Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Matthew Flinders - Private Letters Vol.2 July 1806-Nov.1810
S1/56

[Transcriber's notes: The text of Flinders' letters reproduced here retains the original spelling and punctuation. Notes containing additional information about persons, ships, organisations, places and terms used by Flinders can be found following the last letter.]

T.B. Suisse chez Monsr. François Loutour à Madras, (Neuchatel en Suisse)

LeRoy, Bayard & McErvers à Newyorck

Agassiz & Wilson à Londres Great St. Helens

Leers & C à Hamburg -

Ryberg & Co à Copenhague

John Elder - Long Houghton near Alnwick Northumberland

Monsieur Bergeret - capitaine des vaisseaux de la Majesté Imperiale

Hotel de Valois Rue Richelieu - à Paris

Monsieur Charles Baudin, chez M M. Ternaux, Place des Victoires No. 17 à Paris

Mons. Panon Desbassayns, chez M. de Villele, Rue de la fondrie No. 277 à Toulouze ou chez M. Philippe Desbassayns, Rue Pigale No. 36. - Division de Mont Blanc à Paris

(Mr. Eland No. 14 Gwynns Buildings - Islington - )

Private letters

Commencing July 12. 1806

Capt. H. Lynne R.N. To be left at No. 49 Berkley Square London

Papers sent home p. 96

[Letter No. 1]

A Monsieur, le capitaine Anglais,* Nicholson, [`Larkins' has been added in pencil] chez Mr. de Belzin a Flacq, Wilhems Plains - Isle of France

July 12. 1806

Sir

Permit me to offer you my condolence on the misfortune which has befallen you, if, however, you have any need of it, which I scarcely suppose. The loss of your ship will not detract from your reputation, but on the contrary, the gallant action you have maintained will add to it a well-deserved laurel, and I beg permission to offer you my thanks, for having so well sustained the honour of our country.

You will perhaps be surprised at being thus addressed in the Isle of France, but though I have not the honour of your acquaintance, the name of Flinders may not perhaps be wholly unknown to you, or the extraordinary circumstance of my detention here for the last two-and-half years; I even address myself partly to you, partly with the hope of receiving some intelligence whether any steps have been taken in England to obtain my liberation, or whether my situation here is publicly known at home. Should you have any magazines, gazettes &c. which could give me any information upon the subject, the sight of them would afford me gratification; and particularly if you can oblige me with a Steeles List, where I could learn something of my naval friends: the last list I have seen was of December 1804

In this island, I have received the most obliging attentions and kindnesses from all the inhabitants with whom my situation has permitted me to make acquaintance, and I am sure you will experience the same; but from the government, or rather the governor, for there are well disposed men among the public officers, scarcely anything but injustice and continued vexations: you will do well to be careful and sparing in your communications with the one, and to place almost an unlimited confidence in the other. The worthy man with whom, I understand, you have the good fortune to

*The captain of the Warren Hastings' name is Larkins, this is therefore a mistake

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The taking so rich a prize as the Warren Hastings, you will be certain, was no very agreeable intelligence for me, but for your sake I am glad that it rather fell to you the lot of the Piémontaise than another: that you yourself have received no wound in the action, gives me pleas more satisfaction than perhaps I ought to feel for an enemy

If you can make it convenient to inclose to Mr. Pitot for me, the copy of your letter from Dunkirk before sailing from the Grand Port, you will oblige me: if, however, you have any reasons for withholding the correct copy, my request immediately ceases.

Have the goodness to present my remembrances to Mr. Moreau, and believe me, as ever,

Your affectionate friend and very

humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 3]

To the captain or commander of any of His Majestys ships

Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

July 23. 1806

Sir

I have taken the liberty of recommending my very particular friend Mr. Thomas Pitot to your notice and good offices, and I further request of you, should circumstances render a sum of money to him necessary, and you should prefer my security to his, that you will have the goodness to advance him the sum of one hundred or two hundred pounds sterling, or any less sum that he may require, upon his bills drawn upon my agent Mr. W. A. Standert - Norfolk Street - Strand London, bills to which he amount Mr. Pitot is hereby authorized to draw, and which my agent Mr. Standert, is hereby required to pay on my account to the signature here with annexed - C.T. Pitot)

Should I, Sir, have the honour of your acquaintance, this request will not appear strange, and depending upon the liberality of the sentiments that almost uniformly characterise the commanders of His Majestys ships, where a brother officer in misfortune is concerned I have ventured to address this to you at a hazard; and in complying with it you will most sensibly oblige your most obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

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[Letter No. 4

To T. Larkins Esq Late commander of the Hon. E. I. companys ship Warren Hastings July 24. To take charge of my packet of letters for England, or if he should not take the earliest occasion, the will be given to Mr. Coxwell, Spoke of my narrative -

[Letter No. 5]

To Mr. Coxwell - late 1st. officer of the Warren Hastings - Port N.W. July 24. Speaking of my letters for England, of his waiting upon gov. King and giving him information concerning me. Thanked him for his attention in offering his service and promising me a naval chronicle

[Letter No. 6]

The Right Honble. Sir Joseph Banks Bt. K. B. President of the Royal Society

Having an occasion opportunity of transmitting the narrative of my treatment in this island, by a good conveyance, which very hap rarely happens, I have finished it up as far completed it as far up as my time would time allow and put it into the hands of captain Larkins - late of the Warren Hastings Indiaman, who promises me to deliver it in person to Mr. Marsden. It had been my intention, Sir Joseph, to have transmitted it to you, but I consider that my public duty requires that it should be addressed to the Admiralty in the first place; and I know that the you can see it, if you have the desire: and I hope you will have the desire, for it is in your eyes, more than those of any other, that I desire to be justified. (Should there be no hope of obtaining my liberation from the French government you may possibly think proper that it should ought to be made public; in this case, however, to make it more interesting it would require to be put into the hands of some skilful writer, under whose pen it might become a work to interest the public, and with such additions, as should the annals of the present war might furnish, it would appropriate notes and reflexions in addition as would present themselves to a well-informed mind, it might become a work to interest the public of all civilized nations. Should the admiralty not chuse to do any thing with it, it will remain for the information of the few who interest themselves in my fate; and will sometime serve as so much information to be incorporated into the Investigators voyage, should it ever be intended to publish it.

After the arrival of various despatches from France which contained no orders relative to me, and the failure of a third application to be sent to France, seeing that no order arrived, I addressed myself again to Monsieur de Fleurieu, and sent also a letter of to admiral Decres the minister of the French marine in May last; but what the effect of these may be, if any, I must wait another

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year to be informed and perhaps another; for it appears that the minister has referred the decision of my case to the council of state; otherwise perhaps it would have been soon decided; and according to the opinions of people here, in my favour, from the circumstance of general DeCaën and the minister of the marine and of the colonies not being upon good terms, it would have been in my favour: for the justice of my cause is likely to be left out of the question.

Notwithstanding this long length of delay, I do not yet, Sir Joseph, give up hopes that so soon as the government of France shall find itself tranquil, your efforts with the National Institute will produce its some effect: it is this violent national animosity, so destructive to science and every liberal principle, that has probably been the main cause of retarding it. From this island There are now, from this island many applications in my favour gone to the national members of the national institute and of the council of state; and indeed from all the respectable inhabitants with whom my circumscribed limits have permitted me to make acquaintance, I have experienced the most cordial reception, and an interest in my situation lively beyond what I could have supposed: If friendly consolation could make up to me for the injuries I am sustaining in rank, fortune, loss of time, privation from my favourite employment and in every thing that men usually sometimes term ideal happiness, I might remain contented, and become fat but this cannot be and become fat; but, unfortunately perhaps for me, my disposition is not of this cast. I cannot cease to regret my liberty, my country, my family and my voyage.

I sometimes fear, and it is a sickening thought, that I may be kept here until my patron, the protector my conductor in the road to fame, shall be no more. Where, Sir Joseph, shall I find another disinterested friend to humble exertion, under whose auspices I might be able to proceed in the career you have opened to me? No - it is not to be hoped. Without fortune, rank, or connexions what I can I hope for. Should this dread misfortune then befal me, I have taken my resolution By "The world forgetting, by the world forgot" I will retire into a corner, and seek place my happiness in domestic relations:

Regretting no more only the of the world, than the illustrious great name from whose lustre I once enjoyed a ray of light. This melancholy thought has struck me forcibly since I had a report given sent one of your having paid the great debt of nature, but whose I have fortunately been able to trace its origin to a date anterior to that of June 1805, the d when you did me the honour of addressing a letter here, which arrived in October following

That you may long live, the widely honoured patron of science and of such of its followers as need your assistance, is the most fervent desire, of, Sir Joseph,

your most obliged, faithful, and obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

July 28. 1806

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[Letter No. 7]

To captain James Bergeret - Port North West

Wilhems Plains Augt. 6. 1806

My dear Sir

I learn from Mr. Labauve that you now expect very shortly to sail in the Creole, and I thank you very much for your offer of taking letters for me; having however written to the minister of the marine and to Mons. de Fleurieu lately, I have nothing to trouble you with, and only beg you will preserve a place for me in your friendly remembrance, and think of my situation here, accordingly agreeably to the letter I had the honour of writing you on June 22. last

Permit me to say, that I am very sensible of the interest you took in promoting the views of my friend Labauve, permit me and to join my thanks to his: for a bel more worthy family than this, though alas an unfortunate like many others, your good offices cannot be exerted

Doubt not, my dear sir, but should any account of my voyage be published, one of the first copies impressions will be transmitted to Paris to your address; and be assured that the many kindnesses you have conferred upon me and others of my unfortunate countrymen will have ever make the name of Bergeret dear to my heart

Adieu, may your voyage be happy. In taking an early occasion of writing me a word of comfort from Paris to me in my solitude, you will afford me much pleasure, both from the an obliging proof it will give me of your remembrance and gratify me in the information you will give transmit of the prospect of liberation or examination I may reasonably entertain,

I am, my dear Sir,

your very much obliged and

affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[The following code was written on a slip of paper and stuck to the end of this letter]

a b c d e f g h i k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z &

4 & 7 x 3 t 5 q 9 p 8 y 2 s 1 v 6 w a f i k h l b n

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 a b i & f h I k i n p q s t u v w x y &

p n e a g r c l i t z u x v w y & k h o f f g s d m b

[Letter No. 8]

To the civil commandant of Mahé, at that place or at Tellichery

Wilhems Plains Isle of France Augt. 8. 1806

Sir

I have taken the liberty of recommending Mons Jacque Michel Menesse to the notice and assistance of the commanding officers in His Majestys and the Honble. Companys service, for reasons specified in the letter of which he will be the bearer. Should Mons. Menesse present it to you Sir, you will do me the favour have the goodness to consider it as

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addressed to you in a more particular manner.

By the return of Mons. Menesse the bearer to this island, you will do me a favour by giving me writing a few lines, to inform me of the propriety with which I am sure Mons. M. will have conducted himself, which will be an encouragement for me to render a similar the same service to other deserving individuals of this island whom necessity who may be obliged to risk themselves upon the justice or humanity of the of Britons of a nation unhappily at war with their own; and if by the same occasion, you will would have the goodness transmit me a Steeles List of the navy, or any gazettes which to you are of no further use, you would afford me an interesting amusement in my retreat, and confer an obligation upon, Sir,

Your very obedient and humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 9]

To Madam D'Arifat

Thursday Sept. 25. 1806

My dear and respectable Madam

Though fully conscious of the folly of my proceeding I cannot yet determine to come into society. It only remains for me either to plunge into the world or to retire for a while into solitude, and although in the sight of common reasoning the latter I am indeed unhappy, when I ought not to be so, but the certainty that my weakness is apparent and cannot but excite either pity or contempt or both, renders me still more so: it is to your goodness alone that I confide so humiliating an acknowledgement. Since I am prevented from plunging into the world, I purpose to retire, for awhile to the house upon Mr. Perichons habitation, and my servant [John Elder] is at present the bearer of a letter to him from Mr. Bostel, to whom I represented, yesterday, that as the term of my imprisonment was still without any probable termination period, I was desirous of having a house and table of my own, finding myself also more disposed to solitude than to society: he acceded to my wishes with his usual politeness and Madame B. charged me with her respects for you, Madam, and your family.

The consciousness that you must have of having exerted every means to soften the rigour of my situation, and of which I am most sensible, will prevent you

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vent you from imagining that this change arises from any dissatisfaction in your family truly amiable and excellent family; no, my highly esteemed Madam, no person your unceasing kindness is engraven deeply on my heart, but whilst my reason condemns, my imagination which after a severe contest, has at last got the better of me, obliges me to make the change to avoid perhaps a worse consequence. I know how many and undeniable arguments your goodness will induce you to suggest in opposition to this measure; but spare them, my dear Madam, and grant cos grant me the continuance of your friendly consideration. Though desirous of solitude, I am not become a misanthrope; on the contrary, the love of mankind was never stronger in me, for I have never quitted persons more estimable than those from whom my evil destiny now obliges me to retire; and it is my intention, if you will grant me the permission goodness will permit it, to visit the Refuge, as often as my present antipathy to society shall give way to these sentiments of gratitude, affection friendship and respect, with which I am, unceasingly, to which I unceasingly entertain towards you, and your my dear and respec my dear Madam, and all yours

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 10]

My dear and respectable Madam [Madam d'Arifat]

To the questions and conjectures of all those who may please to interest themselves about me, have the goodness to say an exactly what is the case, that seeing the term of my imprisonment prolonged so far beyond my expectation, I am desirous of having a house and table of my own, that moreover my spirits are so low as to make me desirous of search for solitude, my disposition neither permitting me to infect those with my melancholy who might have the goodness to take an interest in my dejection, nor my pride to expose myself to their pity. I have chosen a retreat as near as possible to you, that, if you will permit me, I may not lose the benefit of your friendly society, and to mark to the world that I have made the change solely for the purpose of having a house of my own

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You may remember, my dear Madam, that I held tenaciously to my pavilion after your arrival, from which your goodness, and the expectation of the early arrival of orders from France afterwards drew me: this expectation has for sometime deserted me, and I cannot resist the attacks of melancholy and desire of being alone that at times take possession of me. If this does not appear to be a sufficient answer, say that I am an hypocondriac and that it is uncertain whether I possess my right reason or not.

It grieves me most sincerely, my dear Madam, that this affair should give you pain; but I hope and beg it may do so no longer for the happiness and interest of you and yours I would do anything to promote, and in this, upon all occasion with the highest testimony of your unceasing kindness and of my gratitude, I shall ever be ready and proud to render.

I thank you very sincerely for the offer of a continuance of your assistance, of which I will beg leave to avail myself, and I hope I shall be able to breakfast with your family tomorrow morning Be pleased my dear and respectable Madam to say whether this explanation gives you satisfaction so far as concerns yourself and family, for the tone of your last note distresses me

With the highest respect and regard, I am my dear Madam, your most obliged and devoted

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 11]

Monsieur Thomy Pitot - a Bourbon

Wilhems Plains Oct. 21. 1806

My dear friend

This long absence of yours tires me. You departed in the expection of being absent two or three weeks, and after more than ten are elapsed your brother talks of another month or six weeks. Indeed my friend I have need of your friendly consolation to keep up my spirits: my mind has suffered exceedingly within this month or two past. At one time I was so low-spirited and so desirous of hiding it at the same time from observation avoiding society, that I had taken steps for removing

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into a small house on the neighbouring habitation and living by myself; in that moment, however, arrived letters from England written by my wife, my brother, and Mr. Aken who had safely arrived in Sept. 1805 with all the various papers I had intrusted to him. Though these letters detailed to me pecuniary misfortunes which had taken place amongst some of my friends, in other respects they still gave me so much consolation, as with the friendly advice of my excellent hostess, to make me change my resolution of living a solitary, and I have remained as you left me: unhappy enough, but bearing up against my misfortunes in the best way I can, a with the hope that either a peace or an order of the French government will make a change in my situation before many months are elapsed

My letters inform me that the Transport Board had taken measures made two attempts to obtain to procure my exchange, without effect: that any conduct is approved of by Sir Joseph Banks: that my wife enjoys good health: that my pecuniary affairs are in as good a state as I expected: but they tell me also, that my papers are all arrived safe that my imprisonment excites much attention in the public that my officers as well as myself have no hope of promotion until my return that ill health has obliged my brother to retire from active service, and they make no mention of any hope of liberty on the side of the national Institute; of the last, however as however I have no letter from Sir Joseph Banks, who was in the country and has not then see Mr. Aken I scarcely could expect to learn any thing upon this subject. The letters were dated in Oct. and Nov. 1805

I had sent to Mrs. Flinders a copy of one of those letters your friendship induced you to write in my favour, in March 1805, in order to shew her that although imprisoned I was not wholly destitute of friends: She understands French your language sufficiently to translate it, and says "I "admire the French letter very much, and highly esteem the generous writer of "it: it is a most friendly and elegant composition"; and afterwards she says "Present my best and most respectful compliments to Monsieur Pitot, and tell "him I will regard and esteem him

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forever, for his generous conduct to thee." I have much pleasure in repeating sentiments so congenial to my own: be assured, that you have several families of friends in England, and that your name will be long and often repeated there with affection and respect.

A Hamburgh ship is lately arrived from Portsmouth in four months, but I owing to your brothers indisposition (an orgeuil) I cannot with certainty learn whether she has brought me any letters, though as none have been sent me, I suppose either that there are none, or that they have fallen into the hands of the general. M. Deglos is arrived from India, but from some strange mistake and a desire to avoid our cruizers, his ship is run on shore upon the coast in

the Quartier du Tamarin, and it is said a part of the cargo only will be saved: I have offered my services to him, to go down to the wreck which is within my limits, if I can serve him at all with my countrymen who are still cruizing off; but as yet I have heard nothing from him; nor do I know if he has obtained a Steele's List for me or any intelligence

I saw the wreck, the morning after she got on shore, and then thought she might have been very easily got off saved; but I suppose the fear of her being made a prize, prevented that measure from being adopted.

Write me, my dear friend, from time to time, and let me not, in your long absence, be without some consoling testimonies of your friendship: and be return as soon as you can, your letter dated Aug. 29. and received Sept. 13. is the only one I have yet had from you - present my compliments to Mr. Mallac, and believe me with to be, with the greatest esteem and regards,

your most affectionate friend

Mattw. Flinders

Poor Labauve has been confined there four days to his room, with the mal de mouton and a fever: You are very often the subject of our conversation at the Refuge, and, I need not say, with eulogium and regret for your long absence.

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[Letter No. 12]

Monsieur Tomy Pitot - à Bourbon

Wilhems Plains Nov. 16. 1806.

My very dear friend

Three days since I had the gratification to receive your letter without date, written probably about the first of November. My last letter of Oct. 21. will have solved the queriesy you put me to me relative to a change in my situation which I had projected, but afterwards abandoned

You do not speak of your return, an event I have so much need of and so much desire. Are you, my friend, establishing a house of commerce at Bourbon? Are you making arrangements for your marriage with some worthy and sick citoyenne of Bourbon? or what is it which keeps you so long from your friends? Your fifteen days have already become weeks; for heavens sake do not make them months.

By my friend M. Baudin I have received a Steeles List published the 1 of December 1805, by which I learn the situation of many of my naval friends; and I see also upon it a corvette of 16 guns call named the Investigator, at Plymouth, to which no commander is appointed; whether it is a vessel destined to be sent out to me under the command of one of my officers for the prosecution of my discoveries, or not, I am uncertain, and no know not what to think. Mr. Deglos favoured me with the perusal of several newspapers from Madras and America, but the Steeles Lists and the books you commissioned him to purchase where unfortunately lost in his shipwreck.

Within the last three or four weeks, I have made several excursions. At Tamarinds I passed four days in the midst of dissipation. I have dined with Mr. Plumet, who receive me in a friendly manner, and passed a day with our friend Froberville at Mocha. A history of Ratsimala, chief of a tribe on the eastern coast of Madagascar some years since, which

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he has arranged and edited for Mr. Mayeur; he has requested me to assist him in forwarding to France for publication, which, when a safe opportunity offers, I shall do with the greatest pleasure; but he does not intend to send it until it shall have been presented to your society, and which again he does not mean to present until your return and that of Mr. Mallac, in which whom his hopes of having it read and liberally criticised and are principally centered.

Our friend Labauve is pretty well recovered from his indisposition, but has not commenced his mercantile operations, the decision of M. Leger and the captain-general [General de Caën] upon the choice of the agents or brokers not being yet made, and when it will is as uncertain as ever. Il me charge de vous presenter ses amities et de vous dire qu'il est encore habitant.

Since I have ceased my sedentary occupations, and given myself up to the few pleasures within my reach, my spirits are considerably exhilerated.

Although I have a great fund of melancholy at the bottom of my heart, ever ready to burst forth, I am often able to banish it from my countenance and sometimes from my thoughts.

Nov. 7. The Meurevilles dined with us yesterday, and Frederic who had made a visit to his aunt was of the party. He says that you are charged with the sale of a prize belonging to another merchant, which keeps you at Bourbon, but that it is possible you may return in one or two weeks: I wish the prize may not be condemned!

Until the month of April next, I shall wait with as much patience as possible in expectation of a fortunate issue to the various letters and pieces, which have relative to my situation here, which have been transmitted to Paris and London; and then if I hear nothing, it will be necessary to take some decisive measures; but I hope to have the benefit of your advice long before that period arrives

You do not make any mention of Mr. Mallac. Is he not arrived?

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ed? Have you not seen him. Endeavour, my much esteemed friend to make the interval between your letters to me shorter; and say when we may expect your return.

Chazal and all the other inhabitants of our quarter are returned to their plantations. He is full of ardour for landscape painting; and as my work is the most material part of my labour is accomplished, I have the intention of putting myself under his instructions; and if I find my ability congenial to the employment shall probably make a study of it.

My two amiable scholars have made a progress in the English language beyond what I could have expected; but they still continue their studies with ardor they still continue their studies with ardour. For myself I have a long time ceased to study French: though they tell me I make advances in the pronunciation

Chevreau has added a daughter to his family within these few days

Our ships had disappeared from this island three or four days, but are returned again two days since: we suppose that they have been to pay you a visit

In anxious expectation of your return, I remain, my much esteemed friend

your most sincerely affectionate

Matttw. Flinders

[Letter No. 13]

To Mrs. Flinders - Partney near Spilsby Lincolnshire

(Walhala - Lubeck) Wilhems Plains in the I. of France Nov. 27. 1806

My dearest love

A friend having informed me that a ship is to sail immediately tomorrow for Hamburg, I embrace the occasion to write a line thee a line my best love, to tell thee of my health and the letters I have received and written. It being now some time since the date of my last, I intended to make up a general packet for all my friends, and for sending which I expect an occasion will offer in three weeks or a month, but this departure for Hamburgh does not permit me to do it now

On October 22. 1805 I received thy the first letters from thee at the Isle of France, and most, oh most welcome they were: their dates were of

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May 12. and June 14. 1805: they were accompanied with others from my cousin Henny, Mr. Robertson and Sir J. B.

On May 16. 1806 I received thy letter of May 20. 1805 accompanied also by one from my good friend Mr. Robertson: this packet having passed by the way of America was the cause of its long delay.

Sept. 26. 1806 I received thy letter dated Oct. 1805 accompanied with one from my brother and one from Mr. Aken: but the letter written to me by the latter from New York two months before, did not arrive until Oct. 23. 1806

Of the letter thou hast sent by John James Franklin I have seen nothing, although I see by the public papers he is arrived in India: this however does not surprise me, knowing how difficult it is for him to find conveniences of sending to this island.

Thy last informs me, that my letters up to May 1805 (with the exception of two very short ones to Mr. Tyler in Dec. 1803 and Jan. and Feb. 1804) are all arrived. Since then I have written thee July 7. 1805, which letters was accompanied with two letters a postscript of Aug. 23 (I think) and two letters for Sir J.B., and one with a packet of papers for the admiralty

My next letter to thee was a very long one dated Nov. 1805 and sent by the way of America: it was accompanied with others for Sir J. B., the admiralty, my cousin Henny, Samuel, Mr. Aken, my mother-in-law, Mr. Robertson, and my agent.

On March 19. 1806 I wrote thee a long letter, inclosing letters of recommendation for France and a bill for 300 dollars. This was accompanied with one to Sir J.B. one to my brother, and one to Mr. Pearce of the admiralty: by America

On April 1. 1806 I again wrote thee a very long letter by the way of Lubec discussing the subject of thy voyage here, and inclosing an order for £400 upon Standert. This was accompanied with a long letter to Mr. Tyler discussing the further the subject of thy voyage hither, and inclosing an order on my agent for £400

On April 4. I wrote thee a long letter on the same subject, by the way of America, with a duplicate of the order: a P.S. also of April 13. This was accompanied with a letter to Thos Franklin, one to my mother-in-law, one to Mr. Aken, and one to Standert.

One April 27. I wrote thee a short note by the way of Lubeck

On July 4. to 22. I wrote thee a long letter by capt. Larkins, accompanied by one for governor King, another for Sir J.B, one to Thos. F. inclosing one for Mr. Wiles, and one to the admiralty inclosing with the journal of my shipwreck and imprisonment

This note will serve thee, my love, as a memorandum.

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Since the last letter, my spirits have suffered much, I never, even in the Maison Despeaux, experienced such depression, my reason even was upon the point of being affected. I was obliged to quit my charts and journals, to make visits and amongst my our good neighbours and take off my attention from the distressing circumstances of my imprisonment; this, mostly succeeding and at present, with the consolatory aid of the excellent family with whom I reside, mostly succeeded more especially with that and of thy last charming letter and those of my brother and Mr. Aken which happily arrived at the time: Since then At present I enjoy th good health, and the state of my mind is more tranquil. I still cling to the hope, that between this time and May next, either by the interference of the our government, or from the application of some members of the National Institute some an order will arrive here, which shall in some way terminate this most distressing state of suspense. Oh, my best beloved, had I but thy society I could bear the deprivation of all the rest with some patience; yet the dread I entertain of thy voyage, and the yet lingering hope of soon joining thee, force me still to adhere to what I wrote thee on April 4.

I see on the Steeles List of Dec. 1805, a new Investigator! What is the meaning of it? Is she coming here to me, under Mr. Fowlers or my brothers command, for me to finish my voyage of discovery? Or is some other officer to reap the harvest of my labours whilst I am let to remain in prison? I know not what to think; but if the first takes place particularly under the command of my brother, I request the thou wilt apply to the admiralty by first consulting by the way of Sir. Sir J. B. for a permission for thee to take a passage to Port Jackson, where, my love, in that case I would place thee, should not the peace and thy inclination and other off circumstances rather induce thee to remain with my friends here, whilst the voyage examination of Australia should be completed

In the monthly magazine of Jan. 1806 I see, that a paper I paper sent upon the variation of the compass to Sir Jos. Banks has been presented to the Royal Society and published in their transactions. I am sorry for this in as much as I have since sent one upon the same subject, much less imperfect, but as it shews some attention to me I am glad of it. My Brother does not appear to have seen Sir J.B.! This surprizes me.

I am my best beloved obliged to conclude. Adieu then for two or three weeks. Preserve thy health, and rest confident in the ardent affection of thy

M.F.

[Page 17]

Tell Mr Aken that his letter is silent, about his business with the navy, admiralty, Dr. Maskelyne &c. &c. - and to write me more fully. My most affectionate regards always attend the members of thy family as well as my own

I highly approve, my dearest love, of thy desire, to offer an indemnity to Mr. Tyler; and pray propose to pay him annually either £30 or £40 as thou shalt judge most proper, informing him that it is by my request: my next shall contain the necessary orders to my agent.

[Letter No. 14]

Monsieur Thomas Pitot - à Bourbon

Wilhems Plains Dec. 4. 1806

My very dear friend

I received your last letter on the 26. last, and sent my servant to town immediately for the gazettes and magazines, which your good brother gave him. I have now mostly run them over, but find nothing that can give us any hopes of a speedy peace, or me of an early liberation. I find that the A paper I that I had transmitted by Mr. Robertson by Mr. Robertson to the Sir Jos. Banks, upon the changes that take place in the variations of the compass observed on ship board, has been read before the Royal Society and published in their transactions: it is mentioned in the Monthly Magazine of Jan. 1806 as an ingenious paper. Since that paper was sent, I have much extended my observations on that subject, and re transmitted the paper in a much less imperfect state, so that I am sorry for the insertion of the first: except this I see no mention whatever of my name

Mr. Robertson, I see, has been allowed 18 months of the time he has been absent from Bengal, to be considered as in full service, and permitted to draw the emoluments accordingly: I should suppose that he is now on his passage for India: my last letters dated Oct. and Nov. 1805 made no mention of him

Since the receipt of your letter I have not heard from your brother: at that time he said, he was occupied in persua deciding one of your cousins to go to Bourbon to relieve you; I hope today, that he will inform me of his success, for he usually seldom fails writing to me on transmitting

[Page 18]

on transmitting the gazette. What pleasure your arrival will give me! I have for some time been desirous of passing a day or two in the town, but have been delayed applying for the permission, in the hope that you might soon arrive; and I shall still delay it a week or two with the same hope, but am almost under the necessity of being in town before the conclusion of this month. I know you will be so occupied with your relations and your business on arriving, that a week or two must elapse before I can expect to be favoured with your society here, and therefore it is that I am so very desirous of being in town on your arrival. Delay not, my dear friend, to come as soon as possible; your friendly visits and correspondence are amongst the greatest consolations that I can receive: I hold them dear and however distant in place or time, shall ever cherish your friendship with the warmest affection.

I am informed that M. Mallac has arrived sometime since, but have neither heard of or from him: why, I cannot tell: Perhaps your brother will mention him today

Our friend Cap-martin has had the goodness to pay me two or three visits during your absence, and to write me occasionally: Your good brother once promised me a visit also, but his health and his business have prevented him from coming

Mr. Boand has also visited me, and rendered me many services. He is about to embark for India so soon as he can find an occasion, and I shall recommend this honest man in the best manner I am able: He lately furnished me with an occasion of writing to England. I have seen the letter you wrote to Chazal, wherein you so kindly endeavoured to interest him concerning me. His usual regular steady goodness is still the same: I occasionally spend a day or an afternoon there, in music with Madame, and tric-trac or examination of paintings with Monsieur.

Madam D'Arifat and the charges me to present you with compliments in her name and that of her family, and to express the pleasure she will partake with me in your return: Labauve joins in this

[Page 19]

sentiment and desires you to accept his friendly remembrances

That you may enjoy your health, and find no molestation on the passage, is my anxious desire until I have the happiness to express to you viva voce and from the heart, with what affection esteem and consideration, I am, my very dear friend, most affectionately and sincere friend

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 15]

To Lieut. S. W. Flinders - (care of W.A. Standert - London

(Marshall Jan. 5. 1807)

Dec. 6 1806

My very dear brother

Your very acceptable letter of Nov. 26. 18065 from - Spilsby, I received on Sept. 26. last. It was, my dear Samuel, not only acceptable to me as a memorial of your affection, and for the interesting information it gave me, but from the improvement in your ideas and style which I perceive in it. The account you give me of our mother-in-law, of our too young sisters, and the arrangement of our family affairs is satisfactory: it would have been well to have added something of what relates to the settlement of our late uncles Wards affairs, and of the memorandum I left with you on board the Rolla at Wreck Reef. Mrs. Flinders tells me she has received from you £41, and that Mr. Fowler has paid £17 to Standert: why £17 instead of £33.9.11 I know not, or

I am truly sorry for your indisposition; but if you are able to pursue active employment, do not neglect it in expectation of my return. Hopes of obtaining justice, or of being heard by the French government are too fallacious; and our own even do not seem to trouble themselves about much about me. I have, however nevertheless, continued writing to the admiralty from time to time, to call their attention to the subject, and about four months since transmitted a narrative of all the transactions attending my imprisonment, which was prefaced with an abstract of our proceedings upon the coast of Australia, the our shipwreck, and my voyage in the Cumberland. This I think you would have pleasure in reading; and and if you cannot obtain a sight of it by any other means, I see no impropriety in addressing a letter to Mr. Marsden requesting to see it as being my brother: by Mr. Dalrymple, however, or Sir Jos. Banks, you may probably

[Page 20]

obtain it: A propos, you do not say whether you have seen Sir J.B. I think you should have waited upon him, as also upon Mr. Dalrymple who, I am satisfied, would have received you kindly. What you say of Dr. Maskelyne gives me much satisfaction pleasure, but why did he wish to publish your letters?

In the monthly magazine of Jan. 1806 I see that a paper I transmitted some time since to Sir J.B. has been read before the Royal Society, and published in their transactions. I have transmitted, since then, a paper in which my observations on the same subject (changes differences in variation arising from a change in the ships head) are much extended and better explained, so that I am sorry for the insertion of the first, which was very imperfect and ill written: the last I hope will be found to merit attention, and it was accompanied with another upon the changes in the barometer arising from sea and land winds, which I also think to be curious: you will have probably heard of both previously to receiving this letter.

Mr. Aken said in his letter of Oct. 180, tells me, that the Transport Board had made two attempts to procure my exchange, but without success: he adds ded, that several of my letters had been published, and that he thought something was then (Oct. 1805) doing for my liberation. It is strange wonderful to me that an exchange should be thought of for me at all! The government ought to claim me, without my vessel, books, and papers, as a matter of right, by virtue of my passport; and if justice was done, I ought to be indemnified for the sufferings and the injustice, the sufferings, and losses both of time, rank, fortune, and reputation which I have been made to undergo for the three last years. I have maintained, as you will see in my narrative and still maintain, that in no one circumstance have I infringed upon my passport. The annals of history cannot, I believe, produce an example of a similar act towards a man employed for the general benefit of mankind, bearing a passport, and who had just escaped from shipwreck. I think my dear Samuel you might do something to rouse the attention of the government or the public to my situation. You might call on my friend Pearce at the admiralty, and request him to urge Mr. Marsden on the subject, as also upon Mr. Hollingworth: Dr. Maskelyne, Sir J. B. and Mr. Dalrymple also you might also address. Tell the Editor of the

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Monthly Magazine describing first my employment, shipwreck and unjust imprisonment in a few words, that I still remain a prisoner in the Isle of France, contrary to every principle of justice & humanity; and that I have been occupied in making out the charts of our discoveries, writing with various papers upon nautical, meteorological, and other subjects part of which I have been transmitted; but that general DeCaen still retains one of my journals and about one third part of my charts and papers: you might add such other information as you judge would serve to interest the public; and if you are diffident of the correctness in your writing, inclose your paper to the editor in a private letter, requesting him to make the necessary alterations adapt the paper to the plan of his publication; and you might tell him plainly in it, the object you had in view in so doing addressing him, to which I see no impropriety in signing and sign your name. Such an article, I doubt not would be acceptable for that part of the magazine, entitled Varieties, literary and philosophical. You would no doubt pay the editor some compliment upon the extensive circulation of his magazine, and that you hope the article may attract the attention of some wh one possessing both the inclination and the power to render me assistance: this however would enter into your private letter, and you should be careful to say nothing that could offend either the admiralty or any other person, at least in England. If the attention of the public should be roused by this or similar means, the government would find themselves under the necessity of taking be induced to take some effective measures: it is told me here, upon the best good authority, that general DeCaen himself desires to receive orders that shall terminate my imprisonment, and that the reason that the French government have not sent them is, that no official demand from the British Government has been made to that effect

With respect to my private situation here, I am still in the same excellent and amicable family as when I wrote you last, but have lately suffered so much depression of mind from seeing myself so long neglected, that I was obliged to quit my occupations and studies, and deliver myself up to what the French call dissipation, and we frivolity pleasure, in order to take off my thoughts from the gloomy prospect ideas that continually haunted me. My health at present is improved, and my mind more tranquil; but at the bottom of my heart is a weight of despondence ever ready to drag me into the abyss of distraction. I have used all my efforts, have written to all quarters of the world, and although every body agrees in the injustice with which I am treated, nothing is actually done. So long as I could reasonably expect my efforts would be

[Page 22]

attended with success, hope, and the useful employment which my books furnished, gave me support: but now that I am abl the lapse of time obliges me to see the little attention paid that my representations obtain procure and that the necessary work of my voyage is almost finished, this support fails me: had I been made a prisoner of war, I should have been in England twelve months since, but with infinitely superior claims, this is constantly denied me: without orders from the French government, general DeCaen can make no change in my situation; this is constantly the answer

Do not then, my dear brother, remain unemployed in expectation of my return; if your disease proceeds from sedentary habits moderate exercise is the way to cure it; and remember, that whilst you have youth is the time in which a store of reputation is to be laid in experience; knowledge, reputation, knowledge and fortune is to must be laid in to make age respectable. Build not upon me; though still a young man, misfortunes have made me old; and if they persecute me much longer, neither my body or mind will be able capable of much much future exertion. I may appeal to you, that, the opportunities presented to me of gaining knowledge and advancing my self have not been suffered to pass by unheeded; the situation obtained by my own endeavours, and without being at all prepared by previous education, is even sufficient to shew this: Imitate me, my dear Samuel, in all that you have found commendable in my proceedings, manners, and principles, and avoid the rest. Study is necessary, as it gives theory, I need not speak to you now upon this, but active exertion is still more necessary to a good sea officer: from both united it is, that forms the valuable man perfection is obtained; neither would I have you neglect politeness, and the best society to which circumstances may permit your admission; though not the basis that constitutes a good officer and or valuable member of society, they are yet of infinite service manners that thereby acquired are yet of infinite service to those who possess them. Read the biography of celebrated men, and you will find that study mixed with active exertion, and joined to pleasing manners with active exertion aided indeed by fortunate circumstances are the means which obtained to them their fame. To what stations have not men risen by these means, whose family and early education were much inferior to ours; and never was an age more favourable to merit than the present.

