge: that of Mimi Berghens is more perfectly drawn and in was more satisfactory, more perfect, and sketched in few words. This is a character which ones feels to be natural, and just an important point which I did not strike me so forcibly of the others, some parts of that of Sidner excepted. From the agitation which the proposed family visit to the cascades near Balde excited and the mystery attending this agitation, the idea I had formed of Emilies character led me to expected even a greater cause for them, than that her father had there felt the commencement of his last illness: this seems to be struck me as being rather a trait of a sensible, but not than of a great mind. The affectionate conduct of James, and the story of Gremler, I found affecting. "Je trouve "quelquefois, que l'indulgence et la charité sont les premiers et les plus sacrés "de mes devoirs". This beneficent sentiment is well and very forcibly introduced. The whole story of Gremler will by some be
considered an apology for suicide, and be condemned accordingly; but although the policy of society, and religion may place suicide in a heinous light, yet the first and most predominant feeling for the unhappy victim, will, must, and ought to be compassion
Of the style, I am unable almost for from my ignorance of the language to form an opinion; I should myself have liked it better had it been more simple; although speaking generally, for in many instances, as in that of Sydners description of his feelings on his first visit to the cascades, for instance, the elevation of style seemed highly appropriate. With respect to the end proposed, the dangers of imagination are exemplified with much force, but its application would have been more general had Sidner been a more ordinary character: itn the last case, however, there would have been more to fear from the dangers of imitation
After finishing the book, I must acknowledge, that the impression of it did not remain long on my mind, and this I attribute to its being containing more filled with sentiment than incident, to the too sublimation of the style, joined to my ignorance of the French language, which did not permit me to seize many little shades of colouring, both in sentiment and character, which probably I should have done in English, and which add so much to the interest.
Upon the whole, benevolence, active charity, and the necessity of moderating our passions, in order to be happy, are inculcated throughout, and the author undoubtedly merits the praise acknow in my opinion, the praise of society for his work.
Excuse dear Sir, the freedom with which I have given you my sentiments; you will consider them to be of one little accustomed to this kind of reading and still less to giving his opinion; accept my thanks for the pleasure and instruction which I have receieved from your little book has furnished, and believe me to be with much esteem
Your obliged and very humble servant
Mattw. Flinders
[page 167]
[The following piece of writing, located on the last page of the letter book, does not appear to be linked to any of the preceding letters]
When an island is said to be visible at any given distance, it is always to be understood, that it is visible from a ships deck at that distance in fine weather.
It must not be expected that the forms of all the isles which are laid down are exact. Such as were visited will be found nearly so, but the rest must be looked upon as only representing the shewing the position of the each island, and its magnitude nearly. This is to be understood of such isles only as have the outline complete; those that are unfinished being only intended to express that there is an island or land in about that situation, and these may then be other isles or land in the same neighbourhood which from being lower could not be
distinguished
Although it has been said that a point being marked upon high land (*) implies that it is a position well ascertained yet this is not to be extended to the island upon which it may be, or th the neighbouring land, since an island upon which this may occur is sometimes unfinished, and consequently, its form, extent and even position are uncertain; it is therefore, the point only that is fixed.
Inlet. A general name for any opening in the land, of whatever size or form it may be. There are two cases where this name is used:- the first is, when the opening is not sufficiently examined to ascertain its form, or to know whether it is a bay, port, river, or sound:- the other is, when none of the above names apply to it, according to their definitions as generally received.
River I confine the use of this term to fresh a long, narrow, pieces of fresh water; or at least to such for pieces of waters of that formation, which have some fresh water in them. I am aware that seamen call a long narrow piece of water, a river, whether it is fresh or salt; but this, I apprehend is for what want of another term expressive of a river-shaped piece of wat salt water, and which seems to be still wanting. I use the word inlet general term
inlet, in this case, not knowing a better. The term creek is used by Mr. Dalrymple in this sense, but I think that the an inlet of this kind may be so large as to render the term improper; and moreover, I custom has applied the word to a small branches of rivers, whose water may be fresh.
Aken, John, master of the Investigator, was imprisoned on Mauritius with Flinders. He was released in 1805 and left the island on the American ship James.