Excuse me, my dear Samuel, I neither mean to reproach or to lecture

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ture you. The effusions of fraternal friendship and brotherly affection, added perhaps to a desire of family distinction, will not permit me to pass over any occasion of stimulating you to bring into use those abilities and solid principles I know you to possess. In blood you are my nearest and dearest friend, and if we are not not altogether so in reality and from the heart, it is not from a want of affection or inclination on my part. In times past, I have occasionally treated you with harshness; but without pretending that I had reason for my conduct, I think you will forget, nay even think well of it on reflecting upon the motive. It cannot be supposed that I had less affection for you than for other officers on board; the desire, then, to make you excell others must have been the motive object proposed. Perhaps I mistook the proper means, but humanum est errare, with the best intentions men often pursue tread in the path of error

You will naturally conclude that I have learned French, so far I have made myself master of the language within the fifteen months that the acceptance of my parole has furnished me with the opportunity, that a French or an English book are now to me nearly the sa equally intelligible, and in conversation I am seldom at a loss to express myself; though from the complication of the French verbs, the genders attributed to substantive words, and the difficulty of avoiding English accent, I still make numerous faults in grammar and pronunciation: the little knowledge I retain of the Latin has

prove been of great use to me in acquiring French, and the latter has assisted in making a nearer adding to my knowledge of English. It is thus in the sciences, a knowledge of one is a branch is two steps gained in the acquisition of another: one from the number of points which they possess in common, and another from habitude the fitness which the mind thus acquired by the mind of receivesing instruction. The body also, as well as the mind also requires has occasion to be kept in action, otherwise not only lose our former abilit as become incapable of exceeding our former exertions, but lose even what lose the powers we had before acquired possessed: like metals, we become rusty and unfit for service.

Apropos Correct your orthography in the word separation I would recommend you to keep a correspondence with Willingham Franklin and our cousin Henny: it will improve your style and facility in writing; however neither the style nor orthography of the latter are over correct; but I consider these two with my wife to be the best informed amongst all our relations or friends, and they are certainly amongst the most worthy. (The length of my letter obliges me

[Page 24]

conclude, and to refer you to Partney, Spilsby, Spalding and Donington for other information: letters accompanying this will be addressed to these places. The letters written to you from hence, are dated since the departure of Mr. Aken, were dated Nov. 1805, and March 19. 1806.

Adapt proper words to the affection and friendship I request you to present to all our relations and friends, in the name of

your most affectionate friend and brother

Mattw. Flinders

and write to him by all opportunities. Be not afraid that your letters may do me injury: I do not think believe that any have arrived here which have not come to me sooner or later with the seal unbroken, though probably some have been lost on the passage

Dec. 7. I have determined to take another half sheet of paper. I know not yet whether the power of attorney I sent to W.A. Standert was received, and nor consequently, whether he or his father is my agent, or to which of them my bills ought to be addressed When you to write to which ever of them it is, pray desire him to send me a full statement of my account, and of what he has done with the things I sent by Mr. Aken. - I hear almost nothing of my friend Thos. Franklin: he has given up writing to me. You say nothing of Grimes, of the expected arrival of gov. King or that of Mr. Brown and Mr. Bauer: do not forget to present my friendly remembrances to the G. and the two latter and wait upon the governor if he is arrived. Tell Mr. Brown that a letter long letter from him, giving an abridgement of his adventures since we parted, would be highly gratifying to me

You say nothing of the E.I. money we are to receive from the E.I. Company. I conclude nothing can be done in this, until my return as in many other cases until my return. You are not to consider the division of that money as finally settled: I shall propose another, after obtaining the opinions of those best informed, which will be more advantageous to the officers. Mr. A. will be entitled to Thistles share of the last half; and Mr. Goods heirs to his portion: that is if the company agree to consider the voyage as finished on my arrival

Let me recommend John Franklin and young Lound to your assistance, during my absence: have they received their certificates which I sent some time since? Tell John if he returns any respect or affection for me, to write me a letter Had you no opportunity of doing anything on your passage, that could be useful to Mr. Dalrymple? Let me beg of you to cultivate his acquaintance. It will do you honour, and is only a tribute due to men who have so usefully distinguished themselves.

Of captain Bligh, and his gover succession to governor King, you say nothing. I see that he was to sail from the Cape, in the new Porpoise, on June 21 last. I see a new Investigator on the list of Dec. 1805. For what is she designed? Do you know nothing of her? You are also silent respecting Mr. Aken: have you not seem him? He is also silent respecting makes no mention of you. In a letter written some time since I offered to the admiralty to continue the voyage from hence, if they would obtain an order for my liberation, and

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send me a ship properly equipped for the service. The desire I have to finish the examination of Australia was the cause of this, in part, and I considered that notwithstanding the great desire of have my great anxiety to revisit England, if this offer should prove an inducement to them to procure my liberty, the advantage will be worth the price: and I consider that after the voyage shall be concluded; I could then sit down quietly for some time, with my wife and family, whereas of I should be probably under the necessity of departing again very soon, if on returning directly from hence. Think you this Investigator is designed for this purpose? If you so, I hope you will have the acting command to the Isle of France; and in this case, you will, even now, be on the passage, probably with Mrs. F. on board

I have asked you many questions, and that you may not think I demand more from you than I will return execute myself, you shall a more particular account of my situation here. My most particular friends are, first, the family of Madame D'Arifat with whom I reside, consisting of a widow lady, three sons and three daughters; second, Mr. Thomas Pitot, a young man of considerable abilities and a most excellent heart: he is secreta a merchant in the town, in partnership with his uncle and elder brother, and is the secretary to the literary Society of Emulation commenced here by the offi men of science left here by M. Baudin; third the family and extensive friends of Mr. Pitot; third fourth, all the relations and friends of the family D'Arifat, are my friends more or less, and anxious well wishers, particularly M. Froberville their cousin and the intimate friend of Mr. Pitot: Mr. F: is a member of the society, and an author, and a longer time editor of the public gazette; and he, as well as Mr. Pitot and his brother are musicians. fifth, Mons. Charles Baudin, ensign de vaisseau on board la Piémontaise frigate: he was a midshipman on board Le Géographe; and lastly our near neighbours Messieurs Chazal and Chevreau, wh married to two sisters; they former is a are both respectable habitants, or planters and the former h has been in England, is an excellent painter, and a man of strong sense: his lady is the first performer on the harpsichord in the I. of France, and I often accompany her with my flute. It was through Mr. Pitot that I obtained my present situation which is five leagues from the town: my parole allows me to go two leagues from my place of residence. Elder, my most excellent, most useful, and faithful servant, occupies one pavilion and I another, about thirty yards from the principal house. The family was in town on our first arrival and I lived alone; but six weeks after the family returned to their plantation, and Mad. D.'A. requested I would favour them by taking up making their table my own; as the family was large and not over rich, I could not think of increasing their expenses, nor dared I to offer them money, and therefore declined the offer it as handsomely as I could. After a month, however I found the family so amiable and of manners so unaffected and sincere, and my desire to practise speaking French, which I had then begun, as much as possible was such an inducement, that I begged it as a favour they would permit me bring myself and forty dollars per month to their table, which after some hesitation was accepted. The French government give me sixty, so that my table and the support of Elder

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cost me nothing: clothes, washing &c. &c. I provide for by bills drawn from time to time for my pay, and which I find some good friend or other to cash for me without discount, though bills on England are scarcely negociable here.

In the morning I rise and bathe in a little river just by, and then join the family at breakfast. Afterwards, my time is employed upon my charts, journals or in studying French, or, as now, in writing letters. At two we dine, and afterwd. I examine the English written in the morning by the two Eldest young ladies, and they my French: we then read in both languages, and the whole family then walk out. After tea the evening is spent either at whist, picquet, in reading or conversation, or I play with the eldest son or one of his sisters at a game something resembling back-gammon, called by the French tric-trac; and after supper we go to bed at ten. You will say, that the life of a prisoner is not so bad, especially with the liberty of visiting two leagues round: true my brother, but that prisoner has a beloved wife, has relations and friends at home, has his fortune to make and a reputation to acquire: has many who have need of his assistance and whom he longs to assist; he is, besides, amongst foreigners, the enem and although personally friendly to him, yet dislike his countrymen as a nation and their government: Their manners The dissimilarity of manners is also are considerablye different, and with much affection towards these friends he does not find himself altogether at home amongst them. My literary friends Pitot, Froberville and Baudin I see not often: the first has been at Bourbon these last three months, and the latter out at sea. Notwithstanding, therefore, the exterior appearance of happiness, my situation presents, you my brother will know with what delig anxiety I look forward to the time of my release, and how much joy a letter from England gives me.

The Society of Emulation have written to the National Institute to interest themselves for me: Mr. Pitot has written himself and procured others to write to members of the institute, counsellors of state &c at Paris in my favour: I have myself written Mr. Baudin has written to the friends of his late father who was of the institute: I have myself written long letters to the celebrated Mons de Fleurieu and to the marine minister Decrès: my friend captain Bergeret lately of La Psché, is lately gone to Paris and promised to do all in his power to procure for me a hearing; Mons D and the captain-general De Caen has requested of the government that orders of some kind shall might be gi sent to him concerning me. To England I have written continually and lately transmitted my journal. Sir Ed. Pellew writes me that he has represented my case to the admiralty: and governor King has written and even published several things upon my imprisonment. The greater part of these, alas! have had time to produce their effect, and have produced nothing: my resources are at an end. Still however I entertain a lingering hope, that before May, next something will take place that may terminate my captivity. If not, I think of sending away Elder, and risking some decisive step myself

[Page 27]

Did not my parole stand in the way, I could have &c for after that it would be absurd to expect any thing before the conclusion of the war. Did not my parole stand in the way I could have &c.

Adieu my dearest brother: if you can do anything to fav assist me do not neglect it. Confide in the friendship and affection

of your brother and best friend

Mattw. Flinders

Give my love to Susan and kiss her children for me

[Letter No. 16]

To Miss Tyler - Partney near Spilsby Lincolnshire

Marshal Jan. 5 1807

I. of France Dec. 7. 1806

My dear demi-sister

And so you scold and rant because I have not written to you; but pray who has the most time, you or me, and it is very certain that not one single letter, so long even as my thumb, nor even a line of P.S. in your sisters letters has ever come to me; and fortsooth, if rights are to measured by affections mine is certainly the greatest, for I love you infinitely more than you do me: this is a truth not to be denied, and therefore I request your

actions writings may be regulated accordingly. There is indeed a report amongst the fishes whales in the Indian Ocean, that a lett scrap of a letter from you did pass by for Port Jackson and a flying fish in the Pacific even says he saw it, but there is no believing these travellers: if you will take the trouble to give it under your own hand, I will then believe that you have written to me. A certain philosopher being informed that his dear friend was dead, replied that he would not believe it without having it certified under his own hand: a very commendable prudence this, and worthy of imitation in all intricate cases. As I have a fund of justice at the bottom of my conscience, which will not permit me to exact from others more than I would perform myself,

I do hereby certify that I have this day addressed a letter to my well beloved sister Isabella Tyler, spinster of the parish of &c. in the which letter I do desire for her all manner of blessings, spiritual and temporal; that she may speedily obtains a husband six feet high, if it so pleases her, with the wishing cap of Fortunatus, &c. Given under my hand, this 7th day &c &c

As I trust you will now believe, that I have written to you, I shall proceed in my letter. And first my dear Isabella, let me kiss your pretty

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mou [here follows a drawing of a face]. Present my respectful and most affectionate remembrances to your good and excellent mother and to your aunt, and say that I die with impatience to see you and them: but "I am so fast in prison I cannot get forth" beg of them to pray for me. Having a great many letters to write, and amongst others to Mr. Tyler and my beloved wife who will inform you further, I conclude with assuring my dear Isabella of the affectionate regards

of her demi-brother and friend

Mattw. Flinders

N.B. This letter being written from an island of Africa, on the south side of the equator, by one prisoner man who has three times made the voyage round the world, and seen all manner of things, sea fights, shipwrecks, and the anthrophagi, it is to be considered as a curiosity, and put into the casket accordingly; autrement, vous verrez: ce qui je ferai. Prenez garde de vous. Je viendrai dans un tourbillon, et vous menacerai d'avoir trop de bon sens

[Letter No. 17]

To Mr. Aken at W.A. Standerts Navy Agent Norfolk St. Strand - London

Marshall Jan. 7 5 1807 Dec. 7. 1806 - Wilhems Plains in the

I. of France

My dear Sir

I received Your very acceptable letter from London dated Aug Oct. 19. 1805 I received not until Sept. 26. 1806, and your previous letter from New York did not come till Oct. 23. following. I congratulate you on the success of your voyage, of which the account gave me infinite pleasure, for I had begun to apprehend some misfortune had happened to you. Such parts of the memorandum you received from me as are mentioned in your letter, were completed highly to my satisfaction, but there are many things which you have omitted to mention, but which when you write me again do not neglect.

How did you dispose of the men with you?

How was you received at the admiralty, and have they paid your expenses?

Have you made Mr. Standert your agent, and informed him of the means of writing to me? How has he settled about the instruments and my accounts, and what says he?

Did you see Dr. Maskelyne, and what says he?

Was Mr. Robertson in town, and did you see him? How have you disposed of Etienne? - Have you not seen my brother? and who have of my friends in London did you see.

Have you passed your examination, and did my letter to the Navy Board obtain

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for you the success I intended? I have a Steeles List for Dec.1805 in which I do not see your name, though that of Whitewood is inserted.

Have you had an interview with Sir. Jos. Banks? You say he highly approves of my conduct; that is, in making out and sending home my charts and journals I suppose; but does he approve of my conduct towards general De Caën. Tell me particularly all your transactions in regard to him

Your reception at New York, and more particularly by Mr. Barclay, were highly gratifying to me, and I shall write him a letter by this same conveyance: the news-papers you mention he intended to send me, have not been received. I should like to have known something of your acquaintance with Dr. Laborde. We are told that he has been well received at Paris by the minister Decrès, and if he chuses, it is in his power to do me some service there

By my letters to you of Nov. 1805 and April 4. 1806 you will have learnt that since August 1805, I have been at Wilhems Plains upon my parole. Since I find no all so much time elapse, and no attention paid to my situation by the French government, I have been heartily sorry for having given my parole, as I could otherwise have made my escape long ago. Wood and Lewis went away in an American soon after you, Smith and Elder came out here with me, but for the former I obtained a permission to depart about seven months since and I suppose he is now in England: Elder will not quit me, unless I send him away.

I lately transmitted an abstract of our voyage, an account of the shipwreck our voyage in the Cumberland, and all the circumstances attending my imprisonment to the admiralty, which, if it arrives safe, will give them full

information of my conduct here and I hope stimulate them to make some exertion in my favour. My friend Pitot has written, and procured to be written, a great many letters to Paris on my account, so that and captain Bergeret is by this time arrived there. My hopes from these sources are not yet given up, though the time is so long, now very near three years, that it seems to be absurd to expect any relief before the conclusion of the war. Until May next, however, I will still hope, but after that some decisive step must be taken, what God knows. I see a new Investigator on Steeles List, and know not what to think of it. If she is intended to come here for me to prosecute the voyage, you will doubtless, be appointed master of her: this would afford me great satisfaction; but it is now twelve months since, so that if this was intended, you ought to have been here by this time

When you write to do me favour to write, remember that the longer are your letters, the more pleasure they will afford me. I congratulate you on the improvement in your style which I perceive you have made, and I am my dear Sir, as ever

Your affectionate friend and humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 30]

Dale I am told is signal midshipman with Sir. Ed. Pellew, and that Seymour is dead. I have one letter from Henry.

It would be proper that the sums Mr. Walker has placed in the stocks, should be in the names of the proprietors, at least I should wish this to be the case with respect to what belongs to me. I doubt not that Mr. W. is a very good and honest man, but accidents may arrive to anybody, and in the case of failure it would be very disagreeable to have my property divided amongst the creditors of another. It is most probable that he will have foreseen this, and placed it in my name, but I should wish you to inform yourself of this it.

[Letter No. 18]

The Right Honble. Sir Jos. Bank - Bt. Pres. R. S. &c. K.B. &c. &c. London

Marshall Jan. 5. 1807 Wilhems Plains in the I. of France Dec. 8. 1806

Two months since I had the happiness, Sir Joseph, of learning the safe arrival in England, of my companion in misfortune Mr. Aken, with the various charts books and papers I entrusted to his care and which I hope will afford pleasure to Mr. Dalrymple and all those interested in the progress of discovery He Mr. Aken had not then seen you, but greeted me with the pleasing intelligence that you highly approved of my conduct; and I flatter have flattered myself, that if this approbation was only partial before the arrival of my narrative, transmitted by Mr. Larkins in August last, that it will now would then afterwards extend to all my proceedings since quitting England. I have indeed been unfortunate, but the great loss to the voyage occasioned by the decay of the Investigator, I endeavoured to repair by the means that were judged to be best adapted to that used by governor King as well as myself; no risk or exertion was spared by me after our unfortunate shipwreck, and my embarkation on board the Cumberland, in compliance with the suggestion of Gov. King, ought to be considered as a proof of my zeal for the advancement of the objects of our voyage. Touching at Mauritius was a matter of necessity, and my conduct here [word crossed out and indecipherable] from the sense I entertained of the dignity of my nation and situation I had the honour to hold Although no one, perhaps, could feel more severely than I have, the unprecedented treatment general De Caën as made me undergo in this island my time has not been spent idly in venting my indignation at the injustice of mankind and in hopelessly sighing after liberty; filled with the important objects I was commissioned to execute, they have been prosecuted under almost every disadvantage, as far as my means would furnished the possibility, how far my work has been well done that the transmissions I have made from time to time will enable you to judge

In the monthly magazine searching over all the magazines, and newspapers, and reviews that fall within my reach for something relating to my situation here or to me, I find in the monthly magazine for Jan. 1806 mentioned made of my paper on the changes that ta in the variation of the compass that take place at sea, on altering the direction of the ships head, which you have done me the honour of causing to be read before the Royal Society, and to be published in their Transactions. I at first hoped that it was the more complete paper which

[Page 31]

I had the honour of transmitting to you in Augt. 1805, but on a comparison I find it to have been the very imperfect one sent to the November preceding by Mr. Robertson That you should have thought the first sufficiently curious to be read, is highly flattering to me, and gives me some confidence in the success not only of the last, but also in the paper upon the changes in the mercurial barometer which accompanied it: I now know am now satisfied, that your goodness will induce you to act with these papers as shall be most for my honour credit, so far as the rules regulations of the Royal Society do not approve it.

In the Asiatic Mirror, I see that captain Bligh had arrived at the Cape of Good Hope, and was to depart in June for his government of N.S. Wales: governor King will consequently be in England by or before the arrival of this letter; and as he is intimately acquainted with the conduct I pursued in forwarding the objects of my voyage, to the time I embarked in the Cumberland, and has the honour of being ranked amongst your friends, I look to his arrival, for the clearing up of any doubts in your mind, with much interest. In case of the future prosecution of my voyage In contemplating the future prosecution of my voyage, the prepossession of his successor against me is a subject of much regret. I have much to complain of, in his conduct toward me, and if I might judge by the first should have much difficulty in obtaining any credit that might be due to my labours without admitting another to much the largest share; I should indeed be desirous desire not to be placed under his orders; since the credit, if any should be due to my labours, would be monopolized by another in danger of being monopolized by another. I beg, however, to assure you, Sir Joseph, that wherever and whenever the advancement of science is concerned, to a zealous co-operation on my part, either for the time, or altogether, shall not be wanting on my part. In the Steele's Lists which I procure as often as possible, to obtain information of my naval friends, I have searched continually in the hope of finding the admiralty to have been so well satisfied with my exertions and penetrated with the injustice I have been made to undergo, as to have given me that step which is the great object of young naval officers: I need not say that disappointment has hitherto been the result; a latent hope, however, that when our gracious monarch shall be informed of all the circumstances who has done so much for nautical science, shall be informed of the circumstances, he may possibly be pleased to order my name to be inserted in the list of Post Captains from the time of my imprisonment here, commencement of my captivity, has made me feel the disappointment much less less heavily. From the late change in administration and the consequent opening of an intercourse between the British and French governments, I am also induced to hope prolong my hopes, not only upon this head, but for an honourable liberation termination to this unprecedented and severe captivity my imprisonment. The tyranny exercised upon that late exc worthy man and excellent officer the late captain Wright, I see has excited much interest in England, and animadversion from our government, but of my even still more unprecedented case, the correspondence of the State then Secretary of State was is silent; for which, considering the nature of this representation to M. Talleyrand, I am unable to account.

The list of Dec. 1805 informed me, that a new Investigator is was then lying at Plymouth:

[Page 32]

no captain or service being assigned to her, that has raised my conjectures. I am was sometimes tempted to hope, that she is was to be sent out of here to me, under the command of one of my officers, for the completion of my voyage; but twelve months having since elapsed, and everything, at least with me, remaining in the same state, this hope has is nearly vanished dissipated.

Since my letter of July 28. last, by Mr. Larkins, my situation remains the same; and if the increased lapse of time has diminished my hopes of procuring attention from the French government, the departure of my friend captain Bergeret for Paris, and his promise to exert himself to this end, have kept them from totally vanishing. General De Caën has also given him a similar commission, being as I am credibly informed revenu sur mon compte; the same authority adds, that the "le principale obstacle à la cessation de "votre captivité vient de ce que vous n'avez jamais été officellement réclamé "par votre gouvernement auprès du gouvernement Francais"; how far this is actually the case, is unknown to me, but that such is the opinion of the general I cannot doubt.

The fear of importuning you too much, Sir Joseph; with my misfortunes prevents me from making this letter any longer; I will therefore conclude with the expressing the sentiments of respect and gratitude, with which I have the honour to be,

Sir Joseph, Your most obliged obedient, and faithful

humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 19]

To Mrs Flinders - Donington near Boston - Lincolnshire

Marshall Jan. 5 1807 Wilhems Plains in the I. of France

Dec. 9 1806

My dear mother-in-law

I had a letter from Samuel [Flinders] in September last, which had been written the Oct November preceding, which and gives me the last information I have received from England. He tells me particularly of your situation, the arrangements of our family affairs which he extolls, and of my two young sisters whom he highly praises. The care and prudence you have exerted for the general benefit of the family demand my warmest acknowledgements and have made a lasting impression upon me, and in the good sense and accomplishments which you have procured for acquired by my sisters I take an equal interest. Samuel tells me that Mr. Walker, the father (I rather suppose brother) of Mrs John Shilcock, has the care of my property, with which from Samuels account, I am well satisfied, not doubting that he has it is placed it in

[Page 33]

my name the stocks in my name. It gives me pleasure; to learn that your annuity is n income is nearly £150 per annum, I had much feared it was not so much; and with less, I know t it would be impossible for you to live in the way I should desire, considering the vast increase of taxes and of every expense of every kind.

Since my last letter of April 16. 1806 circumstances remain the same with me. My prospects of being set at liberty are diminished in some points and increased in others. This It is a dreary and wearisome time that I have passed in this island: it wants now but a few days to complete three years that my imprisonment has lasted, which and the French government have not yet thought proper to render me justice; a sufficient proof that they have not much inclination. I do not know exactly what our new government have done, but it said here that they have never made an official demand for my liberty: except by Sir Joseph Banks, it appears to me that I have been much neglected.

My health, thank God, is at this time much better than it has been for three or four months past, and in almost any other circumstances than mine, I might be happy; for amongst in a more friendly and excellent family than where I am, it is impossible to be placed: I have also many other friends in the island. Mankind are not yet so debased, as to see an innocent man suffering without feeling an interest for him. - I have written so fully to Samuel, from to whom you can address any question concerning my situation and prospects you wish to ask, that room may be spared for a few lines to Hannah, which will also serve her for an exercise. Have you a piano forte in the house for them: if you have, be so good as to lay out two guineas for me in music and present to them in my name: it will be proper to get some friend in London to chuse the newest and best: not little songs only, but pieces of music, such as are adapted to their strength Pleyel, Steibelt, Mazinghi and Heydn are amongst the best authors; and if opportunities offer it will be proper for them to take a few lessons from a master from time to time

Requesting you will have the goodness to present my kind remembrances to Mrs. Shepherd, Mr. Dods family, R. Gleed and his wife, and in short to all my friends, particularly at Boston and Spalding, I remain as ever, my dear madam

your most affectionate friend and son in law

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 34]

[Letter No. 20]

To Miss Hannah Flinders - Donington, making part of the preceding

Marshall Jan. 5. 1807

Ma très chere soeur

J'ai reçu il y a quinze mois la bonne petite lettre que vous m'avez écrit dans celle de ma cousine Henriette. Vous y dites "Je me flatte que vous "excuseriez la liberté que j'ai pris de vous adresser quelques lignes." Comment, ma soeur! En verité mon coeur vous est très inconnu, si vous supposez qu'une excuse était fût necessaire. Croyez toujours, je vous prie, qu'en moi vous aurez toujours avez un véritable frère véritable et très affectioné, dont le plus grand plaisir est de vivre avec ses parents et amis dans la meilleure intelligence et de leur rendre service sur toutes les occasions. Ecrivez moi, donc, par toutes les occasions sans faire des excuses; m'ouvrez votre coeur; parlez moi de vos occupations, de vos amusements, de vos pensées, de votre soeur, et de tous amie vos amis; et soyez assurée de l'interèt que je prenne à tous ce que vous concerne.

Je me fie sur votre bon sens, pour que vous ne cesserez pas de cultiver vos talens et votre esprit; et que par le moyen de bons livres et la meilleure société que vos connais sances s'etendrant de jour en jour; et dans tous cela votre soeur je ne doute a que toujours anasi qu'aussi participerait toujours Nos plus cheres amies sont naturellement ceux celles avec les quelles le sang nous a nous sommes liés de plus près par le sang; cultivez donc l'amtié de votre soeur; aidez et encouragez la dans ses études, et dans la formation de son esprit: ayez pour elle aussi bien que pour votre mam maman une confiance illimitée; tous ce qu' appartient à une doit être également à l'autre; par ces moyens vous paserez le fondement pour le d'un bonheur le plus doux it le plus permanente et pour la reste de votre vie: et vous aurez une amie du coeur, qui ni la séparation ni le tems, ni la tems distance sera capable de vous éloigner

Ne croyez, ma trés chere soeur, que j'ai prie une idée que vous ne les vivez has en bonne intelligence avec votre soeur. Je le crois pense crois le contraire, mais je sais que dans les familles même celles de qui ont de la reputation pour l'intimité existant entre ses membres, it n'y a pas cette tendre amitié que je desire de voir entre mes soeurs; et je voudrais qu'elle soit complète. -

Pour conserver tenir votre Francais en exercice écrivez moi en faites usage toujours quand vous me ferez le plaisir de m'écrire votre plume me sera dedue; et en embrassant Henriette pour moi, lui expressiez combien de la satis

[Page 35]

faction elle me ferait en s'y j si elle voudrait bien s'y joindre: si vous écrivez un journal, et je l'espere, qu'il soit en Francais.

Dites à notre bonne cousine, que je suis son debiteur pour avoir si bien soigner vos éducations toutes les deux, et lui presentez de mes souvenirs affectionnés au même tems. Je sais bien qu'il y a des fautes dans cette lettre, et vous me ferez plaisir de ne les indiquerer dans votre réponse

Adieu, mes cheres soeurs, croyez tou fermement, quen moi vous aurez toujours, le plus affectioné des frere, et un ami le plus sincere, dans votre votre très affectionné frere

, Mattw. Flinders

[At this point in Flinders' letter book pages 35 and 36 have been mutilated and all that remains of the next letter is the following:]

[Page 36]

[Letter No. 21]

with the possibility of thus enjoying myself, enjoyment within my reach, I am one of the most miserable of men. Absent Forcibly kept from the friend of my bosom and my family, interrupted in a career that promised me some share of reputation, unable to pursue my plans for the augmentation of my fortune, and deprived of the power of assisting those who depend more or less depend upon me for their advancement, these, with added to the loss of the most valuable years of my life, and to which the return of evening and each morning comes to me only to add another day, cause unceasing reflexions that conduct press almost to the verge of distraction, and make me somethings sometimes make me think death preferable would be preferable to a continuation of my misery their prolongation. I have severely felt, that an ardent imagination, which in some cases is capable often conducts to sublime

[At this point in Flinders' letter book pages 37 and 38 have been removed and all that remains of the next letter is the following:]

[Page 39]

[Letter No. 22]

not in the other

If a letter from you is not now on its way, let me beg of you to write to me by the first occasion as soon as you can: the conveyance will be very easy; ther envelope your letter in a cover addressed to Messrs. Pitots Négocians à l'Isle de France, and put that again under cover to Colonel Barclay, British consul at New York, to whom it will immediately go from the office under secretary of state for foreign. Colonel Barclay has promised to forward my letters, and I believe there is no fear of their being opened. If you would inclose me a Steeles List also it would be very acceptable

When I may be at liberty to return to England is still very uncertain.

Requesting you will have the goodness to present my kind remembrances to your father and to captain Waterhouse, I remain dear Sir

Your faithfully humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. Should any demand be made upon you for postage, either by or authorized by

Colonel Barclay, you will have the goodness to

pay it and charge it to my account

[Letter No. 23]

To Mrs. Flinders - Partney near Spilsby Lincolnshire Marshall Jan. 5. 1807 Wilhems Plains Dec. 11. 1806

I wrote yesterday, my best love, a letter to Mr. Tyler proposing to him a compensation for thy board and accommodation, to which I hope he will agree. As mentioned in my last to thee of Dec Nov. 27. 1806, the sum I have proposed was is thirty or forty pounds per annum; which of the two I leave to thee and to Mr. Tyler to settle. In specifying this sum, I expect to be rather under than over the increase of expense he may be at on thy account; being satisfied that the offer of a sum which should be more than a compensation would be refused. I ha cannot tell what mode will be the most convenient for making the payment, but have written to my agent W.A. Standert to double the £40 per annum he has been in the habit of advancing to thee, that is, when he receives thy order to that effect; I however suppose, that the interest of the sum left to me by Mr. Ward will be conveniently substituted as a part: thou wilt make the best such arrangements on this head as are best calculated for the completion of my intention, and for our interest.

From there being no more than £750 in the 3 per cents reduced, which if purchasinged in at £60 will amount only to about £460, I perceive that there are were several sums due to me not then received, I suppose most probably bmy first balance bill as purser of the Investigator, amounting to about £130 and my compensation pay for four servants, which up to Dec. 1803. should amount to at least

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to at least £100. There is also a second balance bill amounting to a sum nearly a similar sum to the first, but the derangement of my papers at the shipwreck will not, I fear, permit any settlement of it until my return. This £230 placed in the 3 per cents at the present price, would make the stock in that fund nearly £1150. I do not understand either why Mr. Fowler paid only £17 to Mr. Standert in lieu of £33.10 which was the difference between us, unless he advanced money in China to J. Franklin and young Sherrd. Lound which he charged to me.

The account that Samuel gives me of the disposal of my late dear fathers property is satisfactory, and I doubt not that Mr. Tyler, with thy concurrence, will dispose of what was is left me by my uncle Ward in a secure and profitable manner. On my arrival in England, I o if the E.I. company shall think my voyage sufficiently the circumstances of our voyage of sufficient consideration to complete their promise, I shall have nearly £200 to receive from them, and I hope also some pay due to me; so that upon the whole, my love, if I live to return to England and get all these matters arranged there is a prospect that the interest of the whole, added to my half pay will enable us to live with some comfort, should not the admiralty chuse to give me employment: If any indemnification for what I have suffered here should be made by the French government, it will alter the circumstance in our favour and in this calculation I make no allowance of for the advantages that may accrue from the publication of my voyage.

Having thus discussed the subjects of thy arrangement with Mr. Tyler and the general object of our general interest, I returned to those of love and friendship. It is now, my dearest friend, fourteen months since the date of thy last letter received here. I much fear that some subsequent one has been lost, since the opportunities of writing by the way Mr. Aken informed thee are constant. The arrival of thy letters forms the greatest epochs in my present monotonous life, and I sigh for them as for the most desired of blessings; for next to my the liberation who which should permit me to fly to thy arms, they afford me the greatest happiness I can receive. The great improvement in thy health, the constancy of thy affection, and the kind continued kindness of our friends to thee, are the subjects which I call to mind my aid, to keep off that depression of spirits which so many causes are every ready to excite, and I receive consolation from them. Cease not then, my best beloved, to intr write often if thou wouldst preserve me from distraction. A six months longer silence, without an increas such an increase in my prospects as to give the me the strongest assurance of obtaining liberty may, alas, be might

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be fatal me productive of disastrous consequences. Such an occasion of despair as I experienced in September last, would be more than my mind

could support. As I told thee in my last, should no important change take place before the end of May next, I must and will attempt tsomething; great risks must be run and sacrifices made, mybut my honour shall remained unstained; The parole which has hitherto bound me shall be returned after the necessary arrange No captain in His Majestys navy shall have to blush in calling me a brother officer. But enough of this, and perhaps too much to thee; depend upon my resolution and foresight and leave the rest to Providence

The letter from Samuel which accompanied thine, gave me much satisfaction, though I like not that he should remain unemployed in expectation of my return: before this, however, my letters will have shewn him how little dependence is to be put upon this, and he will now be exerting himself for his own honour and advantage in some active situation. By this occasion I have written him a very long letter. No promotions, it seems, have taken place amongst my officers, not even with Mr. Fowler; nor will there, I apprehend, at least in consequence of our voyage, until my return: this is another subject which presses upon me. Of James Franklin I have heard nothing; but see his arrival in India mentioned in the Madras gazette. The letter which thou hast mentioned as being in his care, and still more that of twenty pages which thou wast afraid, and with reason, to hazard, I desire very much to see, but most probably can shall never obtain that pleasure here

Request, my love, that Mr. Tyler and thy sister would add a give me a few lines when thou writest to me: from my mother-in-law also and from Thos. Franklin I have not once heard in this island. Tell the latter, that I have written several letters to him from hence, but shall do so no more unless he will he will write to me sometimes; nevertheless I request him and Willingham [Franklin], Mrs. Booth, and all that family to accept my best friendly remembrances and to accept my be assured of my best wishes. The letters that will accompany this are addressed to Sir. J.B. Mr Tyler, Isabella, Samuel, my mother-in-law, Hannah Mr. Aken, Standert, and colonel Barclay at New York.

Thank thee, my love, for the verses thou hast sent me. Miss Sophie D'Arifat was so pleased with them, that she has translated them into French verse; I do not however think then translation equal to the original. Her eldest sister Delphine desires me to present thee with her compliments; she is a very good and amicable young lady, and would be very happy to make acquaintance and friendship with thee. My faithful Elder is in good health, and at this moment employed at another table near me in writing a correct copy of my narrative: my health also is pretty good at this time. Adeiu, my dearest friend, and only love. Believe me to be with the most ardent affection

thine most faithfully and sincerely

M.F.

[Page 42]

[Letter No. 24]

To colonel Barclay, His Britannic Majestys Consul at New York

Bickham Jan. 1807 Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

Dec. 12. 1806

Sir

I have received a letter from Mr. Aken, dated at New York, and also a packet of letters from him, dated in England, which Mr. Aken informs me you had the goodness to forward. Permit me, Sir, to return you my warmest thanks for your attentive kindness to Mr. Aken during his stay in the former place, and your obliging offer of transmitting my letters. During the continuance of my very extraordinary and unjust imprisonment, to receive letters from my friends is almost the only consolation of which I am susceptible, and in forwarding their views you render me a very important service. Although I have not the honour of your personal acquaintance, the letters of Mr. Aken leave me no doubt as to of your philanthropic disposition, it is therefore Sir, with confidence, that I take the liberty of addressing to you a packet of letters for my friends in England, with a request that you will please to forward them, in your own despatches if you judge it convenient, or otherwise by the ordinary post. Any expense that may arise therefrom I shall most gratefully pay, and I have ordered my agent Mr. Standert of Norfolk St. in the Strand to pay the demand you may authorize any person to make upon him on account of postage

My friends in England have been directed to address their letters to me here, under cover to M. Jacques DéGlos, but I should get them sooner if directed to Messrs Pitots Négocians à l'Isle de France, who are my principal friends at the town of here Port Napoleon; if therefore, Sir, you would cause the address on the envelopes to be erased and the above substituted, it would be an advantage to me, or otherwise a fresh envelope to be substituted or added put either in its place or over the former: Mr. Henry Cherriot, merchant of New York is in correspondence with Messrs Pitots.

Of the probable duration of my imprisonment, or in other words when the Council of State at Paris shall think proper to make a decision upon it, for the marine minister has referred it to the council, I am as much unacquainted after the expiration of three years, as on the first day of my dentention; and the little correspondence that the animosity between our government and that of France permitted, until very lately, seems to have prevented any formal application for my liberationty; at present that an intercourse is opened, if report may be credited, I entertain better hopes

[Page 43]

The demands of the Transport Board for my exchange have been rejected, and the application of my friend Sir Joseph Banks to the National Institute of Paris, although their interference was promised has for my liberation, has not yet produced any effect: possibly however from one or other of these last channels or by an official application from the secretary of state something favourable may arise before the expiration of another six months, the season of arrivals from France being about to commence

It is not improbable that my passage to England may be taken by the way of New York, and I shall then have the honour of thanking you in person for the trouble you have taken on my account, till when I beg leave to subscribe myself,

Sir,

your obliged and most obedient

humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 25]

Monsieur Tomi Pitot - a Bourbon

Wilhems Plains Dec. 18. 1806

My very dear friend

Your very affectionate and welcome letter of Nov. 27. I received one five days since. It seems that my letter of October miscarried. One of the principal subjects it spoke of was the receipt of letters from my brother, Mrs. F. and, Mr. Aken, who had arrived safely in England with all my books and papers. I had sent to Mrs. Flinders a copy of one of those letters you had the goodness to write to France in my behalf, whilst I was in the Maison Despeaux; in order to shew her that although in prison I was not wholly destitute of friends. In her letter, she says "I admire the French letter very "much and highly esteem the generous writer of it: it is a most elegant and "friendly composition;" and afterwards, "Present my best and most respectful "compliments to Monsieur Pitot, and tell him I will regard and esteem him "forever, for his generous conduct to thee". I have much pleasure in repeating sentiments so congenial to my own.

My last letter to you was dated Dec. 4. Since then I have been employed with your magazines and registers, which on many accounts are very interesting, but I do not find any thing relating to me beyond what I have already mentioned to you

You seem to think, my dear friend, that a peace is not unlikely to soon terminate

[Page 44]

terminate this disastrous contest between our two nations; but however much I desire it, the difficulties that stand in the way of peace, make me almost hopeless of its soon taking place. The ascendancy of Bonaparte over one half of the European continent and his determined inveteracy enmity against England leave but little prospect of peace so long as the latter shall preserve her independence, and which to obtain it at such a price I could never consent: I hope and believe it not to be in much that neither the physical nor moral independence of England are yet in any danger of being

subverted. If it is possible for Great Britain to make peace with France upon honourable or even moderate terms, I am satisfied the present administration will do: Mr. Fox, at least, is pledged to it; and if with his acknowledged abilities and peaceable inclinations, this cannot be done, the affair must be hopeless, so long as the present domineering and inveterate spirit continues to prevail in the councils of your the French Empire. The last intelligence, however, that we have here, is of July 1 from Constantinople, and contained hopes that a general peace might be arranged: the season is about to commence when European information will be more frequently received.

Alas, my friend, you regret your absence from this island, but not more than I do. Your friendship is one of my greatest consolations under this long and tedious detention. To know that absence does not weaken your sentiments towards me is gratifying, but I want to see you, I want you to be near me; no one can replace you with me. no one possesses that friendly anxiety Your good brother writes me from time to time, but from his ill health I am sometimes ten or fifteen days without hearing from the town. When there is any thing particular news, which is indeed very seldom, our friend cap - martin writes to me, and he has occasionally done me the favour to pay a short visit to Vacouas.

Frederic, it seems, instead of going to your relief, is going about to make a voyage to Batavia! I have given him a letter of recommendation to my countrymen in case of accidents, and renewed those those to Mr. Deglos, and your friend Gravier. The Piémontaise is arrived with, they say, 320,000 dollars on board. The Sceptre was close at her heels, but finding she was too late, has disappeared; probably to cruize between the two islands.

From what Frederic tells me, I still hope your return will not

[Page 45]

be delayed more than two or three weeks longer. Unhappily my journey to town must take place earlier; but I know you will write to me immediately on your arrival, and come as soon afterwards, as your business can permit.

[Letter No. 26]

To M. Froberville - a Moka - Port N.W. Dec. 31. 1806

Thanks for the his good wishes for the approaching year, and a reciprocation of them.

[Letter No. 27]

To Mr. Tomi Pitot - a Bourbon

Port N.W. Dec. 31. 1806

My dear friend

I am now in town agreeably to what I wrote you on the 18th last. An occasion for Bourbon offers this evening, and I embrace it to say how kindly I am received by your good brother and family: it is from Mr. Rouillards pavilion that this is dated. Yesterday evening I supped with your good and affectionate sister Brunet, and have promised, if my stay is prolonged beyond tomorrow to dine with her. Our dear Tomi was the great subject of our conversation, and his absence of our regret: we hardly forgive your family for deputing Frederic to Batavia instead of sending him to your succour. Edward still speaks of another month or six weeks before your business can be arranged, and although I find this infinitely too long, I much fear it is shorter than will be your absence: a Bourbon week, I find it by experience is at least a month; but no, my dear friend, I cannot permit of your staying four or five months longer: it cannot, it must not be.

The grand object of my visit to the town at this unseasonable time of the year, is to make the purchase of some little presents for my excellent hostess and her amiable family, and this being accomplished, I shall return immediately to my solitude

[Page 46]

and remain and expectation of your arrival and of intelligence from England and France, the great objects of my wishes. Our last advices say, that an arrangement has taken place for a general exchange of prisoners in Europe, and on such an occasion surely I may hope that my name would not be forgotten

American gazettes arrived up to the end of August, intimate that Hanover and the Anseatic towns are to be united to Holland under Louis Bonaparte, and that the mother of the emperor is, or is to be, queen of Rome. The pope is to have his residence at Fontainbleau. The Turkish army is commanded by a French general, and with 45,000 of his troops joined to it, is said to make up 200,000 men, who are to act against the Russians. French colonies are establishing upon the isles of the Archipelago, with which Bonaparte intends, apparently, to console himself for the east and west Indies. A vessel from New York is announced, bringing several French passengers, an by this occasion I hope to receive letters from my wife and friends in England, should she arrive safe.

The English cruizers appear to have quitted the islands for a short time, and from the approaching and promising crops crops of Indian corn plenty will soon be restored here. Maize has been sold as high as 4 and 4 1/2 piastres the hundred; and rice double that sum: at present the first is at 3, and the latter at six.

My health is tolerably good, but I am not very fat, as you will easily believe. I fear you suffer much from the excessive heat at St. Paul; but I pray you take care of your health, and come back as soon as you can to your family, and to

your most sincere and affectionate friend

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 47]

[Letter No. 28]

A. Monsieur Baudin des Ardennes - Enseign des vaisseaux - commandant

la prize - La Fame Au Port

Wilhems Plains Jan. 3. 18067

My dear Sir

I received your friendly and very acceptable letter during the few days I passed in town, and I also had the pleasure of delivering seeing Mr. Marshall, and of delivering to him a packet of letters which had been written some time since for England, as he will very probably have informed you. I had previously been informed acquainted by our friend Cap-martin that the captain general had you had unaccountably been put you under arrest, and I sought him when in town to consult him upon the possibility, or rather propriety of paying you a visit on board the Fame, since I could not promise myself the satisfaction of seeing you on shore; he seemed however to think, that from the circumstances under which I labour, for me to go on board the Fame might be construed various ways, and perhaps render you a disservice; and as I have had sufficient cause experience in the Isle of France to learn, that actions the most innocent in themselves are sometimes made the pretext for suspicion and injustice, I found myself under the necessity of waving my visit, to a person I so much esteem, but I anxiously preserve the expectation of seeing you here so soon as the disagreement your present extraordinary position shall cease to retain you on board

Accept my thanks for your kind solicitude on my kind account. I have not yet abandoneds all hope of being honourably set at liberty before the return of peace; the exchange of prisoners which is said to have taken place in Europe has raised my expectations of an approaching liberation termination to my imprisonment, and that the first official despatches from France will announce this so long desired intelligence; should the first ship, however, not be the bearer of what I so much desire, I shall still continue to hope for a favourable issue to the representations that have been made at Paris and London by my friends in the I. of France and myself, and from the exertions of my friend Bergeret, who is most probably by this time

[Page 48]

time at Paris. My hopes will be prolonged until May or the beginning of June next, after which it would be folly to entertain expectation; I must then depend upon myself, seeing that justice can will not be granted me by the French government, and that the exertions of my friends are inefficient to obtain it: the lapse of three years and a half, which will then be completed must surely be a complete sufficient proof, either that the government either neglects me altogether, and or are is determined to detain my me so long as the war may last: Of the speedy return of peace I entertain no hope, being totally unable to see how it is possible for England to make peace with safety to herself, under the present unexampled power and influence of the French emperor and his inveterate hatred against her: it must be from some unforeseen circumstance, should it take place.

I have communicated to Madam D'Arifat your intention of visiting the Refuge, with which she is much pleased, and hopes with me that it will not be long delayed. Be pleased my dear Sir, to present my compliments Accept my dear Sir to Mr. Marshall Marceau, and to accept the best wishes of

your affectionate friend, and

obedient humble servant

Mathw. Flinders

[Letter No. 29]

To Colonel Monistrol - Chef d'etat - major-general De l'Isle de France

Wilhems Plains Jul Jany. 3. 1807

Sir

I have the pleasure of sending you three pairs of small shells which by chance my I have chosen out of a few that my servant has by chance preserved of those he picked up on the reef in the South sea where we were shipwrecked. I wish it was in my power to present you with any better worth your acceptance, but the whole only part of my collection which was saved from the shipwreck was on board the Cumberland on my arrival here, and with every thing else on board was taken from me. I have the honour to be, Sir, with much consideration and regard,

your very obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[At this point several pages have been removed from Flinders' letterbook and all that remains of the next letter, which was probably addressed to the Society of Emulation on Mauritius and has been crossed out, is the following;]

[Page 49]

[Letter No. 30]

New South Wales, one of my first objects on landing, was ever to see if there were any marks of shipwreck amongst the sea drift lying on the shore: I found none; probably because my examination has hitherto extended no further north along the coast, than the parallel of 21° ½ south; and consequently, the remains of any shipwreck near New Caledonia, carried to the coast of New South Wales by the trade south-east trade wind, would not fall within my cognizance. Had not a series of misfortunes prevented the resumption of my voyage, the whole coast would have undergone examination before this time, and the fatal place, which proved fatal to so many brave and interesting men would probably have been ascertained with certainty; but now, the remains of the Porpoise and Cato, scattered more already more than three years in this sea will present a very great obstacle.

This concludes every thing my observations upon this subject, of the coral ba and relating to the two newly discovered banks, and the loss which seems worthy of being presented to your notice; and I shall esteem myself happy if these they observations may may prove the means of saving one valuable life, or of leading conduce to establishing of leading to the discovery of any remnant of the expedition commanded by Monsieur de la Pérouse.

Not knowing how far my present situation may prove an obstacle to the reception of anything from me, I wait the approbation of the Society to communicate the remnant my observations upon the remaining subject mentioned in this letter; but which every way their judgements may incline. I beg to assure Messieurs, the president and members, of my best wishes for the success of their laudable institution, and of the respect and consideration with which I have the honour to be

Gentlemen,

your most obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[The following note has been added in pencil]

15 Jan 1807, see journal

[Letter No. 31]

To Mr. Thomas Pitot at Bourbon

Wilhems Plains Jan. 29. 18067

Speaking of my proposed letters to the S. of E. and his expected return; also upon the letter in favour of M. Germenil Chauvet

[Page 50]

[Letter No. 32]

To Monsieur Kerjean au Port

Wilhems Plains March 11. 18067

Sir

I have had the pleasure to receive peruse the Madras gazettes up to Jan. 26 which you had the goodness to furnish to Mr. Edward Pitot for me, and I now return them with many thanks for your obliging attention

I see with much regret, that all present hopes of peace are at an end, and that we must wait the issue of the continental war before any renewal of pacific negotiations can be expected. This is a severe blow to the quiet part of mankind, and to me in particular; for it becomes every day more and more evident, that I am not destined to see my family and my country, or resume my geographical labours until our chiefs shall be please to release us from the scourge, with which the two nations seem to be equally afflicted.

2

I have not much hope of receiving any promotion So s long as my detention

1

shall continue; but a possibility that this might may have happened joined to a wish to be informed of the situations and existence of my naval friends, is are the reasons that I am make me desirous of seeing a late Steeles' List of the British navy; and I regret the disappointment, at the same time that I consider myself under obligation to you, Sir for the trouble you took endeavours you used to procure one.

I have the honour to be, Sir, with much consideration and regard,

your most obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 51]

[Letter No. 33]

To Monsieur Baudin Enseign de vaisseau à bord La Semillante

au Port Napoléon

Wilhems Plains March 20. 1807

My dear Sir

The day that I had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 4th instant I had written to Mr. Cap-martin, respecting you, knowing that the Semillante had been dismasted and obliged to return to port. I readily conceive how very disagreeable the accident must have proved to you and your brother officers; infinitely more so, than to the mercantile part of my countrymen in the east.

At the time I had received your letter, I had in my hand the gazette, containing the report of the captain of La Pique; but our English editors had so defaced the names of Freycinet and St Cricq that I did not suspected the captured commanders were of my acquaintance: I am truly sorry for Freycinets accident. In England it would obtain him an honourable pension, and surely he will be thought deserving of it in France

You will have foreseen my regret at the renewal of the continental war; as well on account of the bad success of the allies; as that it will be a probably be the means of preventing any decision being made upon my case, or my situation being even remembered in France. Until my friend Bergeret shall have had time however to arrive, and dispatches arrive be received of an date antecedent consequent to that epoch, I shall continue to exercise the remainder of my patience, in waiting as tranquilly as possible; after which if nothing arrives, I fear both my hopes and patience will be exhausted.

The expected arrival of my friend Tomi Pitot at the end of this month, will bring me to Port N.W. if the good pleasure of the captain-general [de Caên] shall does not oppose my wishes; and I then promise myself the satisfaction of seeing you there, as well as of announcing to our ladies, on my return the time of your visit to Wilhems Plains

[Page 52]

which I know will give them pleasure: your commission for them I have not neglected to execute.

Will you have the goodness my dear Sir to present my compliments to captain Motard: I am no stranger to his obliging compliance with the request of Mr. Pitot, on my account; and I request you will believe me to be with much affection and regard

Your sincere friend and very humble

servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 34]

To Charles Grimes Esq. Surveyor-general - New South Wales

Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

March 24. 1807

Dear Grimes

I see with much pleasure in the Madras gazette, your safe arrival at Port Jackson with governor Bligh; and as I think you and some others in New South Wales will be glad to hear ofrom me, you will receive this at the same time that the governor will get a long letter from me, but when, I can hardly tell, it has such a long and round-a-bout passage to make.

Mr. Aken would have arrived in England before you sailed, and I

take it for granted you saw him. Since his departure from hence, I have been let out of prison with my servant Elder and suffered to be upon parole in the middle of this island, my limits forming a circle of which two leagues are the radius, and the plantation where I live, the center. I have now been here sixteen nineteen months, after having been shut up twenty in prison. No orders from France are yet arrived concerning my future destination; and although I still entertain some hope, that the present season may produce them, I have been so long and so often deceived, that it is weakness to have any longer confidence. What will be the end of this most extraordinary proceeding of the French captain general [de Caên] it is difficult to say. In August last I transmitted to the admiralty, by the captain of the Warren Hastings [Thomas Larkins] taken in his return from China, a narrative of our shipwreck, of my voyage in the Cumberland, and the reception and treatment I have met with in this island, with all the letters that have passed between the and French governor and his officers and me: I hope when they shall know the whole

[Page 53]

state of this shameful transaction, the admiralty will will take some effective measures to procure my release and the return of my books and papers

I have received letters here from Sir Edward Pellew, the secretary of the government from Calcutta, and various letters from England; most of which gave me some hopes; but so much time has since elapsed, that I fear the French government will listen to no proposals. I have written letters to the French marine minister and to M. Fleurieu, and many other inhabitants and officers of this island have written to procure for me an examination in France: a few months will probably decide whether they will produce any effect

The district in which I live, is a plain upon the top of the hills, about eighteen hundred feet above the level of the sea: the air is consequently fresh, and was it not incommoded with too much rain, my residence would be as agreeable as a prisoner could expect. The family with whom I reside is one of the most estimable I have met with, and everywhere in the neighbourhood I am treated with hospitable kindness and even friendship: the inhabitants seems to strive which shall have the greatest share in contributing to make me forget the injustice of their governor: I enjoy tolerable health and amuse and employ myself as well as I can, but a mortal sadness with which reflections upon my situation over cast every thing, renders me far, very far from being happy.

The last letters I have received from England were dated in Oct. 1805 on the arrival of Mr. Aken with part of my charts and books since then I am a total stranger to the state of my family and friends

If the French chevalier, Monsieur Vernicour is still in New South Wales, you may say that enquiries have been made after him by Messieurs Froberville and Palerne, formerly his brother officers in the regiment of the I. of France. These two gentlemen are amongst my acquaintance, as also are the families D'Arifat, Pitot, Chazal and Chevreau, La Chaise and others, with whose names will be known to M. Vernicour

The last letters I have received from England were dated in October 1805, from my brother and wife, and Mr. Aken who had just then arrived with a part of my charts and books: since that time, I am a total stranger to the state of my family, my friends, and of all that has passed in England, which occasions me great inquietude. I would give a great deal to know, even what you know of the situations of all that were with us in the old Porpoise, and much to know how all my friends do in New South Wales, amongst whom the families of Paterson, Palmer, McArthur and Jamieson I suppose still remain. Have the goodness to recal

[Page 54]

to recal me kindly to their remembrance. Tell John Palmer, that his box of letters and accounts I believe to be still safe with all the other private letters committed to my charge, the public despatches of gov. King and col. Paterson only having been opened (I believe) by the French, the private letters in those boxes will however probably be returned to me, sho some time or other, should peace arrive or my liberation be ordered by the French government. It has been in part the fear of leaving all these letters behind and losing them, that prevented me from making my escape during the time I was shut up in prison; for I am not unacquainted that they contain many affairs very important to the writers of them and some of them to me. At present that I am upon parole, an escape is impossible, though

otherwise very easy should be imprisonment continue much longer, without any augmentation of my hopes of obtaining justice shall at length be obliged to renounce my parole, and all the books, letters and papers that are kept from me.

Upon the presumption, that orders will arrive from France before the end of May, when the season for arrivals from Europe will be past for this year; and that my liberation or transmission from to France should be directed, it is probable that I shall be in England in the beginning of next year; soon after which I shall endeavour to obtain a ship to finish my voyage. Such are my present intentions, but so many obstacles stand in the way, and so many unforeseen circumstances may happen, that it is very uncertain that I shall ever see N.S. Wales again; I however shall ever preserve much affection for the colony and have its interest much at heart. To the governor I have written an account of the manner in which maize is prepared here for the table, and if you can overcome your prejudices, you will find it an excellent substitute for rice and even for bread, in the country or in case of necessity: the greater part of the inhabitants here farmers in this country make use of little else

Since my arrival, this island and Bourbon have been tormented constantly, either with a dearth of rain, with floods or repeated hurricanes, as if God was punishing the governor for his injustice towards me. The islands are at present so distressed, that maize is in one six, and in the other ten dollars the hundred pounds, and all other articles of food for the negroes, at least four times its their ordinary price: the many farmers are mostly ruined and the many merchants becomeing bankrupts; Unfortunately the burden of distress does not fall upon the governor, but upon the innocent and benevolent inhabitants, of whom I believe half would be very glad to have a morsel of land in New South Wales to retire to: Our cruizers, which surround this island eight or nine months of the year, in a great measure prevent supplies being obtained from Madagascar. It seems difficult to find a corner of the world where peace and security may be found; and if you could but think so, I believe the inhabitants of New South Wales approach nearer to that happy state, than those of most other countries: It is not clear that you will not see me

[Page 55]

one day a settler.

Was it not for the extreme difficulty and length of conveyance from hence to Port Jackson in time of war, I should have written, and would now write, to many of my friends: I hope they will consider themselves as having a part in this, and preserve fore me a place in their recollection and friendship. I have named some, but there are several others also, whom I recollect, and by whom I desire to be recollected with kindness. Write to me, my dear Grimes, in England, and request as many others to do the same as will take the trouble: Address under cover to W.A. Standert Esq. Norfolk Street - Strand, where if the good God has not condemned me to perpetual slavery, I hope one day to receive those tokens of their kindness, and to answer them.

You who know me, will readily conclude, that although in confinement, three-years and a half, have not wholly past with me in doing nothing. I have nearly completed my charts, written much relating to the Investigator voyage, made myself master of the French Language so far as to write and speak it intelligibly, and have recalled to my recollection many subjects of my early studies; besides having gained, I hope, much useful experience, and several valuable friends. The detention of many of my charts, books, and papers prevent me from doing much more of my voyage.

Mons. Coutance arrived here in 1804, after having been at Peru. He got aground in Torres' Strait, but did not suffer much injury. He visited me in prison two or three times, and would have done me service had it been in his power. Mons. Giraudais, whom he left at Sydney to conduct the old Nautilus a vessel belonging to him and Simeon Lord, has never been heard off, and is supposed to be lost. His father in law M. Le Roux, is an sick inhabitant of our neighbourhood.

If you write to col. Collins at Van Diemens Land, remember me to him; and above all do not neglect to write me the news of the colony and my acquaintances, being assured that your letter will be received with much satisfaction, by

your affectionate friend

Mattw. Flinders

I have seen what governor King caused to be published in the Sydney gazette concerning my imprisonment, and his letter to general DeCaën was received about 10 months since: it made the general exceedingly angry and did me some harm, though I am persuaded certain, it was written with the best intentions, and the satisfaction I received from knowing that the governor interested himself so warmly more than counterbalanced the inconvenience that resulted from the generals anger. It is necessary to remember, that everything published at Port Jackson finds its way, sooner or later, here

[Page 56]

[Letter No. 35]

To Mr. Campbell - merchant at Calcutta

Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

March 25 1807

D Sir

I have some time since learnt that the letter I inclosed to you for His Excellency governor King at Port Jackson, was safely received, for and I beg you to accept my thanks for your trouble and punctuality; at the same time that I take the liberty of making a reputation of my demand repeating my former request. The two inclosed letters for His Excellency governor Bligh and Mr. Grimes, I beg the favour of you to forward by the earliest occasion that may offer for New South Wales

I am in some degree of anxiety concerning my old friend Mr. Smith of Pulo Penang, it is so long since I have heard anything of, and still longer any thing from him, that I know not whether he is living or dead, happy or miserable; and he is so bad a correspondent, that I have not had a letter from him during these last seven years. From Tranquebar, if you have any correspondent there, letters are easily conveyed to this island, as I will will beg the favour of you to inform Mr. Smith when you write to him; as also, that my hopes of obtaining liberty seems to be as remote as ever, the new trouble upon the continent will p have, and will probably so much occupy the attention of the French government, that the Isle of France, and much more my situation in it, seem to be forgotten by the minister.

I have the honour to be, Sir, with much regard

Your obliged and humble servant

Mattw Flinders

My address in this island is under cover to Monsieur T. Pitot - a L Isle de F. and in England to W.A. Standert Esq. Norfolk St. Strand - London

[Page 57]

[Letter No. 36]

To Monsieur de Bassin Au Port

Wilhems Plains April 4. 1807

Sir

Mr. Labauve has informed me of your purpose to make a voyage to India, and of your wish to have a letter of recommendation from me. I shall have much pleasure in complying with your desire, so far as regards a general letter can be of service, addressed to the captains of His Majestys navy whom you may meet with on the passage or in the port where you may arrive; but having no particular acquaintances in India it is consequently out of my power to address it to any person in particular. I propose to be in town on the 10th or 11th of this month, and if you will do me the favour to call upon me at Mr. Pitots or in my pavilion at the house of M. Deverinne to give me the necessary information, the letter shall be written immediately afterwards

I have thought that bills upon India, or bills upon the British government which should be ready money in India without discount, might perhaps be not inconvenient to you. If this is the case, I offer you a set for twel 12,00 297 pounds 18 shillings sterling, at ten days sight or any longer term you think proper. This is pay due to me, and for which I am authorized to draw for upon the Commissioners of the Navy by an act of Parliament. The rate at which my friends have hitherto cashed my bills has been at 4 1/2 dollars for the value of a guinea, or 21 shill 20 shillings for 21 in bills which gives 1273 1/2 dollars for £297.18; but how far this proportion may meet your approbation I know not. As I am not under an immediate necessity for this money, I only propose it to you in the case that it should suit your convenience

You will have the goodness to send your answer to Mr. Ed. Pitot, who will convey it to me, and if you desire the letter of recommendation before the time that I propose to be in town, you have only to mention it and the object of your voyage.

I have the honour to be, with Sir, with consideration

your faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 58]

[Letter No. 37]

A Monsieur Kerjean sur son habitation a Mocha

Sir

Having obtained a permission to pass a few days in town, it was my intention to have paid my respects to you and at your house; and to have consulted you upon the expediency of making a visit to general De Caen, to induce him, if possible, to make some decision upon the long and extraordinary detention I have undergone in this island. (It is now almost three years and a half that since the general submitted the judgement of my case to the government, and no decision has yet been made; it seems therefore reasonable to suppose that not an unreasonable request to make the general might that he would send me to France to be examined, or at least permit me to go there upon my parole to solicit a termination to the affair (I am desirous that some respectable man, possessing a conside- and independent man would take the trouble to request an audience of the general for me; and that in case it should be refused and that he would have the goodness to instruct himself in the leading circumstances of my situation, that in case the general should refuse to see me, he might be able to reason with him and such answer such objections as the general might make against changing my situation position. Your character Sir, and the interest concern you have been pleased to express for my interest take in my situation, have directed my eyes towards you, but if you consider that such an office measure can in any way com affect you disagreeably, you will decline it without ceremony: of your inclination to serve an officer in misfortune I cannot doubt

Have the goodness, Sir, to favour me with your answer and if it should be affirmative, to say whether you shall be in town in two or three days, or if you think it proper that I should come to Mocha to furnish you with the necessary information, which I can readily do without inconvenience.

[Page 59]

I have the honour to be, with the greatest consideration and regard, Sir,

your most obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

Port N.W. April 14. 1807

[Letter No. 38]

A Monsieur Kerjean sur son habitation - a Mocha

Port Napoleon April 18. 1807

My dear Sir

It grieves me that I had not been better acquainted with the position you are in with respect to the captain-general [de Caen], previously to the application I had the honour of making to you the other day for I can readily enter into your sentiments in being under the necessity to refuse it me: you will however be consoled on being satisfied of my conviction, that it does not arise from an anxious desire to serve me, but the refusal arises solely the want of from the peculiar circumstances of your situation with the general, and in learning that Mr. Beckmann who is supposed to be well with him, has undertaken the task with much ardor. I expect today or tomorrow the answer to his application for an audience for me, and there is some reason to hope it may be favourable

Accept, I beg of you Sir, my very sincere warmest thanks for the generous offers you have madke me in you letter, and of which, should I find the necessity, I shall take the liberty of availing myself. Fearing to incommode my friends, I had previously made an offer to Mr. Des Bassayns who sails very soon for India of bills some bills upon England for cash that I

expect to have occasion for, and which he has accepted; but had I received your very obliging letter sooner, I should have proposed them to you. Your sentiments, my dear Sir Your generous anxiety to be of service

[Page 60]

service to men in misfortune, I can only compare to an impetuous torrent, which being obstructed in its ordinary channel, would have received relief in having another path opened to it, which occasion of gratifying your own feelings by serving me, the acceptance of my bills would have afforded

Should my project for obtaining liberation, succeed in so altogether or in part, I will take the liberty of making you the communication; and in any case, I beg you to be assured of the sincere esteem and consideration with which I have the honour to be

my dear Sir

your very obliged and

faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 39]

To captain Vashon of His Majestys ship Pitt in India

Seized by the French government here

Boand Wilhems Plains May 11. 1807

Dear Sir

I know that you did me the favour of sending me a note here, whilst you was cruizing off the island, though I never received it. It was, however, a very agreeable piece of information, as it let me know that the very long interruption of our acquaintance had not made you forget that we had known each other at Port Jackson in 1795. I embrace the occasion of offered by the departure of one of Mr. Boand, one of a Swiss merchant one of my most confidential acquaintances for Madras, to make you my acknowledgements; and should you meet with him he will give you every material information of my situation in this island that you may desire, but the detail of which are is too long to enter into a letter. It is sufficient her to say here, that at present I am nearly as comfortably situated as I can expect to be, in the house of a lady, whose eldest son was once your prisoner, and who speaks of the treatment he received on board the Pitt with pleasure

[Page 61]

Monsieur Labauve d`Arifat, was taken in sight of Bourbon in the month of July or August 1805, and you may perhaps remember him from the circumstance of his offering you the bayonet of his musquet, but that instead of taking it you returned him his musquet and his black servant also: he was put to mess with the gunner of whom he speaks with much praise.

If you should be inclined to favour me with a letter, Mr. Boand, who will

furnish you with his address, will convey in it to me with by a channel upon which we have agreed; and in so doing you will afford a particular satisfaction to

dear Sir

your affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 40]

To Mr. W. H. Robertson - assistant Surgeon in the regiment of native infantry at Calcut in India

Seized by the French Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

government here Boand May 11. 1807

My dear Sir

I have received three letters from you since I had the misfortune to lose the pleasure of your Society, one dated March 7 8. 1805 from Philadelphia, recd. Aug. 5, the second May 27. 1805 from London received May 16. 1806, and the third July 20. 1805 from London, received Oct. 22. 1805. This last came direct, and was accompanied by letters from my dear wife Mrs. Flinders and fro Sir Joseph Banks, and afforded me the highest satisfaction, I the news of my liberty excepted, that I am capable of receiving at the Isle of France I took it exceedingly kind of you, thus to inform my friends of the conveyances that came to your knowledge and to send me their letters: it is a service of which I shall ever retain the most lively remembrance. Since then I have received only one packet of letters from England, from Mr. Aken on his arrival from Mrs. F. and my brother, and since Oct. 1805 I have no intelligence of what may have passed in my family, or what has been done or is doing to obtain my liberation.

You would receive Etienne from the hands of Mr. Aken; he does not mention the circumstance, from which I infer that my wishes in that respect were executed.

I have seen in the Madras gazettes, that the Company had

[Page 62]

had accorded you two years of service and pay, from the time of your departure from the presidency, from which I infer, that you had the intention of returning to India, and I hope are by this time safely arrived. In that confidence I embrace the opportunity of the departure of our my Swiss friend, Mr. Boand, for India to write give you some intelligence of me, though indeed I have nothing but disappointments to relate. General De Caen constantly refuses to send me to France, or permit me to go there on my parole to render myself a prisoner and obtain an examination; nor will he grant me an audience, saying that it is useless since he can make no change in my situation until he shall receive the orders of his government.

You will have pleasure in conversing with Mr. Boand, with whose zeal to serve oblige me, and his steady attachment to the British cause, you are acquainted. He will relate to you all the circumstances of my situation, should you meet with him; and as he purposes to go from Madras to Calcutta, I think it this probable. At any rate, in remitting you this letter, he will furnish you with his address, and afford you the means of writing conveying a letter to me; and I hope you will inform me of your voyage, and situation and prospects, in which I take much interest, at the same time that you tell me what you may know to have passed or be passing relating to myself and situat unfortunate situation here. Send me some newspapers, or magazines or registers if you have any, and if you can procure me a late Steeles' List, you will afford me much pleasure. Our friend Thomas Pitot and John Exshaw left me me this morning: they are just returned from Bourbon. Edward is married to his niece Miss Rouillard.

If you meet with any of our Maison Despeaux acquaintances be so good as to remember me kindly to them, and should you meet with John James Franklin, a young the nephew of my mother in law, you will much oblige me by making acquaintance with, and shewing attention to him, I learn that he is cornet in one one of the native regiments, and I hope you will find him worthy of your notice. I shall write to him and to Major Henry by this conveyance. I pray you my dear Sir, to believe me

your very affectionate and sincere friend

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 63]

[Letter No. 41]

To Cornet John James Franklin of the regiment of native Cavalry in India

seized by the French government Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

Boand May 11. 1807

My dear John James

I have long since learned from Mrs. Flinders that you was to embark for India, and I see in the Madras gazettes that you are arrived and are promoted to a cornetcy, though of what regiment I have yet to learn. Mrs. F. tells me also that you have a letter from for me, but which I have not yet received, probably because you have not been able to find a conveyance. The occasion now offers. Mr. Boand, a Swiss merchant, and a very particular acquaintance and confident of mine, leaves this island in a few days for Madras, and He will remit you this letter, and furnish you with his address. you may address my letters to him undercover to him at Mr. Francis Latours - Madras. I request you to see him, if you can find the occasion, and at any rate to remit to him the letter of Mrs. F. and any others you may have for me, joining to them a letter from yourself containing the state of our families and friends when you left them, - some account of your voyage and situation in India, the friends you have there, and the prospects before you.