Alder, George, carpenter's mate on the Investigator, was imprisoned on Mauritius with Flinders and released at the same time as John Aken.
Arifat, Madame d', owner of Le Refuge, the plantation at Wilhems Plains in the interior of Mauritius where Flinders lived for the last five years of his captivity.
Arifat, Delphine d', eldest daughter of Madame d'Arifat.
Banks, Sir Joseph (1743-1820), botanist, accompanied James Cook on his first Pacific voyage. He was instrumental in the foundation of the colony of New South Wales and maintained a deep interest in its progress. He took a special interest in Flinders, becoming his friend and patron.
Bass, Elizabeth, née Waterhouse (1768-1824), sister of Henry Waterhouse, married George Bass in 1800.
Bass, George (1771-1803), naval surgeon, sailed to Sydney in 1795 with Flinders on the Reliance. Shortly after arriving he and Flinders made two hazardous voyages in open boats to explore the coast south of Sydney. In 1797 he discovered Western Port and deduced that there was a strait separating Tasmania from the mainland. This was confirmed in 1798-99 when he and Flinders circumnavigated Tasmania in the Norfolk. Bass disappeared in 1803 during a trading voyage to South America.
Baudin, Augustin, brother of the French navigator Nicolas Baudin, as captain of a Danish ship he visited Flinders on Mauritius in 1805.
Baudin, Charles (d.1854), midshipman on the Geographe under the command of Nicolas Baudin (no relation) during his voyage to survey the Australian coast, 1800-1804. Flinders became acquainted with him at Port Jackson and met him again on Mauritius in 1806 and 1807.
Baudin, Thomas Nicolas (1754-1803), French navigator, sailed from France in 1800 in command of an expedition to survey the coast of Australia. In April 1802 he met Flinders in Encounter Bay, South Australia. He died on Mauritius on the return voyage.
Bauer, Ferdinand (1760-1826), botanical artist, sailed on the Investigator and
returned to England in 1805 with over 2000 drawings of plants and animals.
Bell, Hugh, surgeon on the Investigator.
Bell, Thomas and Nathaniel, two of five 'Young Gentlemen' who took turns to occupy the vacant positions of two midshipmen on the Investigator.
Bellasis, George (d. 1825), an officer in the East India Company's artillery, transported to Sydney in 1802 for killing his opponent in a duel. He left the colony in 1803 after receiving a pardon.
Bentinck, Lord William, governor-general of Madras.
Bergeret, Jacques, commander of the French privateer La Psyché. He was a frequent and sympathetic visitor to Flinders during his imprisonment on Mauritius until his ship was captured by an English frigate and he was taken prisoner to India. In June 1805 he was returned to Mauritius in an exchange with English prisoners of war.
Bickham, Martin, American merchant on Mauritius.
Bishop, Charles (1765?-1810), captain of the snow Nautilus and George Bass' trading partner.
Bligh, William (1754-1817), British naval officer, commanded HMS Bounty on a voyage to transport breadfruit trees from Tahiti to the West Indies. After the celebrated mutiny he sailed an open boat across the Pacific to Coepang. Flinders joined him as a midshipman on a second breadfruit voyage in the Providence in 1791. Bligh later became governor of New South Wales.
Board of Longitude: established in 1714 to encourage and reward the invention of an accurate method of determining longitude.
Bonner, Charles, Flinders' friend.
Bougainville, Louis-Antoine de (1729-1811), French navigator, completed the first French circumnavigation of the world, 1766-1769.
Bowles, William, attorney and friend of Flinders.
Brown, Robert (1773-1858), botanist, sailed on the Investigator and returned to England in 1805 with over 3000 species of plants. He became secretary to the Linnean Society and to Sir Joseph Banks.
Campbell, John, of Campbell & Co., merchants at Calcutta.
Campbell, Robert (1769-1846), merchant, opened a branch of his family's Calcutta-based trading company in Sydney in 1800.
Cartel: a ship employed in the exchange or ransom of prisoners.
Chapman, Robert (d. 1803), marine on the Investigator.
Chaptal, Jean-Antoine-Claude, Comte de Chantaloup (1756-1832), French statesman and chemist.
Charrington, Edward, boatswain on the Investigator.
Collins David (1756-1810), deputy-judge-advocate of NSW, 1788-1796 and lieut- governor of Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania), 1803-1810. In 1798 he published An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales. A second volume appeared in 1802.
Cook, James (1728-1779, British naval officer, made three important voyages of discovery in the Pacific. On his first voyage, 1768-1771, he charted the east coast of Australia and claimed it for Britain.
Crosley, John, astronomer, sailed with Flinders on the Investigator in 1801 but was forced by ill health to leave the ship at the Cape of Good Hope.
Cumberland: In 1803 Flinders sailed from Sydney for England in the colonial built schooner Cumberland. However she proved to be so unseaworthy that he decided to seek assistance at Mauritius.
Dale, Alfred, midshipman, captured by the French while serving on the Dedaigneuse and imprisoned on Mauritius with Flinders. He was released in July 1805 in an exchange of prisoners of war.
Dalrymple, Alexander (1737-1808), hydrographer to the East India Company and to the Admiralty.
Dampier, William (1652-1715), buccaneer and navigator, explored the north-west coast of Australia in 1688 and 1699.
Decaën, Charles Mathieu Isidore, Comte (1769-1832), French soldier, appointed captain-general (governor) of the Ile de France (Mauritius) in 1802.
Douglas, Charles, boatswain on the Invesitgator, died of dysentery on 17 May 1803.
Draper, John, quartermaster on the Investigator, died of dysentery on 2 June 1803.
Elder, John, acting master at arms of the Investigator, and Flinders' servant on Mauritius. He was eventually repatriated in an American vessel in 1807. Entrecasteaux, Antoine Raymond de Bruni d' (1737-1793), commander of the expedition which sailed from France in 1791 in search of the missing navigator, La Perouse.
Evans, Thomas, master's mate on the Investigator.
Flacq: a small defensive settlement on the north-east coast of Mauritius.
Fleurieu, Charles Pierre Claret, Comte de (1738-1810), geographer, hydrographer and administrator, encouraged French scientific research and exploration in the Pacific.
Flinders, Ann, née Chappelle (d. 1852), married Flinders in 1801.
Flinders, Elizabeth, née Weekes, Flinders' stepmother.
Flinders, Hannah, Flinders' half sister, a child of his father's second marriage. She married Joseph Dodd.
Flinders, Henrietta, Flinders' cousin, daughter of his uncle John. She married John Newbald.
Flinders, John, Flinders' uncle.
Flinders, Samuel (1782-1834), naval officer, Flinders' younger brother and second lieutenant on the Investigator.
Flinders, Susanna, Flinders' sister. She married George Pearson, a draper.
Fowler, Robert, naval officer, first lieutenant on the Investigator.
Franklin, James (d.1834), Flinders' cousin by marriage and brother of Sir John Franklin, entered the East India Company's service as a cadet in 1805. He served with distinction on various Indian surveys and was elected a member of the Royal Society
Franklin, Sir John (1786-1847), naval officer and Arctic explorer, was Flinders' cousin by marriage and served as midshipman on the Investigator. He later became lieutenant-governor of Tasmania.
Franklin, Thomas (d. 1807), Flinders' cousin by marriage and the eldest brother of Sir John Franklin.
Franklin, Willingham (1779 -1824), Flinders' cousin by marriage and the brother of Sir John Franklin. Their father was also named Willingham.
Geographe: one of two ships under the command of the French navigator Nicolas Baudin on his voyage to map the coast of Australia, 1800-1804.
Glos, Jacques de, a merchant of Mauritius.
Good, Peter (d. 1803), gardener on the Investigator.
Greenhalgh, James, sergeant of marines on the Investigator, died of dysentery on 26 May 1803.
Greville, Charles Francis (1749-1809), Fellow of the Royal Society and an associate of Sir Joseph Banks.
Grimes, Charles (1772-1858), surveyor-general of NSW, received a grant of land at Toongabbie, near Sydney in 1794. Flinders based some of his charts on surveys done by Grimes.
Hawkesbury, Robert Banks Jenkinson, Earl of Liverpool and Baron Hawkesbury (1770-1828), British foreign secretary, 1801-03 and home secretary, 1804-09.
Henry, Captain (later Major) and his wife were prisoners with Flinders in the Maison Despaux on Mauritius.