By this conveyance I write to my friends Major Henry of the 19th dragoons and to Mr. R. Mr. Walter H. Robertson assistant surgeon in one of the native regiments; and I shall recommend you to their notice and acquaintance. These are valuable men, and will be of service to you, if nothing on your part prevents it my dear John James, prevents it. Let me recommended to you to avoid as much as possible the dissipation and expense into which most young men fall on arriving in India, and above all to be strict in your principles of uprightness and honour. The first step to which is to avoid contracting debts a fall from these is to contract debts we are unable to pay; avoid this very carefully, for the ill consequences are incalculable. If you must the two gentlemen I have mentioned, particularly Mr. Robertson, cultivate his acquaintance, unbosom yourself freely to him; if you have embarrassments, consult him upon them. He is a well informed man,

[Page 64]

and as I hope it is your desire to distinguish yourself, both in the service and in society, his conversation will be a stimulus to your exertions in gaining useful knowledge. Make it a point, my dear John James, to be master of your profession. Study the theory of it, at the same time that you follow the practice with unremitting zeal, and do not suffer the effeminate luxury of India to destroy the energy of your mind, as it does that of the greater part of military officers. I do not expect you to be a Cynic or a Stoic, but I hope you will become a good officer and a well informed gentleman. With these recommendations you will make your way in any part of the world, and will meet with obtain the interest of all who are capable of appreciating merit; and you will be satisfied, that independently of the ties of friendship which unite our families, you will have in me a zealous friend who may may perhaps one day have it in his power to render you essential assistance

Had I not many other letters to write and much occupation, my letter, (or lecture as perhaps you will call it,) should be much longer, as long as I hope yours will be to me; but you will know that what I wrote is from the heart, and the desire I have to see you one day a distinguished officer: you have a brilliant field open to you it will depend upon your exertions to fulfil my hopes and those of your family.

Adieu my dear John James, do not be ashamed to think seriously; and believe me to be one of amongst the most affectionate of your friends, I request you to consider

your very faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

I have yet no certain hopes of returning to England

For P.S. See page 125

[Page 65]

[Letter No. 42]

To Major Henry of H.M. 19th Dragoons - Arcot or elsewhere

Seized by the French government Wilhems Plains in Isle of France

Boand March May 11. 1807

My dear Sir An occasion offering The departure of my Swiss friend Mr. Boand, for Madras, furnished me with the occasion of writing again recalling myself to your reco friendly recollection, and letting you know that I am still detained in this villainous island and without any certitude of being liberated. I wrote you in July last, expressing my acknowledgements for your letter by colonel Kerjean. That letter was written in the expectation of its being seen by the Chef d'etat-major here, as actually took place; but Mr. Boand, will either see you, or furnish you with his address at Madras, and will convey to me your letters without any fear of a similar inspection. Write me then, my dear Sir, a fuller detail of your situation and that and every thing which you know will be interesting to me

Have you seen my young friend John James Franklin, cornet in one of the native regiments, of whom I wrote to you before? Should you meet with him, permit me to recommend him to your acquaintance and friendship. He was the bearer of a letter for me from Mrs. Flinders, but apparently has had no means of sending it: the opportunity of Mr. Boands voyage to Madras, will I hope furnish him with an occasion, and as I write to him, he will doubtless make use of it

Since Oct. 1805, I have no news from my family or from England, and am consequently a stranger to every thing that has taken place there since that period. The governor of Port Jackson [Philip Gidley King] wrote some time since to general De Caën a violent letter relating to my imprisonment, and inclosed a copy of one he had received from me. Together, they made the general exceedingly angry, but this is now pretty well passed over; he however, refused to see me lately when I requested the honour of an audience, saying that it was useless, since he could make no change

[Page 66]

change in my situation until he should receive the orders of his government. I offered to give him my parole of honour to render myself up to the French government, and to go direct to France if he would permit me, and if he required it to furnish him with the surety of several respectable inhabitants of the island for the performance of my promise; but he would listen to no proposition of any kind; and thus, as the season for arrivals from France is nearly passed for this year, and we have no intelligence from thence of any kind, my prospects remain as uncertain as ever, or rather the little hope I have till now entertained is nearly lost: and what will be the end of the general's very extraordinary proceedings is very uncertain.

Be so good, my dear Sir, to remember me very affectionately to your good and charming Mrs. Henry, and believe me to be, with the most sincere esteem

Your faithful friend and humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. See bottom of next page * and page 124

[Letter No. 43]

To Mr. Christopher Smith Esq. F.L.S. Botanist at Pulo Penang

Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

Seized by the French government May 11. 1807 Boand

My dear friend

No letter yet from you! Three years and a half have I been within three weeks sail of you, and yet I cannot learn any thing of you! I have lost no occasions of writing to Pulo Penang, in the confidence that your friendship for me remains the same, and the occasion opportunity which the departure of Mr. Boand, a swiss merchant for India Madras, furnishes, induces me to continue the practice. Mr. Boand is one of my particular and confidential acquaintances, and may possibly take Pulo I your island in his route: at any rate he will furnish you with the means of writing to me conveying your letters to me, so that now, my [word crossed out and indecipherable] friend you will be without an excuse; and I pray you do not let the letter be short, keeping it in your mind that I have received no letter from you since my arrival in England in 1800.

[Page 67]

( Not inserted in the second time

( The season for arrivals from France is almost passed for this year, and (no orders relating to me, or intelligence of any kind have been received; and (general De Caën still refuses to make any change in my situation until he (shall receive orders; so that the probability of obtaining my liberty is still as (uncertain as when I first arrived came to the island. I have nevertheless (taken every measure that had any probability of being attended with success, (in writing to different people both in France and in England, and if my last (letters should fail, I can no longer entertain any hope: my cause will be (desperate.

I shall request Mr. Boand either to see or to write to Mr. Campbell at Calcutta, in the hope that some of your letters for me are remaining in his hands; and I do assure you, that if he is successful in procuring any, they will be to me a very high treat. He knows how to convey them to me immediately. A Should Mr. B. visit your island I beg you to shew him attention. He is a worthy, good, and strictly honest man: the outside is a little rough, but the interior man is sterling, and he is a staunch friend to the British cause; by the bye, his attachment to England has brought him into many little troubles here, and made him enemies, but he cannot be the less liked on this account by a British subject

(Not inserted - Do not my dear friend let this occasion slip of writing to me (fully, such another may perhaps never offer; and believe me as ever

your most affectionate and sincere friend

Mattw. Flinders

For P.S. see page 112

* P.S. to Major Henrys letter [of 11 May 1807, p.66]

Mr Boand has requested me to make application to my Lord Bentinck in favour of a young man named Pierre Marie Guezenec, prisoner at Poonamalee, whose father here is infirm on his bed sighing for the absence presence of the only son he has here brought from France with him. I wish much to accomplish Mr. B's desire particularly as the poor father is connected with a family who have done me many kindness; but I know not how my lord might consider a third application of this sort from me, and am therefore afraid to make it. You see my lord sometimes, and perhaps your representation might have the desired effect, and would oblige me very much.

[Page 68]

[Letter No. 44]

To Mr. John Campbell - merchant at Calcutta

Wilhems Plains in the I. of France

Seized by the French Government May 11. 1807

Boand

Dear Sir

I embrace the occasion afforded me by the departure of my friend Mr. Boand, a Swiss merchant for Madras and perhaps for Calcutta, to request you will have the goodness to remit to him any letters you may have in your possession for me, as he is acquainted with the means of sending them here to me. Mr. Boand is a worthy and very honest man, in whom I have the greatest who has rendered me many services, and I doubt not in whom I have the greatest confidence; you may therefore safely intrust to his care any communication you may have the goodness to make me, either concerning Mr. Smith, my situ the opinion that is entertained in India upon my situation the conduct of general De Caen towards me, or any other subject. If Mr. Boand does not visit Calcutta he will remit you this letter, with his address, and I beg the favour of you to profit by this rare occasions as early as possible.

I have the honour to be, Sir

your obliged and very obedient servant

Mattw. Flinders

For a P.S. see page 111

[Letter No. 45]

To Lieut. Wrayford of H.M. ship Russel Sceptre

Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France Seized by the French government May 12. 1807

Boand

Dear Sir

The letter that you did me the favour to write on September 27. 1806 was duly brought in by the captain person to whom it was entrusted, but did not come to my hands until the January following, owing to my being so seldom permitted to visit the town, and the little care which the under officers of the Etat-major took in my concerns what related to me. I feel much obliged by the concern you express for my situation and for your obliging

[Page 69]

offer of furnishing you me with money; but independently of the difficulty almost impossibility of communication, the friends I have made in this island do not permit me to be in want: I have hitherto found no difficulty, after the first few months, of obtaining cash for my navy bills at a very moderate [word indecipherable].

You will be pleased to know; that, as a prisoner, I have hat present little or no cause of complaint; but I complain heavily of being a prisoner contrary to the established usages toward officers employed in the peaceful occupation of making discoveries for the benefit of all nations, - contrary to my passport, - contrary to every principle of humanity and justice; neither have I any, or but very little prospect of being released or of obtaining an examination into the affair.

Not inserted in the second letter (General De Caën remitted the decision to the French minister of the marine (and the colonies, who appears to have found the case so so difficult and (unprecedented, that he refused to interfere, but referred it to the Council of (State where it rests. I have made frequent demands requests to be sent to (France, or to be permitted to go there upon my parole, but they are (constantly refused; and thus, I whilst I have been deprived of making any (advantage by the war, I in consequence of bearing a passport, I am (suffering its one of the most disastrous consequences that arised from it, (effects, - a long imprisonment, privation from promotion and the other (consequences that might be expected to result from my labours, besides (absence from my country, and my family, and my favourite employments; (and all these because it is suspected, that in coming to the Isle of France (after being shipwrecked I had some bad intentions towards the French (nation; but to which, in any impartial mind, the whole tenor of my conduct (affords proof to the contrary.

What will be the termination of this extraordinary affair, I cannot foresee, for the difficulty of obtaining justice from a prejudiced enemy is too great to be reckoned upon a favourable issue with any confidence. In the eye opinion of my own nation of my brother officers, and even of the better part of Frenchmen, my

[Page 70]

conduct I stand trust, stands unimpeached; and more I hope it will be found, that the dignity of a British subject, and of an officer commanding one of His Majestys ships has not been suffered degradation in my hands. We cannot command events or always foresee the consequences that prejudice and injustice suspicion may draw from the most innocent actions, but every honest man will endeavour to follow the path that ought to entitle him to success, and that I followed to the best of my judgment.

I entrust this letter to the care of Mr. B John Boand, a Swiss merchant going to Madras, and as he is a person in whom I have great confidence, and who knows almost every particular of my situation, you may make of him every enquiry you think proper, and intrust to him any letter that you may do me the favour to write. It would be a pleasure to me to know the opinion that is generally entertained amongst His the naval officers, with respect to the conduct of general De Caen towards me, and if you would join to it the latest Steele's List it would be doing me a favour.

I request dear Sir, that you will believe me to be

your obliged & faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders.

For P.S. see page 126

[Letter No. 46]

To - Buchan Esq. Secretary to the government at Madras

Wilhems Plains in the I. of France

Seized by the French government May 19. 1807

Boand

Sir

Having learnt from general De Caën that my lord Bentinck took the trouble to make an application to him for my liberty some time since, I beg you will have the goodness, Sir to express my thanks to His Lordships for such a mark of his attention, and for his goodness in liberating Messrs. Edward and Joseph Merle from their imprisonment at Poonamalee at my request. At the same time, Sir, I beg you to excuse the liberty I have taken in desiring my Swiss friend Mr. John Boand to apply to you for a knowledge of the situation of several officers in India to whom he is the bearer of letters from me. Mr. Boand is a person in whose attachment to me and to our country I have the greatest confidence, and I a line of communication correspondence

[Page 71]

is agreed on between us, by which I can receive any communication here without its passing through the hands of this government: may I therefore beg of you, Sir, should any letters for me fall into your hands, that you will either send them to him or transmitting them to me by the same channel. I have no other excuse to make for thus addressing and troubling you, Sir, unless you will admit my being an officer in His Majesty's service and my unfortunate position to be such. Depending upon your favourable interpretation, I have the honour to be

Sir

Your very obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

Late commander of His

Majesty's ship Investigator

[Letter No. 47]

To Mr. Boand Port N.W.

Wilhems Plains May 20. 1807

Dear Sir

Your will herewith receive a packet containing my narrative to be delivered to Sir Edward Pellew or to his secretary, and this I beg the favour of you to do as soon as possible. On delivering the letter for Sir Edward, you will be so good as to say, that you can furnish &c.

On delivering the letter to Mr. Buchan the secretary to the government, you may request him to inform you of the situations of the different people to whom my letters are directed, and of the best means of sending them; I have spoken to him on this subject as you will see in the letter which I have left unsealed for that purpose you to read: after which, be so good as to put a wafer in it

On sending the letters from Madras, be so good as to write a few lines with each, informing the persons to whom they are addressed, of your residence at Madras, as also as also that of the person at Tranquebar who may take the trouble of forwarding letters to me, under cover to "Mons. T. Pitot, négociant à L'Isle de France"

I am very well satisfied with what what the shawl and the six pieces of muslin, the arrangement you have agreed made with Madame Curtat in regard to the shawl and six pieces of muslin and my servant will deliver a letter to Mr. Pitot wherein he will be requested to furnish you with the 75 dollars. When you send the packet

[Page 72]

request Mr. Pitot to forward it to me, or if I am gone, to follow such directions with respect to it as I may have given him. +

The public letter for you which is unsealed, you will of course keep ready to be presented on any occasion, and those for captain Vashon and Mr. Lt. Wrayford should also be at hand, as you may possibly meet with one or the other of them on the passage. The other letters will be stored away in your trunk.

You need not fear, dear Sir, but that I shall write to you if any particular circumstance occurs to me; and if nothing occurs, that you will hear from me every two or three months. I beg you very earnestly to write to me by all occasions, and to furnish me with all the interesting information you can collect, as also with the letters, magazines, newspapers, registers &c. with which any person may send to you for me. Should you be at any additional expense on my account, on being informed of it, it shall either be repaid to you with many thanks, or to Messrs. Agassiz & Wilson as you shall direct. My agent is Mr. Standert Norfolk St. Strand London, where, in case of my departure from hence, you can write to me, and where on your arrival in England you will learn where I am. If you have any very particular communication to make me here, you will do it in the manner we have agreed.

+Should you be able to meet with Annual Registers for 1804, 5, or 6 I will should be glad if to have them purchased for me: should I be gone, I shall give them to they will be for Mr. Pitot

When the day of your sailing shall be absolutely certain, and you are ready to embark, have the goodness to write me a line to tell me that all is well; and I wish you, my dear Sir, a happy voyage with all my heart, - that you may enjoy your health, and that I may often have the pleasure to know of these your proceedings. With these wishes, and the request that you will command me if I can do any thing for you here, or else where, I remain, my dear dear, Sir your obliged and very affectionate

humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

In your last letter, you made no mention of Mr. Grant?

[Page 73]

Letters &c. committed to the charge of Mr. Boand

For Sir Edward Pellew one packet one packet

Seized - Do one letter one letter

The captain of any of His Majesty's ships one letter

Seized - Buchan Esq. Secretary at Madras one letter

....Do... Captain Vashon of H.M. ship Pitt one do

....Do Lt. Wrayford of H.M. ship Sceptre one do

....Do Major Henry - 19th dragoons one do

....Do Mr. Walter H. Robertson - assistant surgeon one do

....Do Cornet James Franklin of the Cavalry one do

Do Mr. Christopher Smith - Pulo Penang one do

....Do Mr. John Campbell - merchant at Calcutta one do

Mr. Andrew Jacobson - Bombay one do

In all one packet and eleven letters 1 - 10 letters

[Letter No. 48]

To M. Tomy Pitot - au Port

Wilhems Plains May 20. 1807

My dear Tomy

It is now several days since you have written to me; from whence I conclude you have paid a visit with Edward to your sister at Poudre d'Or. I conclude also, that the ship from New York has not brought any letters for me, since I doubt not you have complied with my request in making the enquiry, and would have told me at least, had there being been any

In one of my letters I requested you to take from the sum in your hands, sufficient to make up that received by your uncle from Mr. Desbassayns to 1,400 dollars; and I begged of you, or of your brother who perhaps knows this matter better, to send me my account up to the conclusion of this arrangement; and on Saturday next, when I expect the pleasure of seeing you at Vacouas, have the goodness to bring me the note from your uncle. As I suppose you will have still enough remaining in your hands, I have requested Mr. Boand to call upon you for 75 dollars, to execute a commission he has undertaken for me in India, and I will thank you to give 100 dollars to my servant for me for which I have occasion

How happy must your brother be at this time! His situation recalls to my

[Page 74]

my mind the happiness I enjoyed previous a few months previous to quitting England: and which awaits me on my return. This circumstance, my dear friend, adds not a little to the bitter news of my present situation. Oh God! will this burden of oppression never be removed taken from my shoulders? Am I doomed to languish, deprived of my nearest and dearest friend, and of prosecuting my projects for the advantage of myself and others, till years age shall deprive my faculties of their powers of action and of enjoyment?... But it is not in your breast, my dear friend, that there is occasion any occasion it is necessary to excite a sympathetic feelings. I know the great goodness of your heart and love you for it, as I respect your various talents: Excuse me for having thus excited a sensation in you an unpleasant sensation.

You know, I believe, the intention of our good family, to pass a part or the whole of the month of June with Labauve at Tamarinds: I hope to see you there; but we will talk of that on Saturday.

If you have any news, be so good as it write it to me, and believe me

your most affectionate and sincere friend

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 49]

To Mr. Walter H. Robertson - Assistant surgeon - in the native infantry

Wilhems Plains May 26. 1807

My dear Sir

I am requested by my friends here to introduce to your notice Monsieur Laroche Souvestre, the son in law of Monsieur Foisy, president of the Society of Emulation, who is about to embark for India with the intention of fixing himself there. The situation of Mr. Foisy will shew you the consideration he enjoys in this island, and I have to add that I have myself received marks of attention from him, and know that he has been useful to Lieut. McCartney of the native cavalry when a prisoner, and I believe to others. I have not the pleasure of being personally acquainted with Monsieur Souvestre, but am assured that he is a worthy young man, and as I know the pleasure you will have in contributing to pay the debt of gratitude contracted here by your unfortunate countrymen, I am sure I need say no more to induce you to give him a favourable reception, and facilitate his introduction into Society; in doing which you will oblige

Your very affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 75]

[Letter No. 50]

Certificate given to John Elder on

his quitting me at the I. of France

This is to certify whom it may concern, that Mr. John Elder was my

steward on board His Majestys' ship Investigator late under my command, and afterwards on board the armed schooner Cumberland, and in the Isle of France, altogether nearly more than six years; and that as a faithful, attentive, sober, and honest servant he has always conducted himself very much to my satisfaction; he has also for three years past been in the habit of making out fair copies of my public letters, my journals, and various other important papers, which he has always done with mu very neatly and with much readiness. I have always placed the greatest confidence in his integrity and have never once had reason to repent it. I do therefore recommend him him to any person gentleman, as a steward, a copying clerk, or as a person proper to take charge of goods a store house, or for, any other employment of a similar kind, in full confidence that his care and integrity will do honour to my recommendation

He has remained with me three years and a half here as a prisoner when he might have obtained his liberty by quitting me; but seeing that I am still kept, with very little hopes of a release before the conclusion of the present war, I have complied with his long delayed request to obtain a permission for him to depart leave this island, although in so doing I lose a most valuable servant and assistant whom I wish will with all my heart and wish it was in my power to serve

Given under my hand at the Isle of France this

1 day of July 1807

Mattw. Flinders - Late commander of

his majestys' ship Investigator, employed on

discoveries with a French passport

[Page 76]

[Letter No. 51]

To Mrs. Flinders - Partney near Spilsby Lincolnshire

Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

Elder May 31. 1807

Oh my dearest love, the six months are elapsed of which I spoke in my last letter to thee of Dec. 11. 1806 are elapsed and yet no change, no better prospect, no increase of hope of again returning to thee. The few circumstances that have occurred since then I will detail to thee

Last month I went by permission to the town, and through the medium of a Swedish Danish gentleman, intimate with the captain-general [de Caen] I requested the honour of an audience, intending to use all the reasonings and persuasions in my power to induce him to let me go to France seeing that no orders arrived concerning me. I would have given him my parole of honour to go as direct as possible without touching at an English port, and moreover the surety of several respectable French inhabitants here for the performance of my promise. Fearing the general might refuse to see me, I requested instructed my friend in all the various circumstances of my situation, and what I desired to obtain. The gentleman He had much conversation with the general, but the result was, that he refused to see me; it being, he said perfectly useless since it was not in his power to make any change until th orders from France to that effect should arrive: he pretended to be sensible of the hardship of my situation, but laid the whole blame of it upon me. Thus my love, I was left without hope; and I learned at the same time a piece of news that added to my uneasiness. The arrival of my old Investigator in England! That she should have been condemned as utterly irreparable at Port Jackson, and yet that after a further lapse of time governor King should have attempted to repair and send her to England, is to me an unaccountable circumstance; and I think there are but few commanders that would have risked the risk a ships company on board of her. Nevertheless it has seems, the thing has been done, and may perhaps furnish my enemies with further grounds of suspicion against me, but unjustly; for had I even known that it the report of survey even been reported that she might have been capable of carrying us to England, (fit to continue the voyage she could not) yet the length of time would have deter necessary for the reparation at Port Jackson would have deterred me from rendered it very impolitic in me to waiting for her, when the sole object was the difference of returning in one ship rather than in another

After this refusal of the general to see me, I thought of waiting till the

[Page 77]

end of June, the time when arrivals from France are no longer expected, and then to send away my servant Elder with all the remaining valuable books and papers in my possession; afterward to demand back my parole of honour, and take the first opportunity of escaping from prison; but this plan has been disappointed by the following circumstance

Since the refusal of the general, my poor Elder, the faithful servant and companions of all my dangers and misfortunes for six years past, has fallen into such a state of melancholy and despair, that I have been under apprehensions for his intellects and even for his life. He has taken it into his head, that every body about us and even the whole of the island are more or less our enemies, and are laying plots against us, although we have been constantly and are still treated with the greatest kindness by the good family with which we still remain; but and every proof of attention and kindness, he construes into the effect of art to cover their designs; and there is not a book, or a newspapers that he reads which does not furnish him with imaginary proofs of this conspiracy. If he sees two people talking together, he thinks it must be about us him; if they laugh it is in ridicule of him, and all the reasonings and proofs I give him to the contrary cannot eradicate his ridiculous suspicions. I have only been able to console him by applying for a permission for him to leave the island immediately, in which I expect to succeed; but in the deranged state of mind in which he is I cannot trust anything with him

If I can find any safe occasion of sending away my papers, I shall still endeavour to prosecute my plan, for I can see no other mode of procuring liberty. The bloody wars, and the mighty intrigues in which France is engaged, leaves the government no time or inclination to think of a poor English prisoner so far off; and our own government does not seem to have taken any materials steps to put them in mind of the justice due to me. It is now more than fifteen months that this governor has received any despatches, two French frigates destined for this island, having, it is Said, been taken by our cruizers. It is possible, that had they come arrived here, some orders concerning me might have been received: the general himself said, that he fully expected the first despatches would contain them, but it is now near three years that I have entertained the same expectation and have been constantly disappointed; so that I have no more confidence. I will wait, however, to see June out before I take any any

[Page 78]

any step.

As some conso To console thee a little for this melancholy news, I will inform thee that I enjoy good health, and that the sadness and melancholy that took possession of me some time is much abated. The excellent family with whom I remain, continue as well as my dear friend Mr. Thomas Pitot, to do everything in their power to comfort and to amuse me; and I have also many other friends that take a warm interest in my situation. One of these last a Swiss, is just going to sail for him India, and by him I have written to James Franklin, Mr. Robertson, the admiral, and every person with whom I have any intimate acquaintance. This friend will establish a line of correspondence with me from India, and send me all letters to my address that may fall into his hands. Should it be the will of Providence that I am still to remain long in this island, let me beg of thee my dearest love to write to me by that channel. Put thy letters under cover to Mr. Francis Latour at Madras, and request him to forward them to me by the way that Mr. John Boand, a Swiss gentleman will have informed him.

I have no letter from thee, my beloved, since that dated Oct. 1805, which I attribute to the departure of colonel Barclay from New York for England: if any have arrived here they have fallen into the hands of the general, who has not thought proper to let me have them nor have I received any since then from any quarter of the world.

In my last letters I proposed £30 or £40 per annum to Mr. Tyler, as a recompense to Mr. Tyler for the expense he is at on thy account, and I gave the necessary order to my agent. I hope my love that affair will be arranged to thy satisfaction, until the moment arrive when I can again have thee to myself. Preserve thyself, my dearest, for that mom happy moment. Thy constant affection and a moderate independence, which I hope we shall then have, will console me for all my misfortunes; and whether the admiralty shall employ me, give me any good situation or not, I shall care very little. The days of active youth are fast passing away with me, (alas! that they are passing in prison!) and I shall be more anxious after retirement and domestic happiness than in following the dictates of ambition

[Page 79]

Having found a good occasion, I have lately drawn for the whole of the personal pay due to me, so that I have now more than a thousand dollars at interest here. This is a provision I have made against a moment of necessity, as well as that the to put the money to some use; and in case I should be sent away, the difference of exchange between this country and America or France will give me an advantage

If I have time, my love, I will write thee more.

June 1. 1807 I am not yet certain whether I shall obtain the permission for Elder to go away immediately, but if it has been given for him to go away to America; but as no ship will sail for that part of the world these six weeks or two months, it is not impossible that he may return to his right state of mind in that time; seeing that he cannot get away sooner, and that my plan may still take place: I am, however, obliged to close my letter to go away to India and thence to thee. Happy letter! happy seal! they will be received by thee with joy, perhaps receive a kiss. Oh that I was freed from the bond of my parole, and could as easily be transported to thee!

Still, my beloved, entertain hope. Misfortunes must some time have an end, and what happiness will be ours when they shall cease!

I have not time to write to my relations at present, nor th thine. Pray recommend to Samuel from me to keep himself in active service, and to be assured of the continuance of my brotherly affection; and present my kindest remembrances to all at Partney, Spilsby, Boston, Donington, and Spalding. With the most sincere esteem and friendship, and the most ardent affection - I am, my beloved, thy

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 52]

To Monsieur Thomy Pitot au Port - Wilhems Plains June 5. 1805

My dear friend

Both Elder and myself are surprised at the extortion of the Danish captain, and have no idea of having anything to do with him. When you shall be informed of the time that the American from Mr. Bousquet sails and whether he is disposed to take Elder, you will be so good as have the goodness to inform me. From the guns fired this morning, I imagine the Holstein is sailed, and I am very glad of it, having had some apprehensions for my letters &c. with Mr. B.

[Page 80]

who has so many enemies here, that I feared some of them might have perhaps attempted to stop his passage and my letters.

Your friendship and kindness towards me, my friend, and the services you have rendered to other English prisoners, I have considered to be sufficient authority for writing to the commanders of British men of war in favour of yourself, of some any of your relations, and some of your friends, but I fear my friend to extend it further further than to your particular friends.

I fear my friend, that unless you can inform of some services rendered to Englishmen prisoners, or some extraordinary merit in the two gentlemen, for whom you desire to have letters of recommendation, I cannot find a sufficient basis for my letter, to prevent my brother officers reproching me with inconsistence sacrificing the dignity of a public recommendation publicly recommending people whom I do not know, and in whose favour I have nothing to allege. These letters These are public letters, and for any thing I know, may be sent in the end to the Admiralty; for that of Frederic is the only one that, of all I have given, has ever been returned. I must therefore have a sufficient reason to allege for writing them, and I doubt that unless I can have some favourable circumstance to adduce of them themselves, their being your freinds as a multitude of others are will scarcely be thought a sufficient reason, for I really believe that half of the I of France and a portion of Bourbon are in the number. You know what pains it gives me not to comply with your least wish, and were it not that I fear to compromise myself in the opinion with my brother officers and perhaps with the admiralty, you should the least word from you would be sufficient to have the letter; but and if you know of any services rendered to Englishmen by one or other of these gentlemen in question, that I can state as a basis to my letter, I shall with great pleasure write them immediately; or if I can state either one of the other of them to be your very particular friends I will still make your great merit towards Englishmen I will make a sufficient authority to write in their favour.

To be of your family my friend, to be your relation, to be your particular friend I have considered to be sufficient merit upon which on to ground a recommendation, but cannot go, further, beyond this line, without I have something to allege in favour of the person himself. You will therefore let me know if there are any facts in favour of these gentlemen that I can allege be addressed in a letter; or if you have none, should you be very desirous of the letter, and I can state these gentlemen to be your very particular friends, I will still write them

(When you know the number of letters I have written in favour

for different people*, you will agree that some caution is requisite, and I am sure you do not desire me either to destroy injure my own reputation by acting a part unbecoming a British commander. (You, my friend, with ask me with in future with full liberty, the recommendations you wish, stating the grounds for it, upon which the recommendation should turn and I, with equal liberty, will grant them when I see sufficient authority, but must be per and decline them in other cases: thus we shall perfectly understand each other; and with respect to Messrs. Malherbe and Martin Bedier, I wait for the grounds to modify my letters accordingly.

With the most sincere esteem, I am my dear friend,
most affectionately Yours
F. Matthw. Flinders

*Quinot

Merles

Gravier

DeGlos

Leguen

Boisgris

Baudin

Pitot

Bergeret

Menesse

Mallac

Robert

DeGlos

Gravier

F.Pitot

Chauvet

Labat

Desbassayns

Boand

Deomouhy

[Page 81]

**To assist merit, to succour misfortune, to be serviceable to my friends, are amongst the first principles of my conduct; but as this assistance, this succour, this service, depends very much at this time upon the opinion entertained of me by others, to extend it indiscriminately to all would be to render it of use to none

[Letter No. 53]

To Lieut. S. W. Flinders - Royal Navy - Care of Mr. Standert

Wilhems Plains in the I. of France

Elder June 14 15. 1807

My dear Samuel

Two days since I had the situation satisfaction to received your excellent letter of July 20. and Aug. 12. 1806. It was welcome as coming from a dear friend and a brother, and for the information it contained, and satisfactory from the manner in which it is written, and the energy it displays. I trust my dear Samuel you will be every thing I hoped from you, and that I am even now proud to say lieut. S. W. Flinders is my brother. Speaking generally, I highly approve of what you have done with regard to the Board of Longitude; to approve altogether I must see the letters that have passed between you and Dr. Maskelyne. As you foresaw, I have received a letter from the doctor, at the same time with yours, in which after expressing his concern for my detention, he desires to know, 1st, relating to the astronomical observations made on board the Investigator, and the recompense (some) which is proposed to be given by the B. of Longitude to you or me, or both. I have already written an answer, in which after a short statement of the mode I adopted to fulfil the duty of the astronomical department, I say -"You will "therefore have the goodness to state to the Board of Longitude, that "whatever pecuniary recompense it may be pleased to think merited by the "astronomical observations made on board the Investigator, after the "departure of Mr. Crosley, that in my opinion it ought to be presented to "lieutenant S. W. Flinders, and that it is my request it may be so."

With respect to any promise I made upon this subject, I only remember that in order to secure your promotion on our return, it was always my intention to found a considerable part of the claim for you upon the astronomical assistance you gave me and even to wave my own claims on that head should it be necessary; and it was also my intention, in case the publication of the voyage was ordered, and from which any considerable sum should accrue to me, to abandon to you any thing the B. of L. might give; whether I ever

[Page 82]

*and that it was certainly sufficient authority for you to proceed as you have done.

whether I ever expressed as much I know not, but from what you say I suppose doubtless I did* In the present state of things, the justice of the affair seems to me to be this. If the board gives you £400 or more, it should be equally divided; if they give less, that you should take £200 and pay the remainder to Standert for me. At the same time I promise, that on the publication of the voyage, and I shall have received £1000 therefrom, to pay you back the divison arising to me as above. By this arrangment should my voyage be published and afford me some recompense you will receive the whole from the Board of Longitude; should it not be published, you will think it and consequently I receive nothing on that side, you will see it to be just, that I should have something as well as you; and at any rate £200 or thereabouts will be secured to you by this arrangement though I receive nothing. Finally if you do not think this arrangement does not safisfy you in every point I leave you to settle and dispose of it as you see proper. I love you to well, my dear Samuel, to dispute with you for a few pounds. it is impossible for me to know whether the voyage will ever be published, or whether if it should any advantage will ever accrue to me from it, or not; but whether or no: I give up all claim to the pecuniary recompense that may be granted me by the B. of Longitude: if my voyage should be published, and afford me anything worth while I shall applaud my present determination; if it should not, and the admiralty think that my imprisonment is the only recompense due to my labours, you may then, if you chuse make such a division of what you receive, as your sense of justice may suggest If from the uncertainity of the publication length of time that must elapse, as well as the uncertainity of any publication of the Investigator voyage you should think some immediate division ought to be made, what ever sum you may chuse to deposit either with Standert or my wife shall be repaid from the first money I may receive from that publication. My brother will see in this, the sense I have of the assistance he rendered me, and my confidence in his principles of right and wrong

You mention nothing of either Mr. Robertson of or Mr. Aken: have you seen neither of them? You do not say whether my imprisonment here has attracted much public notice in England or what is thought of it in England or whether it is probable that our voyage will be ordered to be completed: During such a war as the present, it is not indeed much to be expected that any voyage of discovery will be thought of. You seem to think that Sir Joseph B. has not much interest, or is but little inclined to use it; but I learn from Mrs. F. that captain Milius was not at liberty permitted to return to France upon the conditions of solliciting my liberation from the French Emperor through the national institute; and this must, I suppose, have been done at the instigation of Sir. J.: but perhaps he does not chuse to communicate to what he does his actions to you, or perhaps have you any have no correspondence with him. The only letter I have received, besides yours and Dr. Ms. is from Mrs. F. Standert has not written to me as you seem to have expected, consequently I have no statement of my account, or do I know what papers it is that are of my accounts are wanting and have caused my accounts them to be stopped or do I know whether what the whole or whether only from the survey in May 1802 only that will not be passed. If you knew what they were, you should it would have been useful to have told me, and I might then perhaps have remedied the defect by writing for a dispensing order from the admiralty: as it is I can

[Page 83]

do nothing. Never depend upon Standerts writing me what is necessary; for to judge from what is pastsed, unless a person should goes to him to demand his letter for me, saying that he will send it, I should suppose that he would never write to take the trouble to ask for a conveyance scarcely expect ever to hear from him he will not take the trouble to ask after the means of conveying me a letter for I have now received letters from England four different times without having one from him, though every time I write I have demanded to know if my power of attorney for W. A. Standert was received from this island for W.A. Standert, and to have the statement of my acct.