Heywood, Peter (1773-1831), naval officer and one of the Bounty mutineers. He was pardoned and attained post-rank.
Hillier, William, quartermaster on the Investigator, died of fever and dysentery on 21 May 1803.
Hunter, John (1737-1821), naval officer, came out to Sydney in the First Fleet in 1788 and again in 1795 with Flinders on the Reliance to take up the governorship of New South Wales.
Hursthouse, Charles, a friend of Flinders and the son of John Hursthouse.
Hursthouse, John, a friend of Flinders' father and an executor of his will.
Ile de France or Isle of France: now Mauritius
Investigator: Flinders was given command of the Investigator in 1801 to undertake a voyage to survey the Australian coastline.
Johnson, Captain, commander of a Dutch brig, acted as interpreter for Flinders on Mauritius.
Kemp, Anthony, (1773?-1868), an officer in the New South Wales Corps who also operated as a merchant in Sydney.
Kent, Eliza (d. 1810) arrived in Sydney in 1802 with her husband William, commander of HMS Buffalo and accompanied him on another voyage in 1803 to Bengal.
Kent, William (1751-1812), naval officer, arrived in Sydney in October 1802 in command of HMS Buffalo. He was employed by Governor King in survey work and transporting cattle to the colony.
King, Anna Josepha (1765-1844), wife of Governor Philip Gidley King.
King, Elizabeth (b. 1797), the third daughter of Philip Gidley King.
King, Philip Gidley (1758-1808), came out to Sydney in the First Fleet and was governor of New South Wales, 1800-806.
Lacy, Denis, an Irish midshipman on the Investigator.
Lalande, Joseph-Jérôme de (1732-1807), French astronomer.
Larkins, Thomas, commander of the East Indiaman Warren Hastings which was captured by the French privateer La Piémontaise in June 1806 and brought to Mauritius. On his release Larkins secretly carried Flinders' narrative and letters with him to England.
Linois, Charles Alexandre Léon Durand de (1761-1848), French naval officer, appointed commander of the Indian Ocean fleet in 1802.
Lound, Sherrard, son of Flinders' old schoolmaster, Job Lound, and a midshipman on the Investigator.
Macarthur, Elizabeth (1766-1850) came out to New South Wales in 1790 with her husband John Macarthur. She lived at Elizabeth farm, Parramatta for over 40 years and had a prominent role in the development of the Australian wool industry.
Maison Despaux: In March 1805 Flinders was removed to the place where British officer prisoners of war were confined, variously known as the Maison Despaux, the Jardin Despaux or the Garden Prison.
Marsden, William (1754-1836), secretary to the Admiralty and Fellow of the Royal Society.
Maskelyne, Nevil (1732-1811) astronomer royal, established the 'Nautical Almanac', invented the prismatic micrometer and made many important observations.
Monistrol, Colonel, aide-de-camp to General de Caen, governor of Mauritius.
Murray, John (b.1775?), naval officer, charted Westernport in the brig Lady Nelson and took possession of Port Phillip in 1802. In the same year he sailed from Port Jackson in company with Flinders on his voyage in the Investigator but the Lady Nelson proved unfit and Flinders ordered Murray to return.
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), became first consul of France in 1799 and emperor in 1804.
Naturaliste: one of two ships under the command of the French navigator Nicolas Baudin on his voyage to map the coast of Australia, 1800-1804.
Nelson, Horatio, Viscount (1758-1805), vice-admiral, defeated the French-Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805.
New Holland: the name given to the western half of Australia by Dutch explorers in the 17th century.
Newton, Sir Isaac (1642-1727), scientist and mathematician.
Ogilvie, Robert, midshipman, sailed with Flinders in the Providence on William Bligh's second breadfruit voyage, 1791-1793.
Olive, John, Flinders' clerk on the Investigator. He did not volunteer to join Flinders on the Cumberland after the wreck of the Porpoise.
Osborn, John, naval officer, commanded a British naval squadron blockading Mauritius.
Palmer, John (1760-1833), commissary-general of New South Wales.
Paterson, Elizabeth, (d. 1825) wife of William Paterson.
Paterson, William (1755-1810), commander of the New South Wales Corps and lieutenant-governor of the colony.