I am gratified by the account you gave me of our family, particularly our young sisters: I hope you write occasionally to Hannah. I wish you had told me something of your ship, your captain, and the service you are in on. In my last Steeles' List, I see the London was Adm. Duckworths' flag ship. It was the London that took admiral Linois on his return to France from this island: I had some correspondence with the admiral but did not know him personally. It should appear that you know nothing of him, or anything he may have said relating to me

Since my letter to you of Nov. 1805 which you mention having received, I wrote to you on March 29. 1806 and on Dec. 6. This last one was a very long letter, and acknowledged the receipt of yours dated Nov. 26. 1805, which had arrived on Sept. 26. 1806 ten months afterwards. Read this letter again Samuel, and consider that I again repeat it to you in addition to this. The same kind of life, and amongst the same people, I still lead as before. Nothing has arrived from France relating to me, nor will general De Caën make any change in my situation. Two months since I requested the honour of an audience, which he refused, though he professed to be very sensible of my misfortunes and to desire that it was in his power to alleviate them. At that time I learned from an American come from Port Jackson, that the Investigator had, after all, been repaired, and that captain Kent had taken her to England. I thus supposed, that the Investigator in the Steeles' List must be the same and had arrived safe; but you say not a word of it, though you frequently mention captain Kent, and tell me of his promotion. There is

[Page 84]

There is something in this affair, Samuel, which I cannot comprehend. If captain Kent received his promotion for taking home the Investigator, it follows that I am censured for quitting her! Is it possible that the old ship has arrived in this manner in England, and that neither you nor my wife make a any mention of the circumstance! I begin to think that I was wrong informed; but in what ship did captain Kent return?

A week since arrived the only ship we have seen from France for 16 months. She brings despatches, but as Bonaparte was not at Paris when she sailed, and a week has elapsed without my having as I have not yet heard one word from general De Caën on the subject, I suppose the neglect of the French government to my situation still continues; and I see more and more reason to believe that until it is intended to leave me thus until a peace shall rel unloose my bonds. And when are we to look for peace? Is it possible to obtain any security whilst the enormous power of France remains what it is? I see no probability of obtaining any terms but such as must compromise our national independence in less than five years. If the minister cannot find the ['i.e June 1812; France reduced in Mar 1814' has been added in pencil].

There is then no hope of justice for me, nor of liberty except it can be accomplished by flight. I am determined very soon to demand back the parole of honour I have given, and return to my prison; from whence I must make some attempt before December next. It is a very serious affair, and from the number of papers &c. I must leave behind, is what I desire to avoid; but to thus continue thus in bondage for ever is not to be endured.-

From my friend captain Bergeret, lately returned to France from this island, I have received a letter dated Jan. 26. 1807 at Paris. He had promised me to use his influence that a decision of some kind should be made by the government; but he writes me word that nothing was done, or could be, until the return of the emperor from Poland Warsaw; he indeed consoles me with the hope that a decision would be then made, but this, I believe, proceeded more from from his good wishes than his belief faith. I shall however, give time for another arrival, since it is said that two frigates are vessels in France were destined for this country. Should anything happen between before the sending of this letter, I will add a postscript, till when I am, my dear Samuel,

Your most affectionate friend and brother

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 85]

P.S. June 25. I am assured that general De Caen has received no orders relating to me; that he is sorry for it, but hopes (in the same manner as he has done for these twelve months I suppose) to receive them with various others, by the first arrival.

June 30. I send this letter by Elder; the last that came with me to this island. I have committed to his charge several charts and papers for the admiralty for my agent and others; preparatory to taking the ship I have in meditation. Adieu my dear brother. May God preserve you. Deserve at least

to merit his favour and that of all good men

[Letter No. 54]

The Right Honble Sir Joseph Banks - Bt K.B. President of the R. Society

Elder Wilhems Plains in the I. of France

July 1. 1807

Sir

A fortnight since I had the pleasure of receiving letters from England by the way of America, from which I learn as well as from the public papers that you, Sir Joseph were in health. My letters informed me that captain Milius had been permitted to return to France upon condition of endeavouring to obtain from the French emperor, through the National Institute, a permission for me to return to England, but a vessel which sailed from France at least six months after that, has arrived here with despatches for the captain general, without bringing any order or any relating to me. I am extremely apprehensive, that the French government leave me designedly in this state of neglect, and that there is no intention but to keep me so long as the war lasts, at least if a formal demand for the liberation of my papers, vessel, and myself is not made by his Majestys' ministers. Why, or with what view such a directive should be formed except the antipathy that seems to prevail with them against everything English, I am unable to divine. Doubtless they have been misled with respect to me by the false interpretations of general De Caen

Seeing that I have little or no hope left, I despatch my remaining books and papers by of most value including the Endeavour's log book and the books presented to me by Major Rennell, by John Elder a faithful trusty man John Elder who has remained with me till this time, and for whom I have obtained leave to quit the island. After getting back my parole I shall then be at liberty to embrace any occasion that may offer of making my escape; and notwithstanding the regret I have to leave behind me the books and papers which are still kept by general De Caën, I shall most probably be obliged to attempt it; since all hopes of liberty, from any other quarter by any other means - seem to fail me. In case of failure miscarriage by some one of the Americans which are frequently sailing from hence, I have written

[Page 86]

written to Sir Edward Pellew in India; and as I have many friends here, hope, some way or other to succeed before December next.

+

My charts &c. I have directed to the admiralty, and shall write a short letter to Mr. Dalymple upon the subject, who I am willing to hope, views my labours in the Investigator with a favourable eye.

With the anxious hope this may find you in good health, and that I may sometime have the same happiness, I remain as ever, Sir

Your most faithful and obliged humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

P.S.

+There is a literary society formed in this island, called the Society of Emulation. Their acting committee some time since wrote a letter to the National Institute of France, pressing forcibly upon its leading members my unjust suffering, and the claim I had upon all friends, of science for support and assistance pressing them in the name of humanity and the sciences to use their utmost effort to obtain for me an honourable release, or at least that I should be sent to France for examination. A copy of this letter will probably have been shewn you, Sir Joseph by governor King to whom I enclosed a copy of it. In acknowledgement of their kindness I have written to the Society a letter of ten pages, describing Wreck Reef, and giving my opinion upon the loss of the much regretted La Pérouse. I have received a flattering letter of thanks from the secretary and a request to continue my correspondence.

See 4 pages on for continuation of P.S. [Page 90]

[Letter No. 55]

Mrs. Flinders - Partney near Spilsby - Lincolnshire

Elder June 30.1807

I wrote thee, my dearest love, on May 31. last, complaining of having received no letter from thee since that dated Oct. 1806. but since then I have received thy dear letter of June July 1806, accompanied with one from my brother, and one from Dr. Maskelyne. Accept my best, best thanks, my beloved, for so kind, so tender a memento of thy faithful affection. It was welcome to me as the dew of Heaven to the traveller in the parched deserts of Arabia. What thou sayest of my affairs is satisfactory but Standert has sent me no account, nor has he once written to me in this island. It does not altogether appear to me safe, however, to leave my uncle Ward's legacy in a bank at Spilsby, I would rather it was placed in the public funds, with that of my father; but thou, being upon the spot, art a better judge than I can be here, and I leave this affair to thy discretion and advice of Mr. Tyler

Samuel mentioned to me, as thou hadst foreseen, something of a tiff between thee and him; but he gives thee all the merit of being

[Page 87]

right, except that perhaps that of too freely communicating to thy female friends correspondent his pecuniary affairs. Thank thee, my love, for thy proposed confidence, to make me acquainted with that and several other affairs. Thou knowest, or I wish thee to know, that I desire only to be acquainted with what thou desirest to communicate. I am not one of those suspicious husbands that think their wives are necessarily doing wrong whenever they have anything which they desire to keep to themselves. But thou wilt not find thy confidence ill placed, and if it is capable of increase, I trust it will be increased when thou shalt know me thoroughly, - when thou shalt see, that I have nothing which shall not be in common between us. There are some points upon this subject upon which I reproach myself, for not having taken thy advice, since I am convinced how capable thou art of giving it. My confidence the most complete and illimited shall be thine, my best love, when the merciful God shall please to conduct me to thy arms. There is a happy medium between petticoat government and tyranny on the part of the husband, that, with thee, I think to be very attainable; and which I consider to be the summit of happiness in the marriage state. Thou wilt be to me, not only a beloved wife, but my most dear and most intimate friend; as I hope to be to thee. If we find failings, we will look upon them with kindness and compassion, and upon in each others merits we will take pride, and delight to dwell upon them; thus we will realize, as far as may be, the happiness of heaven upon the earth. The prudence of one will correct the ardour of the other

Be assured that I shall take thy advice in not lending my money too hastily. I hope I am far from being a miser, but I desire extremely to possess a sufficient fortune, because I highly prize independence, and because I desire that the beloved of my heart should want nothing that can conduce to her happiness; being assured that her happiness is not placed upon the possession of expensive trifles or in ostentation of any kind. It gave me pain to find thou hadst restricted thyself in thy income too far. Thy Economy, my love, is very praise worthy in our circumstances, but it must not be pushed too far; reasonable happiness should not be sacrificed to it

My brother tells me very little, except of the mere stoppage of my accounts; but he unfortunately trusted to Standert. Had I known exactly

[Page 88]

the papers wanted I could have written to admiralty for an order to despense with them, but as it is I can do nothing. I have no fear of removing all difficulties on my return, and shall probably obtain the £600 yet to come from East I. Company, of which nearly the half a third or more will be for me. My whole, put together, will I hope probably give us £100 a year in addition to my pay, with which I hope we shall be able to live respectably and comfortably in our little way. I love not greatness nor desire great riches, being confident they do not contribute to happiness; but I desire to have enough for ourselves and something to assist our friends in need. I think, my love, this is also thy way of thinking.

The account thou givest of my sister Susan and her husband has given me the greatest pleasure. I acknowledge myself not to have been pleased with her marriage, and as I am totally unacquainted with her Mr. Pearson, I deferred writing until I should see her and him. The idea that young girls are at liberty to marry whom they please without consulting any of their friends, may do much harm in society, and should be opposed. She may say, that if she married without her fathers consent, so did I. but independently of the difference between a man of 28 and a young woman of 22, perhaps she did not know that when I spoke to my father of my affection to thee, he acknowledged thou wert a most worthy young lady from all that he knew; and that he in no way opposed my inclination or even the will made in thy favour before marriage and I was besides under circumstances, relating to my voyage, which allowed me no time to take the advice of friends, which she cannot plead. She may rest assured, however, that I have always loved her tenderly, and I request thee to tell her so; and at the same time, that on my return to England, she and her dear little family will be amongst the first objects I shall be anxious to see. That epoch is not, I hope very far distant. If I was desired to fix upon what I thought to be the probable period, I should say April or May next.

I send away my things by Elder, for whom I have obtained permission to depart for America. A ship has at length arrived from France; but though she sailed six months after the date of thy letter, she brings nothing for me. The French emperor was then absent, and my friends here attribute it to that cause. Two other vessels are announced, and if they bring nothing , adieu to all further expectation from France. I must have recourse to other means, and I am now preparing for it. Pray heaven my project

[Page 89]

may succeed. I send a trunk containing various sixteen 14 13 packages of books, papers and letters besides books to be left with my agent until my arrival, as also two parcels for the admiralty; and having room in the trunk have put two three other parcels of which No. 14 contains 3 sheets, six pillow cases, five table cloths, seven shirts, an uniform coat and waistcoat. No. 15 Four table and five tea spoons with a pair of sugar tongs. No. 16 Two epaulets. This I have done in the expectation that I may be obliged to leave a great many things behind me.

I communicated to our good family here, the passage in thy letter which related portrayed in lively terms thy gratitude to them for their kindness to me, and it appeared to giave them much pleasure. They knew how ardently I desired to receive a letter from thee, and how long I had been deprived of that pleasure, and they participated in the happiness it afforded me. Indeed my love, I thought some of thy letters had been lost, not thinking thou wouldst let such a period elapse as from October to July, without writing to me, when thou knewest of a conveyance. I would have been very glad also to have heard from Mr. Aken or Mr Robertson: being very desirous to know how they are situated, particularly the former, who has left many things untold, of which he should have given me information

It rejoices me to know of the health of thy good friends, and that they think of me with kindness. The prosperous affairs of William, Penelope and of my cousin Henny furnished also another subject of satisfaction; indeed everything, my promotion and liberty excepted, were pleasing; but upon these two most interesting points, my brother tells me to place no confidence but in myself: I beg thee my love to repeat the assurances of my friendship and affection to all the persons above named, as also at Enderby and Tidd. Tell to my mother in law the substance of this letter, and explain my regret in being unable to write to her or to my sisters by this conveyance, being so hurried in preparing my numerous despatches to send away immediately. If I have left any thing person without mentioning them, I beg thee to supply the deficiency. Trust my love in my constant affection. Thou art and I trust ever will be the dearest person in the world to the heart of

thy Mattw. Flinders

[Page 90]

Passage continued from 4 pages back (To Sir. J.B.)

On March 23 last I wrote a letter to governor Bligh at Port Jackson, giving him a comparisons between my observations and his in Torres' Strait, and inclosing a paper, which describes the manner of preparing maize for the table in the Isle of France. I thought this would be useful to his colonists, and I hope the letter will convince his Excellency of the respect I entertain for his talents and services in nautical science; and perhaps he will see the injustice of considering me with an unfavourable eye.

Three charts of the north coast of Australia upon large scales, - the second volume of my log book, completed so far as I had materials, - and a general account of the Investigator's voyage up to the commencement of my survey at Cape Leuwin are the papers I have addressed to the admiralty, with an accompanying letter. I shall also write to Mr. Dalrymple upon the subject. All the other books and papers I have ordered to remain with my agent, Mr.A. Standert of Norfolk Street until my return: But if death or eternal imprisonment should prevent my arrival, the Endeavour's log-book which you had the goodness to lend me will be there.

With the anxious hope that this letter may find my patron and friend in good health, and that I may sometime have the same happiness, I remain, Sir Joseph

Your most faithful and obliged humble servt.

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 56]

To Alexander Dalrymple Esq. Admiralty Hydrographer to the

Admiralty - Admiralty Office London

Elder Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

July 1. 1807 Sir

I take the liberty of addressing a line to you upon the occasion of sending the last charts of my discoveries in the Investigator to the admiralty, trusting that the interest you are known to take in all exertions for the promotion of hydrographical knowledge will be a sufficient excuse

The charts of the north coast of Australia want only the track of the Cumberland to render them as complete as I am able to make them; but the log book containing it is kept from me. The charts of the south and east coasts before sent, should I be in England before their publication, I should wish to revise. On comparing all my authorities for the longitude, I find that se some small errors have crept in, though they no where exceed amount three minutes. The memoir attached to the charts, and of which a corrected copy is inserted in the second volume of my log book now sent, will give much information concerning them, and I hope meet with your approbation

[Page 91]

I trust, Sir, that you will find I have neglected no means in my power to render my charts being correct, and worthy of being lodged in your archives; as also that you will find I have made good use of your the various publications relations relating to New Holland which you had the goodness to present to me previous to my departure from England, as well as of those sent me by Mr. Marsden from your office. It is much to t I regret much that the decayed state of the Investigator did not permit me to make a thorough survey of Torres Strait. In default of that, I have combined the different authorities with which you furnished me, with my own observations there, and trust the result is a valuable chart. The manner in which I made the combinations is explained in chapter VII of my memoir, though perhaps I should have done better to have left the reunion to your superior judgement and experience.

Upon my situation unfortunate situation here, it is impossible for me now to dwell. The outrage committed against national faith, and the usages established towards discoveries, will be fully present to your mind. If the time ever arrive, in which the French government shall think its own passports ought to be respected, I shall have the honour of presenting my respects to you, and I hope the benefit of your advice in the disposal and arrangement of my charts.

When quitting my brother, lieutenant S. W. Flinders at Wreck Reef in 1803, I recommended to him to collect observations and to make sketches of every thing he might meet with in his passage to China; and to present himself to you with them; not doubting, that his practical knowledge in nautical astronomy would enable him to make such as would ensure him the honour of a favourable reception: I have not learned whether he fulfilled my wishes.

Hoping you may long live to enjoy health, and the fame which your arduous labours on board and in the closet have justly acquired, I have the honour to be, with the highest respect

Sir

your very faithful and obedient servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 92]

[Letter No. 57]

To W.A. Standert Esq. Norfolk St. Strand - London

Wilhems Plains in the I. of France

Elder July 1. 1807

Sir

I received letters from Mrs. Flinders and my brother a fortnight three weeks since which informed me that you would send me my account, but I have no letter or account from you, or indeed have I ever received any from you, although I have four times had letters from England since my imprisonment in this islands, and that I have written to you very frequently to know the state of my affairs. I do not indeed know to this hour, whether you have received the power of attorney I sent for you after your father gave up the business of agency; nor consequently whether it is to you or your father to him that I ought to address myself. You will naturally conclude, Sir, that my mind is very far from being at ease under these circumstances; but imperious necessity obliges me to go on, in the same way I have done: in the hope and belief that that you did receive the power and have conducted my affairs as I wish, I therefore now again address you.

The last of my people that has remained in this island, is now about to leave me, and his name is John Elder. I commit to his charge a trunk containing various things which he is to put into your hands, with the key. I wish it to be opened in his him to open it in your presence, and that you should take out the parcel and roll directed to the admiralty, and forwarded them: the letters herewith inclosed are for the post offices. Afterwards I wish the trunk to be locked and corded, and beg the favour of you to let it remain in your house or office until my arrival, or until you hear of my death; in which case it is to sent to Mrs. Flinders

My brother informs me that my accounts are stopped for want of some papers lost in the shipwreck. He trusted to you to tell me the particulars, but was unfortunately deceived in his expectation. Had I been informed what these papers were, I could have written to the admiralty for an order to the Navy Board to dispense with them; but as it is I can do nothing. I do not know either whether the whole of my accounts are stopped, or whether only from the time of the general survey in May 1802.

Having had occasion for money I have drawn for my personal pay up to April 13. 1807. At the same rate of pay as when I left England; for although I suppose an increase has taken place, I do not know what it is.

[Page 93]

My last letter to you was dated Dec. 10. 1807, in which I mentioned having been informed by Mrs. Flinders that £750 had been bought into the 3 per cents: Whether she had this information from you or your father, she did not say, nor do I know any thing further upon this subject. Trusting that my affairs do go on as I wish, and that I shall sometime have the satisfaction of receiving an account of them from you, I remain, dear Sir,

your faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

Mr. Elder will probably make a charge upon you for the expenses of transporting this trunk, in America, and to London, which must be paid to him, taking his receipt for the same.

[Letter No. 58]

To Esq. His Britannic Majesty's consul at

Elder Wilhems Plains July in the I. of France

July 1. 1807

Sir

To induce you to pardon the liberty of this address, it is necessary to inform you, that I was the commander of His Majestys ship Investigator, employed upon a voyage of discovery to New Holland and the Pacific Ocean, having a French passport from the first consul of France. That after two years, the decay of my ship obliged me to return take a passage to at Port Jackson to return to England, but I was shipwrecked on the way. I afterwards at length arrived at the Isle of France, with the books and papers of my voyage, and my passport and commission, in December 1803; from which time to the present I have been detained where instead of receiving the assistance my passport ordered, I was put in prison and have been detained to the present time, waiting for orders from the French government.

(The bearer of this letter, Mr. John Elder, act late master at arms of the Investigator, is the last person who has quitted me, and to his charge I have committed a trunk containing some of my books and papers, part of which, with a letter inclosed is addressed for the admiralty. The purpose of my addressing you, Sir, is to beg you will have the goodness to render him any assistance he may require, particularly in assisting him with your influence in obtaining an early passage to England, to L on board a ship bound to London if such an one presents itself and to recomm Mr. Elder desires to work his passage in any capacity that he will be received, and as this will most probably be before the mast, I would beg of you Sir, to re-

[Page 94]

Sir, to recommend the trunk with which he is charged to the care of the captain during the passage, and to deliver it safely to Mr. Elder on his arrival in port.

I trust, Sir, that my peculiar situation will be a sufficient excuse for giving you this trouble, and I beg you to be assured of the sincere acknowledgements of, Sir

Your very obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 59]

To the captain or commander of any of His Majestys ships

Wilhems Plains Isle of France

Elder July 1. 1807

Sir

I take the liberty of informing you that after condemnation of His Majestys' ship Investigator, late under my command, I embarked at Port Jackson, as a passenger on board His M. armed vessel Porpoise to return to England with the charts and other papers of my discoveries on the coasts of New Holland, but was unfortunately shipwrecked upon a coral reef in the night of Aug. 17. 1803. After a series of adventures I arrived at the Isle of France, with my papers and my passport, in the Cumberland, a small schooner of 29 tons; but instead of receiving the assistance which my passport promised, and which has usually been granted to people officers employed on discovery, even without passport, I was closely imprisoned, and have now been detained here three years and a half, waiting for the orders of the government in France what is to be done with me, my vessel &c.

The ten people I had with me have quitted the island at different times, and the bearer of this, John Elder, late acting master at arms of the Investigator, is the last. Having confidence in his steady care, I have committed to his charge a trunk containing charts &c. for the admiralty, with various other papers for my agent; and the intention of this letter is to beg you will have the goodness to assist him, if it lies in your power, in expediting his arrival in England with the said charts &c. trunk; and to prevent any person from stopping him. In do-

[Page 95]

ing which, Sir, you will forward His Majestys service, and have a claim to the sincere acknowledgements of an unfortunate brother officer.

I have the honour to be, Sir

your very faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders - Late

Commr. of H.M. Investigator,

a prisoner in the I. of France

[Letter No. 60]

Memorandum for John Elder July 1. 1807

1. Three or four days after being out of sight of the island, give the direction for the trunk to the captain, and request him to put it on or let you do it.

2. On being boarded by any British officer, inquire if his ship is bound to England; if so, shewing him the letter to the captain, and if the captain takes you on board his ship, or puts you on board another bound to England, follow his directions. Do this at the Cape or St. Helena if necessary.

3. On arriving in America, go the British consul, if there is one, with the letter for him; and request him to inform you of the speediest passage for London, and if necessary request him to assist you in procuring a passage. Perhaps also, the captain may assist you.

4. Before sailing for A from America write me a letter under cover to Monsieur T. Pitot - Négociant à l'Isle de France, and request the consul to send it by the first opportunity

5. On arriving in England, go as quick as possible up to London with the trunk, and take it to my agent Mr. Standert, No. 25 Norfolk Street Strand, and open it in his presence. He will then read his letter and know what is to be done. Give him a bill of expense for the trunk, and ask him for the money. You can then talk to him about getting your pay. It will be necessary to leave your address with him, that if the secretary of the admiralty should wish to see you, he may know where to find you.

6. If you can go down to Lincolnshire; go to Mr. Bonner No. 86 Fleet Street; tell him who you are, and inquire the mode of going. You can write also to Mrs. Flinders, Partney near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, telling here

[Page 96]

where she can write to you, if she wishes to ask you any question. In going to Boston, you will pass through At Spalding, where inquire for Miss Flinders my cousin, and tell her how you left me. She will tell you where my mother in law is. If you see my sisters give my love to them all and as also all my relations. At Boston you will find Mr. Flinders an ironmonger, and my sister Mrs. Pearson. At Spilsby inquire for any of Mr. Franklins who family: they will go with you to Partney, a village about two miles off.

7. It will be leave gl as well to leave your final address with Mr. Standert, that on my arrival I may know where to write to you: and so I wish you a prosperous voyage

Mattw. Flinders

Contents of a trunk transmitted by Elder to my Agent W.A. Standert

For the admiralty, sealed

A roll containing my last three charts of the north coast of Australia; and four sketches of the Lady Nelson's track along the east coast, by Mr. Murray

A parcel, containing the second volume of my fair log-book on board the Investigator, and a general account of our voyage from England to Cape Leuwen (See pub. Let. book)

To remain in the trunk at Mr. Ss. until my arrival

No. 1. A packet of letter from Mons.Thomas Pitot

No. 2. Do. from Mons. Ed. Pitot

No. 3 Do. from Mad. D'Arifat, M. M. Boand, Bergeret, Cap-martin, Froberville &c. &c.

No. 4. Containing a parcel of receipts for money, time-keeper, and books; a will, smaller orders of the smaller kind &c. Also another parcel containing my instructions, Mr. Ds. memoir, orders from Gov. King, Surveys of Investigator and Porpoise, duplicates of papers sent from Timor &c. &c. A third parcel containing all my public letters received at the Isle of France; and a fourth containing duplicate of receipts &c. for Investigator's stores.

No. 5. Five quires of the my rough journal at the I. of France; the rough memoir of my charts; Rough introduction for the Investigators' voyage and commencement of the second section; also an Investigator's journal saved at the shipwreck

No. 6. Four quires of Norfolk's journals of the Norfolk's and Francis' expeditions. Three old memorandum books of Inv. Private account book. Paper containing ten yellow charts of the Investigator's discoveries on the, and Mr. Dale's letter

No. 7. First and second volumes of my small rough log - Investigator

[Page 97]

No. 8 The copies of charts furnished me by Mr. Dalrymple and the Admiralty, with several of my own, - notes collected from others of banks, prevailing winds &c.

No.9. Copies of some charts transmitted, of parts of the south, east, & north coasts of Australia

No.11.Arrowsmith chart of the South Sea, my three charts published by him, and one of D'Entrecasteaux's at Cape Van Diemen, given me by a M. Baudin

No.10. Rough journal in the I. of France, up to Aug. 1. 1806

No.12. Bearing book, rough astronomical observation book, and a paper book of bills drawn in the Investigator and at the Isle of France.

No.13. Two fair public letter books, one rough private, and a paper book of both.

No.14. Parcel of linen containing 3 sheets, six pillow-cases, five table cloths, laced uniform coat and a waistcoat, and seven new long-cloth shirts

No.15. Three silver table spoons, a gravy spoon, and five tea spoons

No.16 Two epaulets - No. 17 Rennell's charts of India

The trunk filled up with the following books

Endeavour's log book, lent me by Sir Joseph Banks. Naval Instructions.

Marion's voyage to New Zealand &c. Condamine's voyage down the Maragnon.

Rennell's memoir of Indostan. Knights worship of priapus, manuscript

[Letter No. 61]

To the agent or other onf the British cartel - Port North West

Tamarinds I. of France July 21. 1807

Sir

I take the liberty of addressing you, to request you will have the goodness to inform me, of whether your mission has any relation to this island has any relation to me, or whether you have any letters to my address from Sir. Edd. Pellew, or any other person. In that case I beg you will please to transmit them to Mr. Boand the who will give you this letter, and whom I beg leave to recommend to you as an honest man, attached to the British cause. After (Having been now detained here more than three years and a half, you will conclude that any news of our country must be highly interesting to me; and you will do me a favour if you have any magazines, late newspapers, or particularly a Steeles' List with the perusal of which you could favour me, to give them to Mr. B. for me, and they shall be returned at any time you may point out.

Should you mak be desirous of making inquiries into my present situation the bearer

[Page 98]

will satisfy you, being one of my most intimate acquaintances in this island.

I would request to a permission to come to town, for the pleasure of seeing you, had I any prospect of its being granted at this time. Should your stay be prolonged, as it doubtless will so long as our cruisers are off the island, perhaps I may be able to obtain it some time hence; or probably perhaps you may before your departure be able to favour me with your company a for a day or two in the country: the distance is twelve or thirteen miles upon a tolerably good road, and by means of Mr. Boand you will have no difficulty in obtaining a guide. It is, however, proper to inform you, that to express a desire to see me, or even to make public inquiries after me, will for some time at least, will creates suspicions of some improper communications; and it is indeed necessary to be guarded against giving your confidence to any person, particularly those whom you will find most desirous of cultivating your acquaintance intimacy, and who in conversation take the part of England against France. Mr. B. will explain to you more

Requesting your excuse for this liberty the favour of a letter from you, and to excuse the liberty I have here taken, I have the honour to be,

Sir,

your very obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders - Late Commr. of His Majestys'

ship Investigator

[Letter No. 62]

A Monsieur Suasse, sur son habitation

Julliet 28. 1807 - Clarens

Mon cher Monsieur

J'ai l honneur de vous prevenir, que Son Excellence le chef d'etat- major general, après l'ordre de Son Excellence le capitaine général m'a transmis vient de me transmettre une la copie de la la lettre ecrite par le ministre de la marine à mon égard; dans laquelle it parait, que Sa Majesté l'Empereur et Roi "par un pûr sentiment de générosité", ordonna ma libération et la remise de mon petit batiment, le 11 Mars 1806. Monsieur Monistrol me [word crossed out and indecipherable] àu ce sujet, "que dès que les "circonstances le permettront, je jouirai pleinement de la lub faveur qui m'a été accordée par Sa Majesté". Les circonconstances dont on parle, j'ignore jusqu'a present; mais j'ai demandé une permission de me rendre au port

[Page 99]

port dans l'espoir de les éclaircir, et de hâter mon retour à ma patrie, à ma famille et à mes paisibles occupations

Vous m'avez fait croire, mon cher Monsieur, que les evenements qui me peuvent arrives ici ne vous sont pas indifférents; et de la je prends la liberté de vous communiquer les petits détails ci-dessus; et craignant de ne pas être entendu en Anglais, jai hazardé de vous écrire en Français, comptant sur votre bonté ordinaire l'excuser toutes les fautes y continues.

Veulliez Je vous prie de faire agréer les mes compliments respectueux à Madame Suasse, et de croire reçevoir l'assurance de l'estime avec la quelle j'ai l'honneur d'etre, Mon cher Monsieur

votre fidel et dévoué serviteur

Mattw. Flinders

[Letters Nos 63-66]

Letters to M M. Cap-martin, Chazal, Morin and Curtat to the same effect

[Letter No. 67]

A similar one to Mr. Boand for his information and that of captain Le Blanc of the Marquis Wellesley and of Mr. Stock - commissary of prisoners.

[Letter No. 68]

To A. Stock Esq. Commissary of prisoners on board the M. Wellesley

Port Napoleon

Tamarinds Aug. 5. 1807

Sir

I have to thank you for the offer of forwarding my views of liberty obtaining liberty, contained in your letter of July 25. last, and should not have so long delayed answering it, had I not expected to see you in town or hoped to learn something decisive of my departure. You will have been informed by Mr. Boand, that His Excellency the captain-general [de Caen] has transmitted me a copy of the letter he received from the F. marine minister by His Majestys' ship Greyhound; in which my in which my liberation and the restoration of my little vessel were ordered so far back as March 11. 1806. At the same time colonel Monistrol wrote me that "as soon as circumstances "would permit I should fully enjoy the favour granted me by His Majesty the "Emperor and King.

Being desirous to learn what the circumstances were to which colonel M.

[Page 100]

nel Monistrol alluded, I mad as also to prepare for my departure, I made an application for a permission to go to town, and added - "I am induced to hope, "that His Excellency the captain-general taking into his consideration the long "delay which has already taken place, will not defer the execution of His "Imperial and Royal Majestys' intentions, beyond the departure of the first "neutral vessel for America or India." After some days, colonel Monistrol informed me, - "that so soon as the epoch of my departure should be fixed, of "which he would inform me, as many days in town would be granted me as "should be necessary to the arrangement of those affairs I might have to "conclude." Thus I remain in uncertainty as to the time of my departure, the manner, or the route it was intended I should take, and am denied a permission to go to town, by which I might have gained some knowledge of these circumstances that prevent my departure.

I then requested Mr. Monistrol to make known to the general "that as "the impossibility of obtaining any other better vessel for a direct passage to "England from Port Jackson to England could alone have induced me to "undertake it in so improper an embarkation as the Cumberland, th unless His "Excellently absolutely denies me any other means of quitting the Isle of "France, it is not my intention ever to re-embark in her: If, therefore, it is His "Excellency's intention desire that she should be restored to me rather than "her value, I hope he will admit of her being sold here, and permit me to take "a passage on board some ship for America or India."

"In making this known to His Excellency the captain-general, I beg the "favour of you to make known to him Sir, to present my request that he will be "pleased to grant me my books and papers; that during the time I may yet "have to remain, in the colony I may be employed in arranging them from the "disorder into which they were thrown at my shipwreck, four years since, and "in forwarding the objects of my voyage of discovery by the only means "remaining within my power. "

This letter was dated July 31. and as no answer has yet been returned to it; it is most probable none will be given: this proceeding would be extraordinary in any other country, but frequent repetitions of it here have taught me that such silence is a refusal to be considered as refusal.

It will perhaps surprise you, Sir, that I have not made a direct application to depart with you on board the Wellesley; and particularly as, for many reasons, I prefer the route by India to that of America. The reason is, that by long and painful experience, I think there is every probability that such an application too early made would be a sufficient ground for obliging me to take a contrary rate route, perhaps for sending me to France on board the small corvette which I am informed is now fitting out to sail the 20. of this month

I am somewhat apprehensive, that the Wellesley may be detained here until

[Page 101]

the season may be too far advanced to go to Madras, or at least until the fleet shall have sailed for England unless an application from representation from you should succeed in hastening your departure, and in that case it would be a considerable loss of time to me, to embark with you, unless a representation from you to this government should succeed in hastening the departure of the Wellesley; in which representation, however, no mention of my name should be made

With respect to me, Sir, as I cannot doubt your inclination to assist give every proper assistance in forwarding my liberation, the following seems to me best calculated to ensure success. So soon as you shall have been able to fix the time of your departure, and should I have received no intimation of the intentions of the general, of which you shall have immediate information, I think a direct and forcible application, expressed in moderate terms, for my embarkation on board the Wellesley should be made. Representing, at the same time, that I have expressed my wish to that effect, being unwilling to expose myself again by taking the route of America, to the variation of politics, in Europe from which I have already suffered so much. The time of your departure will, I think, necessarily be that of mine, whether it shall be in the Wellesley or no; and both will probably be deferred till after the sailing subordinate to that of the corvette for France, which is to be, as said, on the 20.th of this month. I beg you will consider of the propriety of this plan, and should any better present offer itself to you, that you will have the goodness to inform me.

Requesting you will take the trouble to present my compliments to captain Le Blanc, I have the honour to be, with ever Sir.

your faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 69]

The Right Hon ble Sir Joseph Banks - Bt Soho Square London

America Wilhems P Isle of France Aug. 12. 1807

Sir

My servant John Elder, by whom I wrote you on July 3 1, and sent my books and papers had scarcely been gone three weeks, before His Majs. ship frigate Greyhound arrived from India with despatches for general De Caën and for me. In the former was contained the quadruplicate of a letter from the marine minister of France, dated March 28. 1806 by which he informs the general, that his conduct with respect me has been approved, but that "from a "pure sentiment of generosity the government grants me my liberty and the "restoration of my vessel". This letter Sir Edward Pellew has received in a letter from Mr. Marsden dated Dec. 30. 1806, and forwarded it immediately, informing me that I was to embark on board on board

[Page 102]

on board the frigate, if I thought good, to take my passage to India and thence to England: I had also a letter from captain Troubridge to the same effect, but the frigate Greyhound only remained a few had been gone two days, before my letters were received the general had sent me my letters. I wrote to general De Caen, requesting him the following day requesting His Excellency either to confirm or to destroy the hopes which the letters of Sir Edward Pellew had given me; and a week after the reception of his orders he caused me to be informed, that in reality he had a letter which authorized him to set me at liberty, and a copy of it was then given me; to which it was added, that "so soon as circumstances would permit, I should fully enjoy the favour "granted me by His Majesty the Emperor and King". In order to learn what the circumstances were that hindered my departure, as also to make my arrangements, I requested a permission to go to the town, which but it was not granted. I then applied to have my books and papers which are still retained, that I might be employed in arranging them from the disorder into which they were thrown at my shipwreck four years since, and in forwarding my voyage of discovery by the only means remaining within my power. To this I also informed the Chef d'etat-major, to whom my letter was addressed, that "as the impossibility of obtaining any better vessel for a direct passage "from Port Jackson to England could alone have induced me to undertake it in "so improper an embarkation as the Cumberland, unless His Excellency "absolutely denied me any other means of quitting the Isle of France, it was "not my intention ever to re-embark in her: If, therefore, it was His "Excellency's pleasure desire that she should be restored to me rather than "her value, I hoped he would admit of her being sold here, and permit me to "take a passage on board some ship for America or India". To this application and letter, no answer of any kind has been returned; so that I know not whether I shall be obliged to prosecute my voyage home in the Cumberland, or permitted to sell her; - whether I shall be permitted obliged to go by India or America; - or at what time the general intends to give me my liberty: three weeks are elapsed since the orders arrived, and I am still in perfect ignorance of all these particulars. There is at this time a cartel lying in the port, which brought French prisoners from Madras, and is also detained. It is possible, that I may be sent to India in her, and for this reason I write by the way of America to inform you, Sir Joseph, and those good friends who have been instrumental in obtaining the long sighed for order to set me at liberty, that they are arrived; and will doubtless, sooner or later, produce the desired effect, though general De Caen seems determined, as far as he is able, to make me drink the cup of bitterness to the very dregs.

In passing by India, my apprehensions are that the cartel will be so long detained here, that the fleet for England will be sailed from India before her arrival, which will be the loss of two or three months to me; and you will readily conceive, Sir Joseph, that in my situation every moment lost is regretted. The consolatory prospect, however, that I shall now certainly see

my friends and family again, bears up my patience; a hope prospect

[Page 103]

which I had almost despaired of enjoying.

I know not what opinions are entertained in England of the treatment I have undergone here; but if they are at all similar to those even in the Isle of France I am not without hope, that they it, if not my exertions on board the Investigator, will be thought to entitle me to the rank of captain from the date of my imprisonment. I am aware that the ordinary regulations of the service are against it; but I think also, that if His Majesty, one of whose glories is to have been the generous protector of science, was acquainted with the circumstances, that a remission of date to that epoch would be made by his order

In case I should departe hence, within one month, by the way of America, I shall probably arrive in England in December, but if by India, it will probably not be before March; and if I am detained longer here, it will still be later.

That I may find you, my patron and best friend in the enjoyment of health, and my country possessing the blessings of prosperity if not of peace, is the most fervent wish of

Sir Joseph

your most obliged and faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 70]

To Lieut. S. W. Flinders at Mr. Standerts Norfolk St. London

America Aug.156. 1807 - I. of France

My very dear brother

At length orders have arrived for setting me at liberty and restoring to me my little Cumberland; which by this time must and what is extraordinary, these orders were given so long ago as March 1806, and had previously been sent in triplicate from France. The quadruplicate was sent to London, and in December 1806, was inclosed by Mr. Marsden to Sir Edward Pellew: the admiral sent it here immediately by the Greyhound Frigate with letters to me, which I received on July 23 last; but it was a week, and only after my application, that the general De Caën confirmed the intelligence given me by Sir Edward and sent me a copy of the marine minister's letter. It appears that the conduct of gen the general towards me has been approved, but that "from a pure sentiment of generosity", His Majesty the Emperor and King has directed these orders to be given.

Your would have concluded, that from the

[Page 104]

To Lt. Flinders

length of time elapsed since the date of these orders were given, and the desire, frequently expressed by general De Caën to be able to set me at liberty, he would have hastened to communicate the news to me, and let me depart immediately. Instead of which, after three weeks are pastsed I am ignorant of when I shall be permitted to quit the island, - whether I shall be obliged to re-embark in the Cumberland, or permitted allowed to sell her and take a passage on board some other vessel, - and lastly whether he will permit me to return by the way of India or America. It is not merely that he has not informed me of these, but he refuses to inform me; he has also refused to let me go to the town to arrange my affairs, and to an application for my books and papers which I wish to arrange from the disorder they were thrown into at our shipwreck four years since, he gives no answer whatever. All that I can learn is "that so soon as circumstances will admit of my departure I shall fully enjoy the favour granted me by His Imperial and Royal Majesty".

It is but a few days that a vessel sailed for America, and had I been permitted to take a passage in her, I should perhaps have been in England in December 1807. There is a cartel now lying in this port from India, and the most probable conjecture I can make, is, that when she shall be allowed to return, for she is also detained, I shall probably be sent in her. I shall Except that it will detain me two or three months, I shall not be sorry to go to India, as well to see Sir Edward Pellew, from whom I have received the most obliging letters, as to save 800 dollars which it would cost me to take the route of America, and which probably I should be obliged to pay; as also to avoid the uncertainty of politics in that country; for it is thought here, that the Americans may probably be obliged to take a part with one side or the other in the present war

Under the uncertainty of my present situation, I wrote a few days since to my wife and to Sir Joseph, but these letters were too late: the vessel had sailed for America. I am now informed of another which will depart in about a week, and gives me the opportunity of adding this letter to them. If I go to India, as I suppose, I cannot well be in England before March or April; but as it may possibly be otherwise, on the receipt of this, I beg you to write a letter for me to be left at Standerts till called for; and tell me of your situation, and every thing relating to yourself, that is most interesting. You can also inform me of several things necessary for me to know on my arrival, which may prevent me from falling into or committing many errors, with regard

[Page 105]

gard to various people and circumstances

If I should think of, or have any thing material to add to this letter, a postscript shall be subjoined, till when I remain my dear Samuel, your most sincere friend as I am to you the most affectionate of brothers

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 71]

To W. A Standert Esq. Norfolk St. Strand - London

America Isle of France Aug. 18. 1807

Dear Sir

Orders have arrived here three weeks since from the government of France to set me at liberty and restore me my vessel; but I know not yet at what time I shall be permitted to quit this island, or what route I may be obliged to take. The probability, however, seems to be, that I shall be in England in March or April next; it will therefore not be necessary for you to write me here here after the reception of this letter

I have drawn no bills upon you since those of for Mr. Aken in May 1805, nor do I expect to be obliged to draw any before my arrival; but as I mentioned in my two last letters, I have drawn for my personal pay up to April 13. 1807, of which I have a sufficient sum by me to carry me to England as I hope, whether it shall be by India or by America

If you see captain Waterhouse, I will thank you to present my friendly compliments remembrances to him; and believe me, dear Sir,

your faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

I will thank you to send the accompanying letter to my brother, by the first occasion should he not be in England, or by the post if he is.

[Page 106]

[Letter No. 72]

To Mrs. Flinders Donington near Boston - Lincolnshire

Isle of France - August 18. 1807

America

My dear mother-in-law

I know you will learn with pleasure, that orders have at length arrived from the French government to set me at liberty and restore me my vessel; and therefore I write to you of the event not knowing whether I may arrive so soon as this letter, or some months afterwards; the latter, however, is most probably likely to be the case, since, although three weeks are elapsed since the arrival of the orders, I know not yet when I shall be permitted to depart, nor what route I shall be obliged to take. I think however upon the whole, you may expect to see me in March or April next, or at least to receive a letter from me dated in London; for it will probably be some time after my arrival in England, before my numerous affairs in London will permit me to visit Lincolnshire

Since my last letter dated Dec. 18076 I have written two or three times to my wife, without having sent any letter to you or my sisters; but I beg you to be assured that it did not arise from any want of affection to either you or them; but to the pressure of time; for it has almost always happened, that I know not of the occasion for sending letters until a day or two before the ship sailed; and being at some distance from the port I have been much hurried. I please myself much with the idea of seeing the improvement of my young sisters, both in person and accomplishments, and shall not neglect the first few days that my business will permit to pay you a visit. I shall doubtless be obliged to pass some time in London, but if I do not receive some employment to prevent me I think of fixing myself afterwards for a year at least in Lincolnshire; when I shall be able to aid your projects for the establishment of my sisters, and I hope contribute to your happiness.

From the letters of my brother and wife, dated in June 1806, I hear more favourable accounts of Wm. Flinders' affairs, as also of my sister Susan's which gave me much pleasure; but nobody tells me any thing of my nephew James or his little sister, except that they are in a fair way of being spoiled by too

[Page 107]

much indulgence. Pray give my love to them, and say that I hope to find them good children.

I believe my sister Susan's complains of my not having written to her since her marriage. It is true that I have not much approved of her conduct in that affair, but I love her most affectionately: and I have only deferred communicating with her until I see her and Mr. Pearson, and see how they go on. If I see that she is happy with him, and that he is a good honest and upright man I do not expect more; and in her all cases she may be assured of finding in me an affectionate brother

I beg you will remember me kindly to all our good friends at Donington; and with best love to my sisters I remain, my dear Madam

your most sincere friend and

affectionate son-in-law

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 73]

To John Palmer Esq. Commissary general at Port Jackson

Isle of France Aug. 29. 1807

Seized with Mr. Boand

Dear Sir

I have the pleasure to inform you, that in consequence of orders from the French government to set me at liberty and restore my vessel, I have received back all the papers and letters committed to my charge except the box of despatches from governor King and that from colonel Paterson; consequently your box for Mr. Peace is now safe in my possession, and I hope will one day be safely delivered into his hands. Be good enough to say to Mrs. McArthur, and Jamieson and all those who had letters on board the Cumberland, that I have now got them all back and that they may reckon upon their being received. It is told me also, that the private letters which were in the governor's and colonel Paterson's boxes have been forwarded long ago

I am not yet certain of the time when I shall be permitted to depart, but think it will not be many weeks; if however, any unforeseen circumstance should still keep me here, I propose to forward the whole of the letters to India by one the Marquis Wellesley which came here with French prisoners under a flag of truce. I beg you to present my friendly remembrances to Mrs. Palmer, the families Paterson, McArthur, Jamieson, Grimes, and all those who are good enough to take an interest in my welfare, and believe me dear Sir Yours very affectionately

M.F.

For P.S. see page 125

[Page 108]

[Letter No. 74]

Notes with the P.J. letters sent to India by the Wellesley cartel

Isle of France Sept. 1. 1807

Sir Joseph

I have received back my books and papers, a month now five weeks after the arrival of the order to set me at liberty; but as yet I am remain wholly in the dark as to the time and manner of my return to England. Amongst my papers are several letters addressed to you, and for fear of some sinister intentions on the part of general De Caën I now forward them by the way of India; for further particulars I beg leave to refer you to my letter of this date to Mr. Marsden, and I remain

Your obliged and faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

If Mr. Brown is arrived in England to I beg to be kindly remembered to him, as also to Mr. Bauer and Mr. Westall. The letters they entrusted to my charge will be all are herein or will be all forwarded

[Letter No. 75]

To Governor King

Isle of France Sept. 1. 1807

Dear Sir

I have received back the books and papers taken from me on my arrival here, with the exception of two boxes of public despatches; but although five weeks are elapsed since the orders for setting me at liberty arrived, I yet know nothing of the time and manner of my departure. The private letters and packets for from you and Mrs. King I have put up into a parcel, thinking it better to forward the send them to you than to their addresses. There being a cartel here from India I send them by that conveyance, as a measure of precaution against any sinister designs general De Caën may still entertain concerning me. Hoping this may find you and Mrs. King in health I remain dear Sir

your very affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 109]

[Letter No. 76]

Sir Edward Pellew Bt. Commander in Chief in India

Isle of France Sept. 2. 1807

Sir

If I would should attempt to express the high sense I entertain of the interest you have obligingly taken in my unfortunate situation, it would fall so far short of my sentiments that I will not attempt it make the essay; a good mind finds the best and purest reward in the consciousness of a good worthy action and the purity of its motives; and since I have not the honour of being any way allied, or connected, or even known to you, there is no other way of explaining such liberal conduct, than by attributing it to the generous emotion that a flagrant act of injustice on one part and unmerited suffering on

the other, excite will always excite in a mind guided by justice and humanity; in your own bosom, Sir, you will find a sweeter recompense than in all the expressions of obligation and esteem from can afford are able to afford.

In my public letter, I have sufficiently explained the footing I am at present upon with the captain-general of this colony. I had for some time given credit to his expressions of being sensible to sensibility at the hardship of my situation, and his desire to receive orders which should terminate my imprisonment; but his conduct since the arrival of the marine minister's order has undeceived me; I now see that the personal animosity, which joined to his detestation of every thing English, I believe to have been the true cause of my detention, still existings in its full force; and an animosity which I can ascribe to no other cause, than that after making he had made me a close prisoner and telling told me that in the account I gave of myself, remaining here I was imposing upon him, I refused to accept his an invitation to dinner, [words crossed out and undecipherable] which was unaccompanied with any explanation, whatever or change in his proceedings further than the invitation itself might be thought to express. In this refusal I certainly consulted less the policy of the measure, than my own feelings, and the dignity of my the nation of which I considered myself in some measure the representative; and accordingly it my conduct in this point is disapproved by the greater

[Page 110]

greater part of those even those inhabitants here who think I have been unjustly treated; but if I mistake not the spirit of Englishmen, it will be by them considered in a different light. (I sometimes think, that the captain general will scarcely hazard the non-execution of the order he has received; and that the delay and mystery of in the execution of his intentions he makes and the mystery of his conduct are intended to draw from me some humiliated concessions, to be one day opposed to the recital of his injustice which he supposes I shall hereafter make; or otherwise, to force me into some violence of language that shall give him some new [words crossed out and undecipherable] pretext for treating me with fresh severity; I trust, however, that if such is his object, he will be disappointed both in the one and the other: I expect nothing from his his humanity or justice, and am upon my

guard against his passion.

On my way home with the charts and accounts of my discoveries saved from shipwreck, - pleasing myself with the prospect of speedily rejoining my wife and family, and of obtaining the rank of post captain which had been partly promised me on my return, it will readily be conceived what must have been my feelings on finding myself deprived of every thing and closely imprisoned, instead of receiving the assistance and protection which was promised in my passport, and which had been so liberally granted to two French ships on the same service, at the port dep from whence I came. I cannot doubt that when I shall I am persuaded that I think it probable that oOn my arrival in England I think it probable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty will give me the step which is so much the object of ambition to young officers; but I fear that they will not pass over the general rules usual manner of proceeding to date my commission from the time of my arrestation here, and perhaps it would be presumption in me to ask it; this hope, however, does not wholly abandon me, since, from all that I have learned, the manner in which the voyage of the Investigator was executed appears to have met with approbation

I believe, Sir Edward, that a near relation of mine who was on board the Apollo with captain Pownal, was not unknown to you; and he died third lieutenant of the Hannibal in the West Indies of the yellow fever [word crossed out and indecipherable] a short time after I entered the service

Uncertain whether I shall have the honour of expressing in person the high esteem and consideration I entertain on so many accounts for Sir Edward Pellew, I beg leave to repeat the assurance of them here, and of the sincerity with which I am his most obliged and obedient humble servant.

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 111]

[Letter No. 77]

Captain Monsieur Le Blanc - capitaine du cartel Anglais - Au Port

Tamarinds Sept. 2. 1807

Dear Sir

Apprehensive of the designs of general De Caën, I have put up into a case a considerable number of packets and papers, of which I shall be obliged to you to take charge; and when the day after you shall be outside the port to put a direction upon it, On His Majesty's service, to Sir Ed- Pellew. The inclosed receipts, which I will thank you to sign and inclose to me by the bearer, will explain to you more particularly

Should it be my good fortune to embark with you, I will take the case back into my possession and return you the receipts

I shall have several private letters to for India to trouble you with, but I defer them until I know something positive of your departure, of which I will thank you to give me the earliest notice. Be so good as to present my compliments to Mr. Stock to whom I shall write soon, and believe me to be, dear Sir

yours very sincerely

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 44 continued]

Postscript to the letter to Mr Campbell - Calcutta - page 68

Sept. 3. 1807

Owing to the uncertainty of political affairs between Denmark and England, Mr. Boand has not yet been able to sail; and I open the letter to inform you that orders have arrived here from the French government for my liberation and the return of my little vessel, and that I have received back nearly the whole of my books and papers, and amongst them a packet entrusted to me by Mr. Robt. Campbell, and a letter for Mr. Fairlie which I inclose. It is six weeks since general De Caën received his orders, but he has not yet informed me of the time and manner that he will permit me to quit the island. It is not improbable that I may go to Madras in the Wellesley cartel, but lest it should be otherwise I put up your letters and shall send them to Mr. Boand who embarks with captain Le Blanc. I beg you will forward the inclosed to Mr. Smith letters according to their direction by the first opportunity, and accept the assurance of my regard - M.F.

[Page 112]

Letter No. 43 continued]

P.S. to the letter addressed to Mr. Smith - Pulo Penang - page 66

Sept. 3. 1807

Mr. Boand not having yet been able to sail, I open the letter to tell you my dear friend, that orders for my liberation and the return of my vessel arrived here six weeks from since from the French government. A copy of the order having been sent to the admiralty, a copy of it was forwarded to Sir Edward Pellew, and by him despatched in the Greyhound frigate, here sixteen months after it was here, where it arrived sixteen months after its date. I am Notwithstanding the length of time elapsed, the general De Caën still keeps me in the dark as to the time and manner that he will let me quit the island. It is possible that I may depart on board the Wellesley cartel - captain Le Blanc, now lying here; in which case I shall probably visit Madras to see Sir Edward, who has taken great interest in my situation and written me several obliging letters. From thence I shall take the earliest occasion of returning to my family and the prosecution of my voyage, either in forwarding the publication of what has been done, or in making fresh discoveries

I intrust you to write to me in London, where I hope to be before your letter can reach there; and I beg you to be assured that so long as you remain the good and honest fellow that I knew you, you will always have in me a most affectionate and sincere friend, into whatever situation in life fortune may throw me: Should I go to India, I will add another Postscript from thence - M.F.

See page 123 for 2^nd. P.S.

Postscripts added also to the Letters for Lt. Wrayford, Major Henry, and Cornet James Franklin

[Page 113]

[Letter No. 78]

To A. Stock Esq. Commissary of prisoners on board the Cartel - the Wellesley

Wilhem's Plains Sept. 9. 1807

Dear Sir

The captain-general [Decaën] has not yet given me any informations of his intentions respecting me; and I imagine that you are still equally in the dark with respect to your departure

At the time that you may find it necessary judge it proper to make the application for me to embark in the Wellesley, I rather wish that no other reasoning should be made use of, than that it is the desire of Sir Edward Pellew; as well as mine, and that captain Flinders being a British officer long detained in the Isle of France, and ordered directed to be set at liberty by an order of the French government dated dated so long back as March 21. 1806, you think it is incumbent upon you to make apply for my embarkation on board the Wellesley, or otherwise to request the reasons for which it may be refused; that on your return you may be able to render an account to the naval commander in chief and to the government in India of the my extraordinary situation, which you know to be interesting to them.

You will have the goodness to modify this into the terms you judge most proper; but I fear, that if any advantage, or reasoning, or desire of mine should enter into your motives your letter, the spirit of animosity which the captain-general appears so strongly to entertain wit towards me, would induce him to reject the request perhaps on that sole account.

Requesting you to accept my best wishes, and to recal me to the friendly remembrance of captain Le Blanc, I remain, dear sir,

your very faithful servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 113a]

[Letter No. 79]

Captain Bergeret - Paris

Wilhem's Plains Isle of France Sept. 18. 1807

Apropos

My dear Sir

First let me thank you for your obliging letter of Jan. 20. which I received by the Revenant - Surcouf, on June 11 last. About a month afterwards the Greyhound frigate, despatched by Sir Edward Pellew, appeared with cartel colours off the port, and with a packet for the captain-general, containing a letter the quadruplicate of a letter from the marine minister dated March 21. 1806 of which I have obtained a copy. He says to the general, "ci-joint, est l'avis de ce conseil, approuvé par l Empereur et Roi "le 11 de ce moi. Vous y verrez, que votre conduite est approuvée, et que, par "un pûr sentiment de générosité, le Gouvernement accorde au capitaine "Flinders sa liberté et la remise de son batiment".

At the same time I received a public and a private letter from Sir Edwd. in which he congratulates me very kindly upon the event, - proposes to me to embark on board the frigate and join him in India remain with him at Madras until he can assure my return to England on board one of His Majestys' ships. The general, however, sent away the frigate, before he sent me my letters, and to this day, now two months since I am still in the dark as to the time and manner he intends to put his order in execution. I have lately received the rest of my books and papers, with the exception of the journal I have so long and so much wanted, but am refused the permission to reside at Port North-West; Mr. Monistrol has, however, told me "que dès que les circonstances le "permettront, je jouirai pleinemt. de la faveur que m'a été accordé." The Wellesley - Indiaman, with prisoners for Madras, is expected to sail return shortly, and I think it probable he will permit me to embark in her, and in that expectation I now write you by the Apropos - corvette, commanded by René DeCaën; (I shall probably be in London in six or eight months from hence, and it would be very interesting and flattering to me, my dear Sir, to hear from you, - to be informed of your proceedings, and particularly of any fortunate event that my happen to you. The passage in your letter gave me much pain which speaks of yourself, gave me much pain; to see a brave and worthy man slighted, excites indignation in every breast; but in those who have known the value of his friendship, the impression is indelible

[Page 114]

Let us hope, that your government will not surely one day learn to know distinguish and to reward true merit; but whether in prosperity or misfortune, I beg you to be assured of my high consideration and esteem, and that it will be a subject of boast for me to preserve a place in yours

I will now tell you something of our good family here. Labauve is become an inhabitant of Vaco Tamarinds, having entered into partnership with Mr. Curtat, the advocate, for his extensive habitation there valued, with the slaves &c. upon it, at 70,000 dollars: he ha appears to have made a very advantageous been much favoured in the bargain. The pretty Miss Lise [d'Arifat], has received proposals of marriage from Mr. Charles Desbassayns, the youngest of the Bourbon family of that name: he is an young man estimable estimable and well informed young man, and tolerably rich. His offer has been accepted, and in January following the marriage is to take place. The rest of the family continue in Statu quo, that is, good, amiable, and in health as you left them. Madame [d'Arifat], knowing that I write to you, desires me to "temoigner a Monsieur Bergeret, que ma famille et moi avons "été sensible à son souvenir, lui souhaitons bonheur et prosperité".

My friend Tommy Pitot is the same: Edward has been married some months to Mademoiselle Rouillard of La Poudre d'Or his niece. Cap-martin thinks of embarking for America upon a speculation: the affairs of his father-in-law have gone from bad to worse; and I believe the family will be obliged to quit the town and reside at Palma

This is all, my dear Sir, that I recollect to have happened since your departure, that I have to tell you; and have therefore only to add my best wishes for your health and happiness, and that you will always consider me your obliged and devoted friend, and affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

My address in London

Captain M. Flinders - Royal Navy

at W. A. Standerts' Esq.

Norfolk St. Strand

London

[Page 115]

[Letter No. 80]

Captain Le Blanc of the Wellesley cartel - Port North-West

Wilhems Plains October 9.1807

Dear Sir

Mr Boand tells me that you have yet no information of the time when the captain-general [Decaën] will give you your despatches for India. Surely he does not keep intend to keep you as well as me until the peace! Over me he has absolute power, but over you he has none, and I really think you would do well not to suffer him to trifle any longer with you. Is there any thing in your orders which prevents you from requesting the general to give you his despatches for India by such a a given time, suppose a fortnight? If not, I really would desire him to give me them, for that I intended to sail at the time mentioned. And I would sail too, unless he assigned a good reason for remaining a short time few days longer, or unless the shot of the forts stopped me, whether he gave me any despatches or not. Let him stand to the consequences of stopping you by force If he stops you by force, you will be in no worse a position than now; you will have done your duty as a British subject in not suffering him to triflinge with you, and will have put him under the necessity of employing open, avowed tyranny, or of - of paying the expense of your ship, or of letting you go. At any rate I do not see what harm it could do, and it would at least hurry him with his letters or perhaps of paying the expenses of your ship

Nothing pleases such Frenchmen as him, so much as to play an Englishman at the end of a line like a trout; it amuses them and gratifies their vanity to shew other nations how easily an proud Englishmen may be trifled with. I request you will excuse me, when I say, that I think his conduct towards you shews that he is now doing this with your ship: If I did not love my country and esteem you, I should not tell you my opinion so freely. What is the sailing of a little corvette or that of a petty merchant ship to a ship like yours; or what difference could it make for you to say on your arrival in India, that such a vessel sailed a fortnight before, or was to sail a fortnight after you; but I do not understand that the general has ever given these reasons, or indeed any reasons. Surely three months or even thr a week are sufficient for him to take deliberate his intentions and write his despatches. The very inhabitants cry shame on his conduct, for they are interested to keep up a good intelligence with the government of India; and notwithstanding this haughty general's pride, I think he dare not will hardly proceed to any extremities with you; especially if your representations are worded with firmness, but with moderation.

[Page 116]

You will know, dear Sir, that it is upon the supposition that your ship lies here at the expense of the company, and that you have no order that which obliges you to remain beyond a reasonable time, that my opinion is formed. If you have positive orders which bind you it is necessary to submit to them; If it is otherwise, the case will be different; but it seems to me very probable that you may remain several months longer in the same state, perhaps until all your provisions are consumed and after all be obliged to take some such step as I have mentioned. I doubt not that similar ideas have struck you b even before they did me, but not being aware how far to what lengths this man is capable of going pushing his malignity so long as he finds we give way to him, you have perhaps not proceeded further. You will gather from what I my opinion of him from what I have said, and for that purpose, and that only, I take the liberty of giving offering you my opinion with sincerity: most assuredly I do not pretend to be a judge of your affairs

I have to thank you for your attention in having prepared a convenient cabin for me on board the Wellesley. Would to God that I may inhabit it and that both you and me may be soon out of the power of a man who knows so little of justice, or humanity, of national faith and or the true interests of those whom he governs is appointed to govern

It is hardly necessary for me to request you to destroy this letter as soon as you have read it, to or to believe that, with much regard, I am dear Sir

your faithful humble servant M.F.

[Letter No. 81]

Mr. Boand at Mabilles - Port North West

Oct. 9. ten at night

My dear Sir

Mr. Stock informs me that he has received orders to be ready to sail on Monday; all hope for me therefore seems to be vanished.

I send you the journal and the letters as we had agreed. You will be so good as to demand from Mr. Pitot 79 piastres, for the watch, and the commission which I beg you to execute as before settled. Unless you learn before sailing that I am to go soon, pray write to me here from India on your arrival. Should I be gone Mr. Pitot will destroy your letter. Before going from here I will write you and Mr. Francis Latours and tell you of my fortune

I have given up the idea of the case of liquor I thought of sending to Sir. Ed

[Page 117]

to Sir Edward Pellew.

Give the letter for the secretary at Bombay to Mr. Stock. I have sent the letter for the secretary at Madras, open: you will dispose of it as you think proper. Should you be unable to find out the persons to whom I my letters are addressed, they must in the end be destroyed. Mr. Stock and captain Le Blanc will assist you in obtaining their address as also perhaps will Mr.Campbell. To Mr. Robertson and my friend Smith, add a postscript to say what you may learn of my destination before you sail

Adeiu my dear Sir. Accept my acknowledgements for all the kindnesses you have done me, and count upon the pleasure I shall always have in being useful to you. Preserve for me a place in your esteem and believe me always accept my best wishes for your health, happiness, and a good voyage. Adieu.

Your very affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

I send a black man to the town, to wait the answer on Mr. Stock may receive from the government. Write me by his return, which will be either tomorrow or Sunday.

[Letter No. 82]

A. Stock Esq. Commissary of Prisoners Port North West

Oct. 9. 1807 midnight

My dear Sir

I received your favour of today at 8 this evening and have prepared my letters for India, of which Mr. Boand will be the bearer, upon the persuasion that it is not intended to permit me the happiness of going to India with you. The only fruit I expect with any certainty from your application is perhaps to learn whether or no the general will let me depart at all, for I greatly apprehend he intends to keep me still until he receives further orders from France, and when they may come God only knows.

I send a black man, named Faro, to wait the answer you may have to give

[Page 118]

me upon this very interesting point; and you can keep him, at least, until Sunday at noon; ordering him to come to you as often and when you judge proper.

On your arrival & mine in India, I beg the favour of you to inform, or transmit to, Sir Edward Pellew a copy of your application to this government relating to me, and their answer or answers thereto adding such other information as you judge necessary; and should I not have the pleasure of addressing you again, I most sincerely wish you my dear Sir, a speedy restoration to good health and a prosperous voyage. Do me the favour to remember me kindly to captain Le Blanc, and to believe, your obliged

and affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. Permit me to repeat my recommendation of Mr. Boand to your good offices and those of Captain Le Blanc

[Letter No. 83]

Monsieur Charles Desbassayns - St. Denis - Isle Bonaparte (Bourbon)

Vacoua Oct. 10. 1807

My dear Sir

I am much obliged by your kind remembrances transmitted me by our dear friend Madame D.'Arifat. I know not when I may be permitted to quit the island, but lest by hazard it should be very soon for reason does not regulate affairs here, I write to you now; for I would not go without doing it. The cartel has at length received orders to sail in two days, but I have received none; consequently, it is not intended that I should go in her, and truly there is but too much reason to fear, that the hand of tyranny will not yet slacken its deadly gripe. The struggle seems to be who shall whether he can inflict the torments inflicted or my patience shall be the greatest. After the departure of the cartel, you may expect to hear that I am in the tower, for I do not intend to remain upon my parole. But enough of this subject, it makes me sick at heart; let me talk to you this charming , this excellent family

[Page 119]

Madame D. is as she has always been; neither sick nor yet enjoying strong health. Her godlike disposition is also, and ever will be, the same. The three young ladies are in good health, but the eldest [Delphine] has not recovered from the state of sadness in which you left her: I believe she sheds many tears in secret: she is changed considerably; to me she has been changed now more than twelve months. It is but too evident that I no longer possess any place in her friendship, and my regret is proportionate to my loss: it is a has been one of the bitterest bitter ingredients in the my chalice. The second [Sophie] is good, kind, sensible, and friendly; but it is of the third [Lise] that I shall say most.

Nature develops itself every day with her; her person is embellished, her manners gain in amiability, and her mind in sentiment. That rolling and some what awkward walk, is very much corrected is and will soon be wholly lost, she will then have

Grace in all [undecipherable word], heaven in her eye, and in all her actions, dignity and love

She has pleased without searching to please, but learns dayly better to appreciate the value of her conquest. You are to be envied, my dear Sir; to wish you happiness would be to doubt it; and therefore I do not wish it you. Some years hence perhaps I shall enjoying the satisfaction of revisiting under more happy auspices two persons whom I greatly esteem, and I hope, of embracing the happy fruits of their love: such a moment with the governed will repay me for a part of the miseries I have undergone from the governor.+

If you think of writing me favouring me with a line, consider me as still remaining here in the same state of incertitude; and that I am

your very affectionate and sincere friend

M.F.

+ Mark and Aristide are at work with me; and they now and then enjoy the satisfaction of firing off your crackers I believe we are men of consequence in their estimation: they are good boys, but do not always work well as I would wish. Lab Our friend Labauve is the same as before; but the letters of Madame D. will doubtless tell you more of him

[Page 120]

[Letter No. 84]

To Mr. De Glos - Port Napoleon

Wilhems Plains Oct 20. 1807

Dear Sir

I am very sensible of your obliging attention in offering to execute my commissions for India. I have written a letter to the naval commander in chief informing him of my present situation, and I beg of you either to deliver or forward it by the earliest good occasion. I have taken the liberty of recommending Mr. De Glos the commander of the Danish ship to his notice and informed him that you will take charge of any letter he may address to me. Mr. Boand will deliver a parcel to you which, under the wax cloth that covers it, is also directed to Sir Edward Pellew; he will also likewise deliver you several private letters from me, which I will thank you to forward as occasion serves, filling up the directions if you are able or requesting some other person to do it. The packet for Mr. Campbell at Calcutta you would oblige me by delivering it personally, if it should be in your power. Mr. Boand will deliver remit you these in the case his own departure still remains uncertain, but if he sails in a few days, he will execute these commissions himself. In the former case he will remit you 75 piastres which we have calculated will purchase the following articles

One piece of black China silk

Three pieces of fine plain muslin

Three veils plain veils handsome veils, with fine thread to broider them

These you will be so good as to remit to my friend Pitot on your return, should I be gone or he in close confinement

Wishing you a prosperous voyage, I am dear Sir

your faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 121]

Letter No. 85]

A Monsieur Froberville, sur son habitation à Mocha

Wilhems Plains Oct. 24. 1807

My dear Sir I have long delayed writing to you in the hope to communicate the time fixed for my departure from this island, and to receive your commissions for Europe, but alas! that the epoch to which I have looked forward so long and with so much anxiety seems to be almost as uncertain as ever. (You are not unacquainted that the commissary of prisoners made an official application for me to embark on board the cartel, but that it was refused under the pretext that circumstances did not permit it. What the circumstances are can be which permit vessels to sail for India and for America, but which do not admit of my departure it is impossible for me to imagine, nor can any person inform me; it should seem therefore, that my present detention if not the whole time it has continued is owing to a continuation of that animosity which the general bears to all Englishmen and to me in particular, and which has now continued near four years. If I am to wait for the arrival of fresh orders, I cannot expect to be at liberty in less than 12 or 18 months, and even then perhaps some other pretext will be found until another may arrive; thus my life may continue to be wasted in inactivity, far from my family and my country, and from the occupation that constitutes at once my pleasure and my ambition.

There seems to be no other certain means left of avoiding this fate, than to make my escape so long as I remain upon my parole; and I therefore see myself obliged to redemand it. The consequence will most probably be that I shall be closely confined and deprived of the society of those friends whose kind attentions have formed almost the only consolation I have been am capable of receiving here. I shall not take this step until all means of obtaining my liberty or at least a knowledge of when I may hope for it, have failed; but I see myself forced to take it in the end, that both that my government may see that I have neglected no possible means of returning to my duty, and that the French government may see the animosity of the general openly avowed. I think, however, that the general he will find himself obliged to think seriously before taking a step so contrary to the order he has received, and that perhaps he may be induced to fix inform me of the time when he will put his order in execution. In all cases, my dear Sir, I beg you to be assured of the friendship and esteem I entertain for you and your good family (to whom I present my respects) and of the sensibility which how sensible I am of the kind interest you have taken in my situation excite in my heart

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 122]

I am much concerned to learn that you weak state of health still continues: the approaching summer I hope will re-establish you. Have the goodness to present my respectful remembrances to Madam Froberville and your good family, as also to that of Madame La Chaise, and believe me

your most affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 86]

To Mr. John Boand - Swiss Merchant at Mrs. Francis Latour's - Madras

Wilhems Plains Nov. 9. 1807

My dear Sir

I have yet received no news of information relative to the extraordinary step taken the evening before your departure; nor do I know whether the whole of my letters were taken or only a part, or whether the packet in wax cloth was amongst them. It is told me, that I my presence at breaking the seals will probably be required, but as more than a fortnight has elapsed, I suppose they have been already opened. Be in no apprehension for the consequences to me: there is nothing in them that can with justice be construed to my disadvantage. I am principally sorry that you have lost the letters that were intended for your service, but by this occasion I shall endeavour replace them, and you will only have to present yourself to Sir Edward Pellew to be well received, and to write to C. Smith Esq. Botanist at Pulo Penang to have your commission executed. In all respects I beg you to proceed as before, and if the letters you may receive from for me are in time, you can send them either by Mr. D your fellow passenger of the Waldemar, or by a friend of mine who proposes to return with him, and will be at Mr. Latours till then.

I have applied for a permission to go to town, intending to learn if possible, something from Mr. Monistrol, concerning the scandalous transaction of seizing my letters, and the intentions of the government with respect to me; but as yet I have received no answer. As the Semillante is arrived, if the general has any intention of sending me to Europe in her, the occasion now presents itself: she has made a too fortunate cruize. I am still uncertain as to renouncing my parole.

I beg you either to see, or write to Sir Ed. P. and inform him of the seizure of my letters. It will be proper to request some Frenchman to direct your letters to this island; your hand-writing is doubtless known and might as at the post office, and might occasion the loss of the letters. At Mr. John Campbell's merchant at Calcutta you will perhaps find some letters for me. I shall again write to him and make mention of you

I am my dear Sir your affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 123]

[Letter No. 43 continued]

Nov. 9 1807

2nd P.S. to Mr. Smiths letter, continued from Page 112

The above letter my friend was to have departed about a fortnight since by Mr. Boand, but was treachero seized in a scandalous manner by the government, the evening previous to the sailing of the ship. The cartel sailed long since without me, and although other ships are dail almost daily going to America and India yet the captain-general still refuses to let me go, or even to tell me when I may hope to leave the island. Neither justice or humanity set any bounds to the animosity he has conceived against me, nor are the orders of his government sufficient to make him let go his hold.