Pellew, Sir Edward, Viscount Exmouth (1757-1833), admiral and commander-in-chief in the East Indies, 1804-1808.
Piastre: a name for the Spanish piece of eight, or dollar.
Pitot, Thomas (1779-), a merchant in the town of Port North West on Mauritius (Isle of France). He visited Flinders regularly and the two formed a lasting friendship.
Porpoise: In August 1803 Flinders sailed for England on the Porpoise. Shortly after leaving Sydney she struck a reef and was lost. Flinders sailed her cutter back to Sydney and arranged for the rescue of the rest of the crew who were stranded on the reef.
Port Jackson: the port of Sydney, New South Wales.
Poudre d'Or: a small defensive settlement on the north-east coast of Mauritius.
Purdie, Robert, surgeon's mate on the Investigator.
Quested, George, captain of the whaler Speedy.
Robertson, Walter, a surgeon on the Bengal establishment who was a fellow prisoner with Flinders on Mauritius.
Shortland, John (1769-1810), naval officer, came out to New South Wales in the First Fleet in 1788 and again in 1795 as first lieutenant of the Reliance with Flinders and Bass.
Simmonds, John (d. 1803), seaman on the Investigator.
Sinclair, Kennet, one of the 'young gentleman' on the Investigator.
Smith, Christopher, botanist, sailed with Flinders in the Providence on William Bligh's second breadfruit voyage, 1791-1793.
Smith, Thomas, a convict seaman on the Investigator, died of dysentery.
Smith, William, seaman, served on the Investigator and was imprisoned on Mauritius with Flinders.
Society of Emulation: a literary society formed in 1802 by the scientists left on Mauritius by Nicolas Baudin during his voyage to survey the Australian coast, 1800-1804.
Spencer, George, Earl (1758-1834), First Lord of the Admiralty 1794-1801, strongly supported Flinders' voyage of exploration in the Investigator.
Standert, Osborne, Flinders' agent in London.
Standert, William Augustus, took over from his father Osborne as Flinders' agent in London.
Sykes, James, a naval agent in London.
Talleyrand-Périgord, Charles Maurice de, Prince of Benevento (1754-1838), French foreign minister under Napoleon.
Temple, Mr, John Aken's former employer.
Thistle, John, master of the Investigator drowned with seven members of the crew in Spencers Gulf, South Australia when the ship's cutter they were using was upset.
Trepang: a marine animal, also called sea-slug or bêche-de-mer, eaten as a luxury by the Chinese.
Trim, Flinders' cat on his various voyages.
Troubridge, Sir Thomas (1758?-1807), naval officer, served in a number of significant naval actions including the battles of St Vincent and the Nile. In 1807 he was commander of the East India Station.
Troughton, Edward (1753-1835), a scientific instrument maker with whom Flinders had an account.
Tyler, Isabella (d. 1867), half-sister of Ann Flinders.
Tyler, Reverend William (1749-1808), Flinders' step father-in-law.
Tyler, Mrs (d. 1823), Flinders' mother-in-law.
Vancouver, George (1757-1798), naval officer, sailed on James Cook's second and third voyages. In 1791 he sailed on a voyage of discovery during which he surveyed the south-west coast of Australia, New Zealand and the north-west coast of America.
Vashon, James (1742-1827), naval officer (later admiral) under whom Flinders' cousin, John Flinders, served in the 1780s.
Wastreen, Oloff (d. 1803), seaman on the Investigator.
Waterhouse, Henry (1770-1812), naval officer, came out to New South Wales in the First Fleet in 1788 and again in 1795 as second commander of the Reliance with Flinders and Bass. In 1800 he was promoted to captain but failed to rise any further in the navy.
Wellesley, Richard, Marquis (1760-1842), governor-general of India,1797-1805.
Westall, William, landscape artist , sailed with Flinders on the Investigator.
Whitewood, John, master's mate on the Investigator.
Wiles, James, botanist, sailed with Flinders in the Providence on William Bligh's second breadfruit voyage, 1791-93. He later settled in Jamaica from where he maintained a regular correspondence with Flinders.
Wilhems Plains: an area in the interior of Mauritius where Flinders lived for the last five years of his captivity.
[Transcribed for the State Library of New South Wales]