If Mr. Boand does not visit P. Penang he will most probably write to you, and you will oblige me by complying with the request he may make you. Do not, my dear friend, neglect to write to me by him, and tell me how you are situated, with the time when you think of returning to England. I see in a Court Kalendar for 1807, under the head of Prince of Wales' Island - "Botanist - C. Smith Esq. F.L.S." This gives me great pleasure, in as much as it lets me know you are alive, which I should not know from your letters, and that you enjoy a respectable place, and are member of a lear that your useful labours have procured you the distinguished notice of a respectable learned society

For myself, my situation is as uncertain as ever. Whether I shall be set a liberty before the war be ended is extremely doubtful. Consider me as being here till that time, or until I tell you to the contrary, and you run very little risk of being deceived. Fortunately for the inhabitants of this island, I may say the whole of them, entertain very different notions of my conduct to those of General De Caën; it is a good proof that justice is innate in the human heart, that so many [word crossed out and indecipherable] Frenchmen take an interest in my situation; and so sincerely, that I want nothing here but liberty; and if I could forget my family, my country, and my duty, I might be happy, and enjoy the consideration of all the worthy people who known me, and of many who do not know me; but with all this, your own feelings will tell you, I am very miserable; agitated by indignation, - by my desire to distinguish myself in the prosecution of discovery,- by absence from my family,- my days are spent in forming uncertain plans which are opposed by invincible obstacles, and my nights in a state little short of despair: judge then if a letter from you what pleasure a letter from you would furnish me!

My latest letters from England, are dated in June and July 1806. My brother was lieutenant of a 98 with Lord Collingwood off Cape Finisterre. My wife in good health. I have no news of our friend Wiles these several years

[Page 124]

[Letter No. 42 continued]

2^nd. P.S. to Major Henry's letter, continued from page 66

Wilhems Plains Nov. 1807

I had written you as above, my dear Sir, and transmitted the letter a fortnight since to Mr. Boand, who at length had found means to get out out of this island The evening before the ship (the Waldemar) was to sail, officers of the police were sent on board to search Mr. B's trunk, and my letter to you, with many others, were seized. A postscript in that letter informed you, that on July 21. last, and an order from the French government to set me at liberty and restore my vessel, arrived here and that I hoped to be permitted to depart in the Wellesley cartel. But the Wellesley sailed was sent away suddenly, and although ships are sailing almost daily for India and America, I am still detained, although the order was dated in March 1806, and has arrived here now near four months. The proceedings of the general are incomprehensible to every body else as well as to me, unless a most profound animosity to me, may be considered to account for them; and there is great reason to fear, that even a second order from his government will not be sufficient to make him let slacken his gripe. He will not openly profess disobedience to the order, but puts me off with "des que les circonstances le permettront vous jouirez de la

faveur qui vous a été accordé". As nobody knows what these circumstances are, nobody can judge of them; but it is evidently only a pretext, which he has sought to strengthen by something he expected to find in my letters: he will find reiterated complaints of his injustice and tyranny, but without he disfigures what I have written, of which I have proofs that he is capable, he will find nothing instead of finding something to justify his viol his conduct toward me, he will find irrefragable proofs that I have all along adhered to the tenor of my passport, and consequently, that I have been and am entitled to a very different treatment. If on the

If on the receipt of this you will favour me with a letter, it will come safely through the hands of Mr. Francis Latour of Madras, either by Mr. B. or the gentlemen who obligingly charges himself with this, and who is a countryman of yours. Adieu, my dear Sir. Keep me in your remembrance, and in that of your good lady.

[Page 125]

[Letter No. 41 continued]

P.S. to the letter to Cornet James Franklin, page 64

Isle of France Nov. 9. 1807 An order from the French government arrived here July 21. last to set me at liberty and restore my little schooner in which I had arrived here in Dec. 1803; but as yet the captain-general De Caen does not think proper to put it into execution. The above letter was to have been taken to India by Mr. Boand, but the officers of the government, in a scandalous, manner seized it with many others in his trunks, and he went without it. It is very uncertain whether the order will be obeyed; and it is evident that so long as the French general can find a pretext for keeping me, he will not let me go; apparently from the reason, that he has injured me deeply; for it is unhappily one of the principles of the human heart, to forgive sooner those who have injured us, than those to whom we have ourselves done wrong. I have no solid hope of being set at liberty before peace takes place; though in fact it is impossible for me to judge, the most profound mystery being observed in every thing that relates to me: this mystery constitutes a principal part of what I suffer, and is the of the essence of tyranny; without mystery it could not exist mystery is the great veil of tyranny as it is of ignorance

My last letters from England are dated in June and July 1806, but you known more of what is taking place amongst our friends there than me, and in your letter I hope you will be ample in your information. Adieu, and believe me sincerely your friend

M.F.

[Letter No. 73 continued]

P.S. to the letter to John Palmer Esq, page 107

Nov. 9. 1807

Your box, with the other letters committed to my charge, is gone to India, to the care of Sir Ed. Pellew; but this letter which I had put into the hands of a friend, was seized by the officers of this government.

I am still detained here in spight of the order to set me at liberty, and when I shall be permitted to return to England God only knows. Remember me kindly to all my friends in New South Wales

[Letter No. 44 continued]

2nd P.S. to Mr. Campbell's letter from page 68 and 111

Nov. 10. 18 Mr. Boand was prevented from embarking in the Wellesley, but took a passage on board the Danish ship Waldemar; but The the above letter and postscript with its contents I have reason to believe were seized from Mr. Boand him the evening before he sailed, by the officers of this despotic government. but Having another opportunity of writing to India, I have replaced all that I could, but I fear the letters from Mr. R. Campbell are irretrievably lost. I am still in the dark as to the time and manner when I shall be permitted to return to England, and have indeed almost lost all hope of the order from the government of France being put in execution

[Page 126]

[Letter No. 45 continued]

P.S. to Lt. Wrayfords letter page 70.

Nov. 10. 1807

Various causes having prevented the departure of Mr. Boand until about a fortnight since, I had then given it to him; but the evening previous to his sailing, his trunks were searched, and the letter, with many others taken from him by this off despotic government

An order from the French government dated in March 1806, arrived here in July last, to set to me at liberty and restore my little schooner, but as yet the captain general has not yet thought proper to put it in execution, nor will he inform me at what time I may hope to return to England and my occupations; and I believe he will not let me go so long as he can find a pretext to detain me: the seizure of my letters was doubtless made with this object in view.

A letter left at Mr. Francis Latour's Madras will be conveyed safely to me, and if done expeditiously, the gentleman who has obligingly charged himself with this will bring me yours in return.

[Letter No. 87]

Mr. John Exshaw - Port Napolean

Wilhem's Plains Nov. 10. 1807

Dear Sir

I am much obliged by the trouble you took to execute my commission relative to my letters though unsuccessful; but am sorry you made known to M. Levieu that I had a journal with Mr. B. which I apprehended had been seized, since it possibly may have escaped

You will receive herewith six seven letters for India; of that for Cornet James Franklin I will thank you to fill up the address on learning from an army list, or from some person, what regiment he is in, and where stationed. If you could find a private occasion of sending the large letter for Mr. Campbell at Calcutta, it would save a considerable expense of postage.

The letter addressed to the captain of His Majesty's ships is also inclosed, and should you find a necessity of using it, will I hope be of service. On your return you will be so good as to bring me any letters for me that may be at Mr. Latours, or that Major Henry or any other person may give you, and should you meet with a late Steeles' List, I should be very glad to have the perusal of it

Be so good as to present my respects to Mr. and Madame and Mr. Kerbalance, and with wishing you a good voyage and speedy return I remain, dear Sir

your affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 127]

[Letter No. 88]

Mons. Ch. Baudin des Ardennes - Au Port Napoleon

Wilhems Plains Nov. 23. 1807

My dear Sir

I had the pleasure to receive on the 17. last your friendly obliging letter of the 10th. preceding, and was highly gratified by the friendly interest you continue to take in my extraordinary situation. That the sentiments of men the most capable of appreciating what I have done and what I have suffered, are universally in my favour, has been, and is the greatest consolation to a mind in which a perhaps too keen sensibility is perhaps too much a predominant trait: a restoration to liberty even without that would lose to me lose its greatest charm

The conversation which passed between his Excellency the captain general [de Caen]and captain Motard, adds some little to the feeble hopes I entertain of the order from the marine minister being put into execution. The only answer I have been able to obtain from the government as to the time when I may hope to return to my country and my family, is "que dès que les "circonstances le permettront, vous jouirez pleinement de la faveur qui vous a "été accordée"; but I have seen vessels sail for America, for India, for France, - I have seen more than four months elapse since the arrival of the order (given March 21. 1806) and find myself still kept in the same state of incertitude. As no better occasions for returning to England can be hoped for than those that have already passed, I am forsed to see that the general is no more sincere with me now than he has shewn himself on more than one former occasion; and the clandestine seizure of my letters some little time past is a proof that he searches rather for pretexts to keep still in the Isle of France than for an occasion une occasion opportune to send me away

I hope I trust it will not be long before I shall have the pleasure of your company here for a few days, and I will then communicate to you are the circumstances that have taken place since the arrival of the marine minister's letter: and we have several interesting objects in the of curiosity in the neighbourhood which will assist in making your time pass agreeably, provided you can come before the rainy weather is decidedly set in. Mr. Pitot left me yesterday, and I cannot hope to see him again in less than two or three weeks; I hope, therefore, that his coming here will not be made an indispensable requisite to your journey

I have received a letter from Monsieur Bergeret dated January 20. 1807 at Paris, but he was then a stranger to any order having been given for my liberation; indeed there is reason to believe from his expressions "ma "situation est affreuse", that he had been very ill received by the minister; we have however been

[This letter is incomplete as the next page in the letterbook has been removed]

[Page 128]

[Letter No. 89]

Mr. John Boand, Swiss, at Mr. J. Cambells' merchant - Calcutta, or Mr. Francis Latours - Madras

Wilhem's Plains Dec. 19. 1807

Mr dear Sir

The frigate having made a too fortunate cruize for the French, this amiable general has judged proper to prepare a cartel to transport the prisoners to India, and she is to sail immediately Mr Gourelle de St. Pearne is to be agent comptable aboard, and I have given him a letter of recommendation. You know I believe, that he is a near relation to our neighbours Madames Chazal and Chevreau, and should you be at Calcutta, remit to him, recommending circumspection, any letters or other things you may have to transmit to me, should the occasion

I remain in the same state as before in all respects. I have been told the general intends to send me away very soon, but how, or by what means, no person is able to devise; since no occasion of sending me direct to England can be expected here, and there is no appearance of any vessel being prepared expressly for the purpose

I have given up for the present, the intention of renouncing my parole; some hope of being set at liberty, the pressing instances of my friends, the hope of receiving letters from England and India soon, and the heat of the season, have for the time changed my resolution

Our excellent family are in good health , and do not forget Mr. Boand.

I remain as ever, dear Sir

your affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[`Letter to Mr. Richardson cut out, see journal Dec 4.' has been added in pencil in another hand]

[Page 129]

[Letter No. 90]

Captain Richardson Port Napoleon

Wilhem's Plains Dec. 19. 1807

Dear Sir

Having learned that the cartel is to sail tomorrow or next day, I have not waited for your answer to mine of the 17. to write to India. I inclose two letters which are recommended to your care. Before sending that for Mr. Boand, will you have the goodness to inquire at Mr. John Campbells, merchant at Calcutta, if he knows where Mr. Boand is, and should he be in the town, to send it to him; if he is not, to forward it to Madras.

I mentioned to you Mons. Gourelle de St. Pearne, agent comptable of the cartel, and if his conduct on board pleases you I doubt not you will have pleasure in introducing him at Calcutta

By the return of the cartel, You would oblige me in writing by the return of the cartel, Mr. telling me generally the state of politics, and any thing you may learn that concerns my situation here. Mr. St. Pearne will I dare say take charge of your letter, and of a Steeles List, if you would have the goodness to send me a latest one.

I reserve a place against the return of the slave who goes from hence to the town daily, in the hope that I may have a letter from you

[Letter No. 91]

To Mrs. Flinders Partney near Spilsby - Lincolnshire

Desbassayns Wilhems Plains in the I. of France

Jan. 20. 1808

I am sorry, my dearest love, for having given thee in August last, too sanguine hopes of seeing me so soon in England: that period remains, alas, still uncertain. The British cartel by which I had hopes of passing to India was detained here until October, and on receiving orders to sail, the Commissary of prisoners made an earnest application for me to be permitted to embark on board, but without success: he was answered, "that as soon as "circumstances would permit I should be set at liberty, and to that effect sent "to London"; an answer as inexplicable to me as to every other person, since no ship is ever likely to sail from hence for England unless sent express.

In September the books, papers, and letters taken from me were returned, with the exception of one journal of which I was the most in want; and

[This letter is continued on page 130 following Letter No. 93]

[Page 130]

[Letter No. 92]

A Monsieur de St. Pearne - Au Port Napoleon

Aux Plaines de Wilhems le 19 Decre 1807

Monsieur

J'ai le plaisir de vous envoyer une lettre de recommendation po auprès des capitaines de notre marine, en cas que vous pouvez puissiez en trouver besoin. Le plaisir que j'aurais de faire tout ce qui puis pouvait être agréable à notre bon voisin Chevreau me fait regretter qui je n'ai point de connaissances assez particulières dans l'India pour que je puis vous fournir de une semblable pour Calcutta. Monsieur le Capitaine Richardson, un de vos prisonniers est de ma connaissance, et bien m'est connu, et consideré dans l'Inde; je lui ai fait mention de vous, et je ne doute pas qu'il ne se fera un plaisir de vous introduire dans la société à Calcutta

Vous me rendrez un service en m'apportant à votre retour des lettres ou autres choses qu'on vous remettrait remette à mon adresse, comme je n'ai point de correspondence politique

J'ai l'honneur d'être, Monsieur

votre tres obéissant serviteur

[Letter No. 91, to Mrs Finders 20 January 1808, continued]

I was told that the value of my little vessel would be paid me at the time I should be set at liberty, but when or by what means I was to receive that liberty I could not learn. These proceedings announced at least that the captain-general [de Caen] considered the order he had received to be sufficient authority for setting me at liberty, and I hoped that it could not be long before the execution would take place, and this hope continually prolonged prevented me from writing again to thee till this time. By the British cartel I sent to India all the letters committed to my charge at Port Jackson, as also several essential papers for my agent, which I hope will make my accounts pass. These I had fortunately put on board some time previous to her sailing, for she was sent away so suddenly that I should not have had time to do this otherwise or to write to Sir Edward Pellew.

A friend of mind, by whom I had written to James Franklin and several

[Page 131]

To Mrs. Flinders - Jan. 20. 1807 [should be 1808]

and several others, was to have gone to India in the cartel, but was at the moment of embarking was forbidden his passage by the government. He took a passage on board a Danish vessel a few weeks afterwards, but the evening before sailing, officers of the police were sent on board to search his trunks, and seven or eight of my letters with some others were taken away; in the hope, no doubt, of finding something in them by which my liberty would be re-compromised; but I know too well the nature of my situation to have committed such an imprudence; the captain-general will have found an exposition of his base conduct towards me, but nothing that could injure the French nation or its allies. Three months are since passed, and no mention of these letters has been made me by the government, which proves that th the general has not found what he sought for

A French cartel has been since sent away to India with all the English prisoners of war, but I still remain in the dark as to the time when I may hope to profit by a similar advantage; except that the general has been heard to signify his intention of setting me at liberty very soon. My only hope of being publickly set at liberty liberated is from a frigate now in port, which being old and in need of great reparation, may perhaps be sent to Europe in a few weeks, in which case she may be perhaps charged with my conveyance. This mode of returning would be to me the most agreeable, since I am intimately acquainted with one of the officers on board, and the captain is reported to be both a good man and a good officer, and has testified a considerable interest in my painful situation. I acknowledge, however, that my hopes of in this affair are far from being extreme

I have more than once told thee of my intention to renounce my parole and to attempt my escape, let what would be the consequence; and this I should certainly have put in execution on the departure of the British cartel but without me, had not the earnest remonstrances and persuasions of my friends here prevented me it. This intention I had imparted to Sir Edward Pellew in the letters that were seized, and consequently it is known to the general, but I hope a vessel will arrive soon, with the captain of which I am acquainted and with whom I shall be able to make a better arrangement, if should my hopes by the Semillante frigate undergo

[Page 132]

dergo the same fate as all my former prospects have done: add to this, the hopes of an approaching peace. How glorious would it be to me to obtain my liberty by such an event! Without the shadow of an obligation, and in spite of the tyrant who has so long oppressed me! For the rest, my dear love, I enjoy tolerably good health and more tranquillity of mind than I did a year past; the marks of interest which I receive from the inhabitants of this island become daily more extensive, and I receive them even from people who are in intimacy with the general. Any news which seems to announce an approaching peace is communicated to me, directly or indirectly, by several different hands, and I believe that of ten thousand white people in the island, the principal half would be ready to make a greater or less sacrifice to see me at liberty and that when the epoch of my liberation shall arisve, it will excite almost as much pleasure as many events of much more importance. The excellent family where I continue to reside, and that of Mr. Pitot cont are, as always, my most attached and most sincere friends

I am afraid, and indeed incapable, to assign any period when I may be expected in England; but I think either from a peace, - by the Semillante, - by my latest project, - by the repetition of the order from the government of France, or by some other means which I do not at present foresee, it cannot be delayed beyond some time near the end of this year

Neglect not my love to have a letter at Bonn Mr. Bonner's by which I may know exactly where thou art on my arrival; Recal me most affectionately to the recollection of thy family and relations as well and place thy fullest confidence in the love and esteem of thy

Mattw. Flinders

I have seen with pleasure in a Steele's List for Jan. 1807, that Samuel commands a gun-brig in the Channel: I hope he will find occasion to distinguish himself. I do not write to him now, I therefore pray thee to inform him of the principal contents of this letter

[Page 133]

[Letter No. 93]

The Right Honble. Sir Joseph Banks - Bt. K. B. President of the Royal Society

Desbassayns Isle of France Jan. 24. 1808

Sir

It is with infinite regret that I have still to inform you of my detention here, notwithstanding the arrival of orders from the French government to set me at liberty, as I had the honour of announcing to you on August 12. 1807. The captain-general [de Caen] here has not thought proper to execute the order he has received, but he has restored to me some time since the whole of the books and papers taken from me, except my last journal, and on Sept. 1. I put on board the Wellesley cartel all the letters I had received at Port Jackson to your address and they went to India in October, with a prayer to Sir Edward Pellew that he would forward them to England. A friend of mine to wh a Swiss [Mr. Boand] to whom I had entrusted many letters for India, was to have embarked in the cartel, but was prevented by this government when on the eve of sailing, and after some other little intrigues the general at length accomplished the seizing of my letters, in which he doubtless hoped to find some information injurious to the island that should authorize him to wholly put aside the order he had received, and reinstate me prisoner a fresh. You will readily conceive Sir Joseph, that he was disappointed, but he would find a sufficient exposition of his injustice towards me in these letters to excite re-excite his extreme irritability, if indeed it had ever been appeased: three months are elapsed since the seizure, and no mention of the contents of these letters has been made to me by the government, nor any change taken place in my situation

In my letter to Mr. Marsden which accompanies this, I have inclosed a copy of the last letter written to this Government, with the answer in which Sir Joseph, I trust you will see how careful I have been to give no cause for not putting the order to set me at liberty into execution. As I believe that the general's conduct present conduct is intended to force me to condescensions unworthy of my situation or of me, in order to obtain liberty, or otherwise draw from me some violent language that should serve him as a pretext to continue my detention, I am upon my guard; and since that letter produced no effect, I have adopted the sole line of conduct which prudence and a proper regard to my situation dictates to me: that of remaining silent

[Page 134]

When the Wellesley was ordered to sail Mr. Stock the commissary of prisoners made a pressing application for me to embark with him, to which it was answered "qu 'aussitôt que les circonstances le permettront, cet officier "sera mis en liberté, et envoyé à cet effet à Londres"; from which I judged, that the general would keep me here until an occasion of sending me direct presented itself; but unless one should be created expressly, no such occasion can be expected during the war: more than three months are elapsed since this answer was given.

By giving me a copy of the marine ministers letter which ordered my liberation, the general avowed the authenticity and sufficiency of the order, and the letters I have from the Chef d'etat-major announce that the only cause of its the order not being put in execution is the want of a convenient opportunity. But since I am therefore free by the orders of the government, and since the captain-general will not make use of any of the numerous occasions that have presented offered thems for America and India, and even for France, I think I ought, notwithstanding my pale parole given in August 1805, search an occasion for myself. The loss of the Cumberland to the government, and of my journal to myself are reas which would probably take place should I withdraw myself privately, have partly kept me, but it is impossible to remain here forever. I have already suffered four years of misery and inaction, but they must have an end

My sole hope of being liberated publickly liberated is from th La Semillante frigate now preparing for sea. After her departure, I am determined to embrace the first opportunity of getting to India or America that presents itself; for to hope that the animosity of the general will sometime cease is fruitless: the want of a convenient opportunity is only a pretext to keep me, and it is very uncertaint whether the general he would not find some other, perhaps equally frivolous, to made the execution of a second order should the minister of the French marine ever send one

I have only to add my best wishes for your health, and that you will continue to believe me, Sir Joseph

Your most obliged and respectful obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 135]

[Letter No. 94]

Mons. Charles Desbassayns habitant près de St. Denis - a Bourbon

Vacoua the 14. March 1808

My dear friend

Accept my most sincere acknowledgements for the three valuable letters you have given me for France, and of which it is by no means improbable I may make use. It is now a week since the arrival of La Manche, but I have received no intimation of any thing concerning my being set at liberty of her bringing any thing that concerns me, all hopes by arising from this occasion, and indeed from France, are therefore nearly dissipated: perhaps the present English ships before the island cruizers may furnish me with an opportun relief, and if so I shall not neglect the opportunity and I am preparing to profit by their presence.

It is probable I may leave have a sum in the hands of my friend, between 10,00 and 14,00 dollars. Is it too much to ask of your friendship to place it for me at Bourbon upon good security at the ordinary interest, and to place the yearly interest arising annually from it to the capital? I wish to leave it for some years as a deposit for my family and or myself in case of misfortune, and as from my friends information it appears, that money doubles itself at Bourbon in about 4 years, I cannot any where place it more advantageously if you will undertake for me the trouble of the management. Should you approve of this, on receiving information from my friend of the sum, be so good as to draw upon his house for the amount, and on receipt touching it, to send him by different occasions, in case of accident, two receipts of the same obligation time and date specifying the employment to be made and the of it, and the promise of payment, to made aft on demand with such deductions excepted as you think proper on my demand necessary to be made of the principal and interest, either to myself or such person as I may be specifiedy under my hand; one of these receipts he will forward to me and the other he will keep in quality of my agent

We are under much apprehension here for the loss of La jeune Laure: by the English cruizers on her return; no letter has yet assured us of your health and that of your good and amiable wife on your arrival, and consequently we are all, but our dear Madame D'Arifat Mama in particular, under much inquietude. You will be so fully informed of every thing domestic at Vacoua that I do not enter further into that department; and but if nothing happens to me within a fortnight I will write you again. In the mean time, I beg to repeat the assurance of my sincere friendship and esteem to you and your dear partner; and to request

[Page 136]

that you will command me on all occasions wherein I can be useful.

I am my dear Charles, your most affectionate friend and faithful servant Mattw Flinders

[Letter No. 95]

To Madame D'Arifat Aux Plaines Wilhems -

March 1808

Not sent

My dear Madam

You have too long been a witness to my sufferings to be surprised at the resolution I have taken to withdraw myself from the hands of a governor who has so long persecuted me. I depart with my heart filled with gratitude and friendship esteem towards you and your excellent and respectable family, in which friend whose remembrance I am anxious to preserve a place, as you and they will ever preserve have a first place in mine

Have the goodness my dear Madam to send my F. and E. dictionary to Mr. P. for Mr.Bonnefoy & one or two small packets which will be found in my pavilion, to the persons to whom they belong, The music left in my pavilion belongs to Mr. Pitot, the dictionary to Mr. Bonnefoy, what else is of any use, either here or at Vacouas I beg you will be so good as to accept accept, or dispose of as you think proper. I expect from India a shawl and three pieces of muslin and three veils which I had hoped to receive before the commencement of this year in order to have presented the first to you and the next to the three young ladies Mademosielles Delphine and Sophia and Mad. Desbassayns and should they fortunately arrive, I shall esteem it a mark of your friendship if you will receive them as a small proof of my attachment

I request you to undertake the office of interpreter of my sentiments towards Messrs Desbassayns, Froberville, Chazal and Curtat and my other friends with their, families towards all my various friends and to assured them that I am penetrated with their continued kindness to me: the manner and suddenness of my departure prevents me from testifying this by letter.

In all cases I wherein I can be useful to you and yours at any future time at any time however distant I beg you will consider me as devoted to your service so long as I live, and that to do something for you who have done so much for conferred so much kindness upon me would ease my heart of some part of the weight of obligation it feels, but never diminish the my friendship and esteem. It is with the sentiment which will be are eternally fixed in the sentiments of, my dear Madam

your most obliged and devoted humble servant and friend

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 137]

[Letter No. 96]

Monsieur Thomy Pitot - Au Port

Not sent March 1808

My dear friend

You will not learn without some surprise that I am no longer in the Isle in France, [words crossed out and undecipherable] since, having a perfect confidence in your friendship I made no communication to you of my project, but you will excuse me from the motive which was not to compromise to avoid compromising any of my friends.

Have the goodness to send after me by the way of America the two trunks which are at you house.

The lapse of only a two years Since the arrival of the order from the marine minister of France to set me at liberty and the delay of eight months the lapse of nearly a year without appearance of it being put in execution, it is evident to me the seizure of my private correspondence and [ words crossed out and undecipherable] the evasive answers given to my applications for permission to depart, make it evident that the animosity the gen captain-general [de Caen] has so unjustly, and so ungenerously, and so long manifested toward me will continue to surmount every obstacle, and and that I had no other resource than to get out of his power the soonest possible; but I assure you in the sincerity of friendship, that I never did entertain any hostile intention in coming to the Isle of France, nor do I now entertain any in quitting it; on the contrary, I have searched to employ my small means in favour of every honest man in misfortune of whatever nation, and certainly the friendship and kindness I have received during four years from every individual inhabitant of the island with whom I had the honour to be acquainted, has not tended to change my disposition in that respect towards Frenchmen; for you my very dear and worthy friend, and two or three others, I shall cherish a lasting esteem, and in all cases where I may have it in my power to be useful to you, I pray you to count as assuredly upon my services as upon those of an affectionate brother

[Page 138]

brother.

I beg you to be the interpreter of my friendly sentiments towards the different members of your family, and to all those with for whom you know me to have expressed esteem, the suddenness of my departure does not permit me to write to them in particular. and Believe me to be most sincerely, and so long as I live

your most affectionate friend and

P.S. Be so good as to send after me my large obliged humble servant

trunk after me, by America address Mattw. Flinders

send to me at W.A. Standert Esq. Norfolk

St. Strand London

Commissions

1. To transmit to Madame D'Arifat 40 piastres due to her and 6 for those of her domesticks who have been in the habitude of serving me

2. To inform M.G.D. of the sum remaining, and regulate that affair with him.

3. To deliver to Mr. Exshaw my two black trunks, and pay the expenses if any.

4. To write me, and speak of the opinion entertained of my flight

5. To transmit the packet from Mr. Boand to Mad. D. and open all my letters, those from England excepted, and send to me what appears necessary

[Letter No. 97]

Not sent

To Monsieur Labauve - Au Tamarin

March 1808

My dear Labauve

[Words crossed out and undecipherable] that I have made use of to obtain the liberty and I have taken occasion to procure myself the liberty which has so long and so unjustly been denied me. Allow me to intercede with your for the [words crossed out and undecipherable] board against their will. Be so good as to send the two inclosed letters to the post office, and request your good mother to look in my table drawer for a letter addressed to her, and to send black man who will deliver you this; and who he carried my trunk to the water side without knowing the object

Accept my warmest thanks for your friendly attention and kindness to

[Page 139]

me, and believe that I am and shall ever be,

your very affectionate friend and obliged humble faithful

servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 98]

A Monsieur B.[`ickham' has been added in pencil] negociant au Port Napoleon

Wilhems Plains March 20. 1808

My dear Sir

I am informed that your health is so well established, that you propose to make a voyage to your native country by the first ship that sails, and beg to present you with my very sincere compliments upon so speedy a re-establishment and best wishes for the success of your voyage

As after your obliging offer and attention to me I can not doubt of your disposition to render me service when in your power, I take the liberty of sending you two letters, one of which I beg the favour of you to deliver in a private manner to its address should an occasion present itself, before the other, which is a duplicate, I should be obliged by your charging with it the commander an some American ship to sail sailing shortly after you, in whose fidelity and good will you have confidence, and I wish both to be burnt should not an occasion offer of delivering them before your arrival in America

The intention of these letters is to give information to the commander in chief at the Cape or in India of the peculiar situation in which I find myself since the arrival of the order to set me at liberty and the long neglect of the general to put it in execution. I have requested in the letter that no mention should be made of the vessel by or in manner in which it may be received, but it would not be improper to make the same request to the officer to whom you or the captain may deliver.

Have you any doubt of the continuance of peace between America and England? If so, and you think a letter of recommendation from me the captains of His majestys ships can be of any service, I shall with much pleasure furnish you with one, being my dear Sir, with best respects

[Page 140]

to Mrs. Bickham

your obliged and faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. If any of the late vessels are from Baltimore, you will oblige me by inquiring if the brig Phoebe was arrived and if my servant John Elder was on board. I have yet received no letter from him which surprises me

[Letter No. 99]

To M. Charles Desbassayns - près. de St. Denis Isle Bonaparte

Mocha April 12. 1808

Politics and my researches upon magnetism principally

[Letter No. 100]

Mrs Flinders - Partney near Spilsby - Lincolnshire - Isle of France

Bickham Exshaw April 13. 1807 [should be 1808]

I wrote to thee, my dearest love, two months since by a friend going to America, and I now write thee again by a similar opportunity. No change whatever has taken place in my situation since that time, and it is evident that none will in consequence of the order which arrived here in July last. I informed thee that I had written in October to the marine minister of France, but whether another order will be sent out is very uncertain; nor have I yet learned what steps Sir. Ed. Pellew proposes to take on learning the obstinacy of general De Caën to keep me, or what are his sentiments upon it, but by the return of a French cartel from Calcutta, I expect to receive much information.

My friends have dissuaded me from throwing up my parole, and insist that I ought to consider myself free to all intents and purposes without that, since the order of the French government to set me at liberty has arrived. In short, my love, I have nothing certain to tell thee, except that my affection for thee, for my friends, and my country remain, and ever will, unutterably the same

I continue to pursue the studies which have relation to my voyage, with the intention of rendering it as useful as possible; I enjoy good health generally, and am happy in the good and kind family where my fortunate stars first placed me on being liberated from prison, as also

[Page 141]

To Mrs Flinders - April 13. 1808

as also in the favourable opinion and compassionating sentiments of all here who are acquainted with my situation

I have seen English papers up to near the end of October last, in which I see the Bloodhound has had her share of activity; I hope my brother still commands her, if he has not got a better ship, and that he will make something handsome, and at the same time distinguish himself

The last letters I have received from England were dated in August 1806, and I much fear they will be the last for some time. Knowing that an order to set me at liberty had been sent out, thou wouldst conclude me to be on the way home, and therefore cease writing. The bearer of this, Mr. John Exshaw, will write thee a line from America to inform thee where to address my letters, and I beg of thee to write and to collect letters from all my friends as soon after as possible; for it is much to be feared that I may yet remain here many months; and the greatest pleasure I can enjoy here is to receive letters from thee, my love, and my friends in England

Pray write a line to Sir J.B. giving the address in America, and saying how much I desire to have a letter from him, having received only that dated in June 1805. Many promotions have taken place since my absence, but I have no hope of being included in any before my return, and I fear, that those with me will remain in the same predicament. If, however, I should succeed in making the government sensible how unjustly I have been treated, I may perhaps obtain my promotion from the date of my imprisonment

Governor King will be arrived in England before this time. If thou canst find the occasion, I should much wish thou wouldst see him and Mrs. King. It may be in his power to do much with the ministry in my favour, and thy presence and intreaty would greatly stimulate him; and although, if a gleam of good fortune attends me, his exertions may be two late to operate my delivery, they will nevertheless be highly favourable to me on my return: I consider him to be one of my most zealous friends

I am at present with our family on a visit to some relations in another district in the island called Moka, where, as every where else, I am treated with friendship and compassionate distinction. My friend Pitot visits me every month, and continues to prove himself the sincere and affectionate

[Page 142]

-tionate friend I have ever found him

The voyage of M. Baudin is in publication. I am curious to know how the work will speak of me and the treatment he received of at Port Jackson. The contrast of his and my reception is so great that some management will be required not to expose French honour to too much criticism.

Adieu my best love, remember me kindly to all the members of thy and my family and relations, and rely with implicit confidence upon the unalterable affection and friendship of

thy Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 101]

A Monsieur Charles Desbassayns Habitant près de St. Denis

Isle Bonaparte Vacoua April 23. 1808

My dear friend

I was in the town at when I received your welcome letter of the 16. to which and I now return an answer to your questions, article by article. The obligation you may receive for the sum you place on my account will remain in your hands, and be made to your order. Once a year, at the time or when you make a any change or fresh arrangement, have the goodness to make a communicate what you may have done to my friend Thomy Pitot, who when occasion offers will communicate the same to me. In case of any accident happening to you, which God forbid, you will, by a memorandum upon the obligation, or such other step as you judge proper, make known what belongs to me and that it is to be payable to my order. Your Executor will perhaps have the goodness to continue the management of the affair sending a new receipt to Mr. Pitot, specifying the sum, the manner how received, and the employment but if not, the amount should be remitted to Mr. Pitot from whom I shall draw it who will employ it to my advantage as circumstances may permit, and from whom I shall soon withdraw it when an occasion offers. allow, until such time as I may withdraw it from his hands. My intention is, that it should remain, adding the interest to the principal yearly, until it amounts to something considerable; but in case any friend of mine should come this way, and should have occasion for money, the bills I may give shall be made out for a long date if possible to be paid the 1 of January following the presentation, if sooner should be inconvenient to you, and after acceptation, he will be able to get them discounted, I doubt not in either island. My friend has already sent you the form of

[Page 145]

[There are no pages 143 and 144]

M. Ch. Desbassays

form of the receipt which he judges proper, and which you will find with M. Baudin, on receiving the 1000 dollars. If you also approve of it, have the goodness to give Mr. B. three, one he will keep for fear of accidents, one will remain with Mr. P. as my agent, and one I take with me; as however no mention is there made of the expenses that may arise in deduction, pray request M. Baudin to add a clause to that effect

This, my dear friend, is all that my little knowledge of affairs here, permits me to say upon the subject. Between ourselves no difficulties can ever arise, and I am satisfied you will take the necessary precaution to guard against accidents on a change of hands. In case of my death, the person who may make claim of my property must produce you the authority of my will, and that I died and a demand an order from my wife or other person to whom the sum in your hands may be bequeathed and must give you such a quittance as you may require from him. I wish to observe in addition, that whenever you may feel the charge a burden to you, remit the amount to Mr. Pitot, whose receipt will be your acquittance

I have received no intelligence of any kind from the government. On the arrival of La Semillante, I applied to go to town with the approbation of the general, to visit my poor wounded friend Baudin. Six days afterwards, a letter from M. Monistrol informed me that it was granted for two days. I found M. Baudin at the hospital, but in a fair way of recovery; it must necessarily be slow, perhaps four or six months from the nature of the wound in his belly, the muscles of which are terribly cut, and the intestines were even touched, but the bones escaped; the loss of his right arm is at present nothing in comparison of this wound. The same ball which did this mischief, killed three others; it was the last shot fired I had the pleasure of taking him a quantity of some oranges, which are prescribed to him in large quantities. The English ship with which La Semillante had the engagement is not yet known. - During my two days stay in town, I was followed by an ordinary serjeant followed me by the generals' order: why this should have been done now for the first time I can only conjecture. The India news papers I see of January last continue to discuss the subject of my imprisonment and situation, and so much to my advantage that it perhaps may be has been the cause of this his newly adopted severity; be that as it may, it gives me no uneasiness: When one is ten feet under water, the addition of an inch makes little difference I wished much to have made some observations for the variation on board a ship in the harbour, but could not see M. Monistrol to speak to him upon the subject: I believe he kept out of the way on purpose, expecting perhaps my reproaches on account of the ordinary that followed me, but of which I did not intend to make the least

[Page 145a]

mention, particularly to him whom I consider to be neuter in the affair.

It is supposed here that the Americans will be forced into the war, but whether they will take part against the English or French is very uncertain: Bonaparte is said to have declared, that he will consider every nation as an enemy where an English agent is received; when this was known in America a general embargo was laid took place was ordered

Adieu: my dear friend; accept my sincere acknowledgements for for the trouble you have taken on my account, and still more for the af kind sentiments which you and your good lady entertain towards me Beg of her to accept my to accept the assurance of my highest esteem being joined in the high esteem and affection with which I am, my dear Charles,

your sincere friend and obliged humble servt.

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. Madame D'Arifat has just favoured me with reading the principal passages of the letters she has just received. I am charmed with the descriptions and the manner of writing of good your sensible and affectionate Lise; really her letters present a model for daughters to write to their mother. so kind With respect to Mr. Gilbert, I am afraid you will take too much trouble to obtain information from him. Should he have any journal or account ready written, which he is willing to confide, and that I should make extracts from it, it would be very agreeable to me, and not much trouble to you or him, but if not, I should be sorry that he should have to make out my long descriptions solely for me; particularly if therefore you find by his answer that he has them not already made, drop the subject with him quietly

[Page 146]

[Letter No. 102]

A Monsieur Cazeaux - Commissaire civile du Quartur des Plaines de Wilhems

Aux Vacouas le 7 May 1808

Monsieur

Je vous demande bien pardon pour avoir retenu si long temps l'excellent ouvrage* dont vous m'avez bien voulu fournir la lecture. Mon absence dans le temps que vous avez eu la bonté de me l'envoyer, - une visite au Port, - les utiles observations qui le journal de route m'ont fourni donné pour des recherches sur le magnetisme de la terre, et et enfin, le grand intérèt que la plume rayonnante de M. de Fleurieu ajoute toujours à tout ce qu'elle entreprend d'eclaircir, m'ont tant causé de delai, et donné tant d'envie de lire son ouvrage avec attention, que je ne pouvais le finir que ce matin

En lisant sa nomenclature d'Hydrographie, j'ai fait quelques notes en crayon sur les marges, qui expliquent mon opinion la dessus, et qui peuvent être effacées avec de la mie de pain: le quatrième et le cinquième volumes me semblent meriter d'être mis dans le nombre des livres classiques des marins

A present, Monsieur, j'ai l'honneur de vous renvoyer les cinq volumes, avec beaucoup de remerciments pour l'utile et agréable lecture qu ils m'ont fourni; it en demandant votre indulgence pour mon mauvais Francais, je vous prie d'agréer l'assurance de ma considération

Mattw. Flinders

*le voyage de Le Marchand

[Letter No. 103]

A Monsieur de Kerjean - au Port

Wilhems Plains May 11. 1808

Dear Sir

You know, without doubt, that the order of his excellency the marine minister respecting me has not yet been put in execution, and that consequently I still remain in this island. I passed two days in the town a short time since, and should have done myself the honour of presenting myself at your house, had not the captain-general [de Caen] caused me to be followed every where by an orderly sergeant; the cause or the object of this new mark of his suspicion are unknown to me, but I thought it prudent to avoid making many

[Page 147]

visits except where it was known I was more particularly intimate, trusting that my friends would excuse the neglect in favour of the motive

The unfortunate affair in which the house of Pitot are at present engaged with the government, prevent my friend Thomy taking any steps in favour of the captain of their prize, Mr. Humphreys, who is at present in the prison of the Grande River; he has interested me in his favour, and I should have an obligation to you, Sir, if you could procure by means of some one of your friends that he might be permitted to return to India sh by the first neutral ships as many others prisoners have lately been permitted, or if you could render him any other service, particularly that of sending to him a trusty Indian servant to be hired, of which Mr. Humphreys is in want

Trusting to your goodness that; in the impossibility of executing my wishes, you will pardon a request made in favour of my an unfortunate countryman, I have the honour to remain, dear Sir,

your obliged and faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 104]

Mr. John Boand - Swiss, at Mr. Francis Latours - Madras

Opened by M. Wohrnitz and destroyed

Wilhems Plains May 21. 1808

My dear Sir

I wrote on Nov. 9 last, with copies of the letters for India which had been taken from you so scandelously the evening before your departure, but of which I have never heard anything from the government; nor do I yet know whether my journal was taken with them. I wrote you also on December 19, by M. Gourelle de St. Pearne, agent comptable on board the French cartel which sailed soon after for Calcutta, and by whose return I hope to hear from you and to receive such letters from my friends as you and he may be have been able to collect for me: we look for the cartel daily with much impatience

Not the least change has yet taken place in my position, and since October 16. when I offered to embark on board any vessel, of any nation for any part of the world, without obtaining any other than the usual equivocal answer, I have ceased writing to any person belonging to this government. About A month since I passed two days in town, by permission, but was followed every where by an orderly sergeant for the first time, but on my arrival there was ordered to be followed by a sergeant of the troops; nor am I able to assign any other reason

[Page 148]

May 21. 1808 - Mr. Boand

son for this new pros mark of his severity animosity, than that he perhaps hoped to excite me to some violent expressions or actions which might give him a fresh hold upon me; I returned, however, without giving affording any other mark of my resentment, than sending my compliments to Mr. colonel Monistrol by the sergeant when he quitted me.

In February last, the pretty Miss Lise D'Arifat was married to Mr. Charles Desbassayns, and she soon after went with him to Bourbon on board a brig, which was taken by the Cape Squadron in returning. She writes very frequently, and appears to be happy with her husband, and satisfied with her habitation, which is said to be one of the best in Bourbon. The two other young ladies are without any declared suitors; they are in good health as is their excellent mother, and all join in pres with her desire me to offer your their remembrances. Mr. Henry Desbassayns and his eldest brother are gone to America, from whence they propose to go to France; the latter is accompanied by his wife and proposes to fix himself there: Mr. John Exshaw has taken the same route upon a speculation

I do not speak to you of Mr. Curtat, because I know you will receive a letter from his good lady; they continue to be amongst my warmest friends, nor have I lost the friendship of any of those or acquaintance of any of those with whom you know me to be connected

Some fears (but not by me) are entertained of La Piémontaise being the taken and I hope perhaps Two frigates, La Manche and La Caroline arrived from France not long since, [words crossed out and undecipherable] but they brought nothing relating to me, nor and or at least nothing has I have received no communication. The marine minister supposing, without doubt, that the order to set me at liberty would be put in execution, had ceased to think of the affair, and it is not until answers are received only by the answers to the despatches by of of the Apropos and Actéon that I expect any thing; even then, some fresh pretext will probably be alleged for continuing my detention: it is said that the general expects a frigate with these answers almost immediately. A feeble ray of hope is given me by the Semillante, which returned so disabled from her night action with one of our ships, that she cannot go out again to cruize, and it is supposed will be sent to France in two or three months; my worthy young friend Ensign Baudin had the misfortune to lose his right arm and to be otherwise severely wounded: he is still confined to his bed, and cannot be well recovered for several months; no person ever bore so much suffering with more fortitude

[Page 149]

fortitude: it was principally to see him that I went to town, having made no similar request since the refusal given me in November

I inclose a letter which I will thank you to give as addressed; but if no immediate occasion offers, put it into an envelope addressed to Sir Edward Pellew with the words On His Majestys' Service and request the captain of the port or governor's secretary to forward it

Wishing you all health and happiness, I remain, my dear Sir,

your affectionate and faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. I have seen in the Calcutta gazettes for January, some discussions as to my real situation here; the Englishman, who contradicts the Frenchman's account, is furthest from the truth: neither of them speak of my shipwreck: You are able to set them both right

[Letter No. 105]

Monsieur Thomy Pitot - Au Port Napoleon

Tarmarinds June 6. 1808

My dear friend

I arrived here yesterday with our good family to pass the winter, and received your letter of the 4th. by the bazar at noon. Had I no other information upon the subject of Mr. Humphreys than from it, I should have supposed that it was you who had interested yourself in that affair at my request, and not me who had taken a part in it at yours. I believe the fact is, that desiring to serve a man whose vessel you had been taken by one armed by your house, and who besides appeared to you interesting, - being unable to render him service yourself from the existing circumstances between your house and the government, and fearing, as it appears, to compromise any of your friends, you requested me to write to Mr. de Kerjean, who, by the by was no better situated in that respect as little in the good graces of the government as any of your friends can be, and must necessarily compromise one of his friends in the affair, if to interest oneself in ameliorating the lot of an unfortunate man makes a compromise with the government, you requesting me to ask that gentleman to procure a servant for Mr. Humphreys, and to endeavour to obtain a permission for him to return to India. I should have thought it inconsistent to have made the first request to so res -

[Page 150]

so respectable a character as Mr. Kerjean, without having a much more intimate acquaintance with him, since it appeared to me that your maitre-d'hotel could have equally well executed it, but the second was of sufficient more importance, and taking a sincere interest in the fortune of my countryman, - desirous also of conforming myself to your wishes, I wrote to Mr. de K. and in making the more important request I added also the other. His answer was polite and favourable; and you informed you me that a servant had presented himself to you, and suggested my writing to Mr. A. Baudin to obtain that the servant might obtain entrance enter into the prison, still fearing to compromise engage, as I judge from your letters, any of your friends to engage any person of your acquaintance in the affair. Nearly the same difficulty presented itself in this case as the former to me now as before, - to engage that of engaging a person with whom I had so little acquaintance in so trivial an affair. It appeared to me much more natural to send the servant to the prison with a note written by any young man to the commandant requesting permission for him to enter. There is a much more important difference between one government and another than even I had supposed, if a similar act could render a man young man, whose name draws no consequence after it, obnoxious or suspected; by a government certainly I did not foresee that this consequence certainly, my friend, I did not foresee this consequences attending it which it appears you did or I should have had an additional motive for hesitating to write to Mr. Baudin. I informed you of my reas Some days after I received you sent me a second letter from Mr. de Kerjean, upon the address of which you were requested to take information of the contents, but lest this should not have been done, I informed you immediately that it an application for permission to return to India was requisite from Mr. Humphreys for the accomplishment of the affair in which you had engaged me. Knowing nothing to the contrary, I supposed that you had form either adopted the manner I mentioned to get the servant into the prison, or had found some other, and in that case either case, there would be little difficulty in conveying the requisite information by a similar means. I waited to know what had been done before writing to Mr. de Kerjean, as well to express my obligation for his ready and zealous interference, as to inform him that the step he found necessary had been taken. Several days passed without my receiving any information upon either the subject of the servant or the application, and I found myself disagreeably situated towards the gentleman I had employed: I had given him who was absent from the town the trouble to provide a servant, and make arrangement for with a third person for the accomplishment of the greater object, and on my part nothing was done to assist in forwarding, what to him would appear, my own project. I could not with decency defer any longer thanking him for the trouble he had taken, and found myself obliged to acknowledge my the uncertainty I was in whether the troub my the pains he had [The end of this letter is missing as pages 151 to 156 have been removed from the letterbook]

[Page 157]

[Letter No. 106]

[The beginning of this letter is missing as pages 151 to 156 have been removed from the letterbook]

+ belonging to 155

I have since imagined an experiment by which the sum and difference of the attractions and repulsions of bo the poles, and the difference may be readily obtained, and consequently the powers of one power pole at any place compared with those of the other. Both poles exert their attractive and repulsive influences to fix a horizontal needle in the meridian, but it is the superior power of one pole over the other that makes the dipping incline toward the north or south; the square of the number of oscillations [words crossed out and undecipherable] made by of the same needle placed first vertically and then horizontally, made in a given time placed first vertically and then horizontally, should shew the relative powers by which it it retained in these different directions, and by means of the half sum and half difference, the powers of each pole will be found. If this It is not here that I can make the experiment, not having or being able to procure a dipping needle but if it should succeed as I hope, the difficulty of arriving at the places of the poles will be much alleviated, and an important step made in elucidating the magnetism of the earth. This experiment joined to that of the pendulum may be attended with another advantage, that of furnishing a comparison between the magnetic and grav powers of magnetism and of gravity which reside in the globe, from whence may perhaps be deduced an explanation of several phenonomena in the earth's movements which may be of the greatest importance to natural philosophy; but

[Letter No. 107]

To Mr. Charles Baudin des Ardennes au Port

July 25. 1808 - Tamarinds

My dear Sir

I received yesterday your favour of the 22, with a pleasure that was not una that was accompanied with painful emotions on seeing your former

hand writing so changed and reflecting on the cause; but Permit me to offer you my very sincere congratulations on the advance towards already made in your restoration to health, and permit not, my friend, and allow to beg of you not to let any public, and I hope unfounded reports to interfere with what your friends whic wish should be your sole occupation; and be assured that no one can take a more zealous part in your health, both of body and mind, than I do.

[Words crossed out and undecipherable] It is an honour of which I am very sensible that the first letter written by your remaining hand was addressed to me,- to your brother in misfortune. Would that you had as good a prospect of being one day reestablished in your physical powers, as I have in my natural rights. The loss of liberty is severe, but unfortunately for you, my friend, it is sooner found than a limb severed from the body.

[Page 157a]

How often have I regretted, that you who are so well calculated to pursue researches that might augment the happiness add to the mass of knowledge and happiness in the world, should have been drawn by existing circumstances to quit so truly noble a career, for one [words crossed out and undecipherable] which terminates for the most part in producing misfortune either to oneself or to others; For according to my persuasion, The labours of Newton and Cook were beneficial, whilst those of Alexander and Caesar where were the destroyers of mankind desolated mankind. Would that our two gre nations were generally of the same opinion were convinced of this truth, and act accordingly, then might we hope the [word crossed out and undecipherable] animosity which makes it a duty for one man to destroy another, would become an honourable emulation for excellence in the useful arts and sciences; when the English philosopher might pay the tribute of acknowledgement to the Savant Français with the approbation of his nation, and receive in his turn the applause due to his genius labours; but alas this is but a theoretical dream, which the passions of the human heart will never permit to be realized; and all that we can do is to concur in producing the good and avoid joining joining to do the evil as far as circumstances will allow. I would, my friend, that you might wholly adopt my sentiments, entirely you have had a great lesson and let the glory of contributing to the advancement of science, efface the desire of military glory; to take an examples from my own nation, I would wish that you would took Newton and Cook for models rather than Nelson; the reputations of the first are immortal as the light of the sun whilst that of the last, is a flambeau, brilliant indeed for a time, but whilst which in half a century will scarcely be remembered

I look forward to the time when you may be able to make a journey into the country, and when I hope you will favour me with at least a few days of your society. Did not the nature of my situation present an invincible obstacle, I would not wait for that time, to have the pleasure of being near you. I have made an application lately to be sent to France, despairing of to obtain any thing more favourable; - Would that it might be granted, and that you might return on board the same vessel; I would endeavour to soothe your misfortune, and to turn your mind into a channel more productive of real satisfaction than that of war. Adieu, my dear sir, consult only at present search only at present to amuse agreeably your mind and restore health to your body and believe me to be very sincerely

Your affectionate friend & humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 158]

P.S. Madame D'Arifat and her second daughter are in good health, they read your letter excite their sensibility as your situation does their interest. Miss Delphine is at present in town for a week

[Letter No. 108]

To Mrs Flinders - Partney near Spilsby Lincolnshire

( Pactole ) Isle of France Aug. 14. 1808

(Dup. Semillante)

It is still from this place, my dearest friend, that I address thee, and I know not what power will be be sufficient to make this inexorable general [de Caen] let me depart, for no sentiments of justice or humanity, or even the orders of his government appear to be sufficient. More than a year is elapsed since the order of the marine minister of France to set me at liberty arrived here; and I am still kept; nor can I obtain any other information of what are the captain-generals' intentions concerning me than that as soon as circumstances will permit I shall be liberated; but to judge from his conduct, nothing short of a peace between France and England can make him let go his hold, and most unfortunately the war appears to be more vigorous and determined than ever, as if nothing short of the subjugation or extinction of one or other of the belligerent powers could terminate it. What an age are we born in! At any former period, the extraordinary injustice I have suffered, would have been sufficient to attract the attention of almost all Europe, but violence and injustice are now become the order of the day, and the sufferings of an individual are lost amidst those of nations. The thirst of conquest or the necessity of repulsing aggression have turned converted the plough shares of England and France into swords, and the useful arts of peace are made to give away, or only considered as subservient to the destructive art of war. The little that path that I had traced out to myself, by which to arrive at some distinction, had nothing to recommend it but its philanthropic principles and its general utility to commerce and the extension of natural, geographical, and nautical knowledge; these are become antiquated themes amidst the violent commotions that agitate distracted Europe, and the misfortunes of one who has had the folly to dedicate his life and labours to them are scarce worthy of attention.

To increase the distress of my situation, the numerous American vessels that lately visited this island, and by which I was accustomed to write and sometimes to receive letters from England, have now almost totally ceased their voyages, and I fear have cut off the last of my resources to obtain liberty should all

[Page 159]

should all other means fail. The last letters I addressed to thee were dated in January 20 and April 13 last 1808, the latter quitted the island happily for before information was received that neutral vessels could no longer voyage make their voyages in safety, but how these poor lettres will be able reach England from America I am in pain to know. My last letters received are dated in August 1806, and in the present state of things I can scarcely expect to receive another.

I informed thee, that I had written a letter to the marine minister of France, representing to him my situation and the little disposition of the general to put his order into execution, but the vessel that carried it was taken by our cruizers and the letter probably thrown overboard. I have now prepared a memorial to him upon a more extensive plan, and shall send several copies of it by different vessels that are announced to sail for France and to sail in two or three weeks shortly, one of these copies will probably reach England; but at the same time that I do this, I shall the little confidence I can have in its success will make me neglect no occasion that may offer of procuring myself by other means the great object of my wishes. It is by one of these vessels, that my letter to thee will be sent, a worthy person having informed me that he had the sure means of transmitting it to England: and I have sufficient hope he may not be deceived, to risk a letter to thee, for in all probability future occasions will be exceedingly rare

No change has taken place in my particular, more than in my public situation. I still continue in the worthy family of Madame D'Arifat, and in all probability shall remain so long as I stay in the island. I now and then see some Indian and English news papers, but it is letters from thee, from my brother and others that I most desire. To know how deeply the love of our country and family are engrafted in the human heart, it is necessary to be kept some years from them. It is a consuming fire capable of destroyed the human frame, when unsupported with the hope of return; and to this hope I attribute more than to any strength of resolution, that amidst all that I have suffered I am still in existence my mind still preserves its tone and my body its accustomed health

It I cannot foresee what may happen between this time and the sailing of the ship that is to take this letter, I will therefore leave room to resume my conversation with thee at that period

Aug. 18. The ship is not to sail I am now told till near the end of the following month. A ship is lately arrived from France, but I have almost no hope that any thing in the generals' despatches relates to me; since the marine minister would suppose, as thou wouldst, that his order must have been put in execution long since; and even should he renew his order, the captain general will allege some new pretext for keeping me, of the truth of which the minister, at the distance he is, will be unable to judge. It is supposed by some, that he fears to let me go under the apprehension that I should unveil his proceedings and and shew the fallacy of his assertions of relating to my conduct and the contents of his allegations of the contents of my journal

[Page 160]

journal. If he thinks that so long as he can keep me here my voice cannot be heard, I hope he will be mistaken; it is true that perhaps it may not be attended to; but if one of the two copies of my journal is arrived in England, and the memorial I have written reach the marine minister, the injustice and inhumanity with which I have been treated, now near five years, will not be wholly unknown in either nation

I know not yet whether my poor Elder arrived safely with my letters, and a trunk nearly full of books and charts; and this often gives me uneasiness, as well for him from the state of his health as from the importance of what he was charged his charge; I am equally a stranger to what thou hast done in making a suitable arrangement with Mr. Tyler for thy board, and to every thing that has happened amongst my family and relations these two years past, as well as amongst those who were with me in the Investigator, of whom my brother, John Franklin and young Lound interest me the most: it has surprised me, not to see that Mr. Aken's name is not in the list of masters, for I have seen one up to Feb. 1807, some months a long time after his arrival in England, nor have I any letter from him since the one written on his reaching London in 1805. My ignorance of Standerts' proceedings in respect to the bills I have drawn upon or sent to him, or the orders given for thee, is still greater. Since W. Standert became my agent I have no account or letter from him whatever. I know that governor King is arrived in England, and I trust will have exerted himself with the admiralty to procure my liberty, but what he, or Sir Joseph, or Dr. Maskelyne may have really done, or how they stand disposed I know not; and these are all important objects to me, and my ignorance of them is consequently a source of much inquietude. Of my mother-in-law and my sisters I think often, particularly of poor Susan: I fear the times are hard with her and her numerous family, and though I have not written to her, I love her very sincerely. Thou wilt express to all these, my affectionate remembrances, as also to W. Flinders, and my cousin at Spalding with her father and mother

Sept 15. None of the ships for France have yet sailed. By the arrival of a French cartel from Calcutta, I just now receive a letter from James Franklin at Ghazupore dated Oct. 1807. He was in health and spirits, but had received none of my letters. He accidentally met with an officer Lieut. Macartney whom I had seen here prisoner in March 1807, who furnished him with the means of sending his letter to me. I expect many other letters by the cartel, but it will probably be some days before I shall get them, if they fortunately escape being seized, to do which I believe the general has the greatest desire.

Sept. 20. It should appear, either that I have no other letters by the cartel, or that they have been seized, and thus I consider every hope of interesting intelligence from India at an end by this occasion at an end. I am now, my love obliged to close my letter, the first ship for France being to sail in two or three days. By the second I will send a duplicate, and add such circumstances as may arise, if any, in the interval

Although I should be sorry that thou shouldst form any great expectation of seeing

[Page 161]

Mrs. Flinders

me soon, I would not have thee despair of it. Put thy trust in that Providence who has hitherto protected me in the greatest dangers, and preserved me in health during a trial which, for the extraordinary circumstance attending it, is not to be parelled paralleled in history; and rest assuredly as I am confident in thy inviolable affection and friendship, so if so I beg of thee to rest in full assurance of those that will ever fill the heart of

thy Mattw. Flinders

P.S. I just now learn verbally that my a copy of my journal and various letters for India instead of having been seized in Oct. last as I suspected and believed, are safely arrived in India; which gives me the greatest pleasure John James F. will therefore have got his letter.

Oct. 25. P.S. In answer to a second application to be sent prisoner to France, and offering my parole to render myself up the French government by the most direct means in case the ship should not arrive at her destination,

the captain general has thought proper to answer, "that having communicated "to His Excellency the marine minister the reasons which induce him to defer "my return to Europe, cannot authorise my departure until he receives an "answer." Every thing makes This he tells me, after [word crossed out and undecipherable] giving having given me to hope during fifteen months, that I should be set at liberty by the first convenient opportunity: happily I paid more attention to his actions than to his words. Every thing announces his determination to keep me here, under within his talons, as long as possible; but I think the steps I have taken will obtain an order, at least to send me to France, which he will not be able to resist without putting risking his head in danger, and I think his place and fortune are in some danger already. But the soonest that such an order can be expected is in June next. My exertions and those of my friends are not only directed to obtaining this order. I find that my situation and sufferings are known and appreciated more widely than ever, and I have some hope of a more speedy relief from another quarter. Adieu my best love.

I have sent to Standert a bill on the Navy Board for £268.10, and desired him to inform the of his having received it, and of his its being accepted or withdrawn

P.S. to letter addressed to captain Bergeret, page 163 [Letter No. 109]

Oct. 25. Le Charles (late la Semillante) being ready to sail for France, and captain Motard being a passenger on board her, I repeated my request to be sent a prisoner to France, and pointed out that ship as a convenient opportunity, offering to give my parole to render myself up to the French government by the most direct means, in case the Charles should not arrive at her destination The answer received three days since is, that His Excellency having communicated to the minister the reasons motives which induce him to defer my departure suspend my return to Europe, cannot authorize my departure until he receives an answer". This communication must have either been made by the Apropos or very lately. If by the first, the general deceived me in saying after her departure, that I should be set at liberty as soon as a convenient opportunity offered. If he deferred the communication till the sailing of ships fifteen months after the arrival of the order, it is evident that he searches to continue my detention as long as possible. But if the general had any real cause to suppose that the government had changed its intentions with respect to me, why did he not send me in the Apropos? A Every things bespeaks that he searches to keep me from making known the injustice I have suffered as long as possible: this is the only conclusion generally that can be drawn from his conduct

[Page 162]

[Letter No. 109]

To Captain Bergeret at Paris Hotel de Valois Rue de Rischelieu à Paris

(Pactole) Aug. 31. 1808 - Isle of France

duplicate - Semillante

My dear Sir

I informed by you in my letter of Sept. 18. 1807 by the Apropos of the arrival of orders here from the marine minister of France dated two months before dated in March 1806, and of the hope I entertained that its their execution would not be much longer deferred. You, to whom general De Caën had expressed his desire to receive orders concerning me long before, will not learn without surprise, that I am still kept with as much or more rigour than ever, now more than a year after the arrival of the order. I am lost in conjecture as to the cause, and can only fix myself upon the implacable animosity which the general bears me, and which proceeds to such a length as to make him lay aside even the orders of his government; for it is not possible for him to he cannot really believe, that it is in my power or intention, or ever was, to do injury to the Isle of France

I have written a memorial to the minister by this occasion containing a short exposition of my voyage previous to arriving at this island, and of the treatment I have received here during near five years that my detention has continued. In that memorial I have taken the liberty of mentioning your name, of one capable of hearing testimony to my conduct since being arrested the circumstances of my imprisonment and to my conduct under that arrest it.

Is it not extraordinary, my dear Sir, that I who neither had done or intended injury to the French nation, - who was employed for the benefit of

science in a service which, until this time, has been protected by all nations, - had moreover a passport, - and had come after shipwreck to seek the assistance after shipwreck in a distant sea it promised me for the continuation of my voyage, should be treated with a severity which has not been exerted against those who have been taken in arms! for how many changes have of prisoners have I seen in this island, - how often as at this moment have I been the only one left in it? But for my liberty on any terms, neither my own applications nor those of Lords Wellesley & Bentinck, or of Sir Edward Pellew, nor ever the orders of the marine minister of France, are sufficient to obtain it. Without being heard, I am condemned to an exile which is not inflicted upon open enemies; and why? from the bottom of my heart I speak when I say, that to have refused dining with a general who the day before had qualified me with the title of impostor, is, from all that I know the principal, if not the only cause, but knowing the full in ..... if openly avowed he has covered his animosity of Such a plea if openly avowed, could not be admitted it has there been covered with various pretexts and even misrepresentations, for nothing can be more false than that point of view in which my journal is placed in the Moniteur of the 22 Messidor, an year 12,

[Page 163]

You have been on terms of intimacy with general DeCaën, and believe him to have a good heart, but my dear Sir, you will avow that in what concerns me he has not shewn it. You will Permit me thus to express to you my sentiments of his conduct; it is a permission which which I have most dearly purchased. I know the innocence of my own actions and intentions, and none but myself can know how much he has made me suffer. When he told you that he desired to receive orders concerning me, he either expressed a falsehood, or desired only permission to proceed with more severity against the innocent object of his vengeance this deceived you, as is proved by his conduct on sending me a copy of the minister's order. He caused me to be told, that I should fully enjoy the favour that had been granted me so soon as circumstance would permit, whilst he was devising plans to evade the execution of the order. Instead of setting me at sending me to India by but instead of sending me to India by the frigate sent by Sir. Ed. Pellew, or by one of the cartels, he employed artifice to get possession of pr my private correspondence, of letters written in confidence to my friends, hoping to find therein something that would serve him for with as a pretext with the government for evading the order. He would find therein an exposition of his injustice toward me, but no thing that could bespeak my intention of doing any thing injurious to the French nation. My passport, though so long violated on one side, is still the guide of my actions, and the service in which I had the honour to be employed the sole object which divides my thoughts with that of obtaining my liberty.

Note * I have since learned by the return of the French cartel from India, that the insiduous measures of the general to get possession of my private letters failed of their effect, through the care of the person who had charge of them

I know not what the general might may have written concerning me by the Apropos, or by the present occ probably he told the minister as he did me, that so soon as circumstances would permit &c. and the minister not doubting of the execution of his order, will have forgotten the affair altogether. I hope that the memorial may call it to his recollection with effect, and you would do me much service, my dear Sir, and I will venture say, serve oppressed innocence, if you would interest such of your friends, particularly of the institute, in its success, as have access to the minister or to His Majesty the Emperor and King. I could not, perhaps, have a better advocate to His Majesty than yourself, but report speaks of your absence from Paris on service

Sept. 12 Since writing the above I have seen M. Chalail one of your

(19)

officers on board la Psyché, who informs me that you were not yet exchanged; but I could not learn from him whether you knew of the non-execution of the order to set me at liberty, or whether any other order concerning me had been brought by his vessel the Pactole of Nantz.

I dined a few days since with Cap-martin and the family Perichon, which has taken its residence at Palma. Our friend superintends the estate, and seems to go on as prosperously as the affairs of the family can possibly permit

Adieu my dear Sir, believe me to be with much affection and esteem

your sincere friend and obliged humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

You are doubtless, acquainted with the severe wounds of our estimable young friend Baudin. I am happy to tell you that he is in a fair way of recovery, and that he the has ardor of his mind has not in the least suffered. He writes very intelligibly with his left hand.

For P.S. to duplicate, see page 161

[Page 164]

[Letter No. 110]

Monsieur Charles Desbassayns - Près de St. Denis - Isle Bonaparte

Tamarinds August 26. 1808

My dear Charles

I very much regret the loss of the manuscript you had the goodness to send me by the Lucie, and of the letter that accompanied it. I have twice requested of Mr. Pitot to inform himself from Mr. Poignure whether the packet was thrown overboard, or taken by the English, but have not received his answer; one or the other has doubtless taken place, otherwise it would have been remitted to me

The subject of magnetism I have laid aside for the present, and shall probably not touch it again until my arrival in England, when I shall be able to make the experiments I desire, and have access to the observations that may be necessary, particularly to those of Cook's second voyage, as given in his own journal log book with the date requisite to their correction. This then being my present plan upon this subject, I do not wish you to risk your remaining copy or the Journal de Physique.

It appears that a review of English books, called the Monthly Repertory is now published in Paris in the English language. My friend Pitot has favoured me with the sight of the first eight numbers received by Le Pactole; and on looking into the reports of the transactions of the Royal Society, I find in the Repertories of June and September 1807, mention made of a paper upon the effect of sea and land winds upon the barometer, which I had transmitted to that Society in 1805, but had never heard any mention of it since. I am the more pleased with this, that it assures me of the reception of various other papers and letters that accompanied it.

Since quitting the subject of magnetism, I have been employed refreshing my memory upon spheric trigonometry, and the demonstration of the astronomical problems upon which are founded our operations at sea for finding the latitude, longitude &c; these, and the advancing my young scholars in algebra and geometry still occupy me, except when an occasion of attempting some thing for relieving myself from this most wearisome imprisonment calls upon my attention.

I had written a letter to the French minister of marine, to shew him the little effect that his order for my liberation was likely to produce; unfortunately it was sent by the Acteon which was taken. I have now composed a memorial of some length explaining the circumstances that led me to the island and my conduct since that time period as also that of the captain-general [de Caen]. Although the length of time that must elapse before

[Page 165]

before this can produce its effect, if it produces any, does not permit me to place great confidence in it, it seems necessary to neglect no means that may conduce to my liberation in the most honourable manner that can be effected. With these sentiments, you may be assured I shall neglect no previous means that may present themselves.

I am told that captain Bergeret is not yet exchanged, and constantly consequently is not in service. He has had seen Bonaparte several times and been favourably received. A former officer of his, now on board Le Pactole, says that he has not forgotten my imprisonment, and this officer, Mr. Chalail, proposes to visit me in a few days, but whether he has any letters for me, or anything interesting to tell me I do not learn and communicate to me personally what he has to say from his friend

My poor friend Baudin is in a state of recovery. I have had a short letter from him written with his left hand and and he promises me another shortly: and I hope he will soon be in a state to visit me at Vacouas, should he not too soon be sent to France

There are now three or four vessels preparing to sail. The earliest is announced for the 25 of September, and the others to follow successively a few weeks afterwards; if therefore you desire to write to France, there are opportunities. The Semillante, purchased by a company of merchants (amongst which are is Mr. Catoire according to report) is amongst these, as also the Pactole. I propose sending a triplicate of the memorial accompanied by letters for France and England, for a friend of our family says he has means of conveyance from the first to the latter country

There are people here who entertain hopes of peace, and from what the extracts from the English papers which I have seen, this seems not to be impossible. The majority of the people of England seem to desire it, and many petitions have been presented to Parliament for that purpose, but in what manner it will be possible to arrange a peace suitable to both parties is out of my power to foresee: the Moniteur has smoothed the way in saying, that discussions upon the right of visiting neutrals need not enter into the treaty; and I begin to entertain the opinion that the events of the present summer may bring it to a close the war to a close, either by shewing the futility of the threats against England, and the futility of continuing a war when neither party can do essential injury to the other, or by England being convinced that it is her interest also to make peace. The first arrivals from France, which cannot be expected before the end of December, will shew us upon what we are to depend

We are all in tolerably good health here. Miss Delphine is lately returned from her visit to the town; the good and gentle Sophie is still at Flacq. The affairs of Labauve go on well here, at least equal to his expectations considering the contrariety of the seasons. In two or three weeks we return to our Refuge

Recal me to friendly remembrance of your kind lady, in presenting her with my affectionate compliments, and believe me to be ever, my dear Charles your most sincere and affectionate friend

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 166]

P.S. Will the law issued relative to the rate of interest produce any change in these islands think you? A letter from M. Pitot just now, says that Bergeret and Réné de Caën received the same day orders to hold themselves ready for an expedition, and that the former had arrived at Nantz March 29. He thinks they may be soon here. He has read my memorial and thinks it calculated to produce the best effect: it will be accompanied by papers to the Institute of Paris from the society here.

[Letter No. 111]

Monsieur C. Baudin Chez M. Merle, au Port

Vacouas September 12. 1808

My dear friend Sir

Our friend Pitot brought me himself your affectionate letter of the 3 last, and admired scarcely less than myself I did the energy it displays under such a misfortune as that under which it was written. But at the same time that I admire, I cannot agree with some of the sentiments that it contains. I cannot think that the various you are entitled to consider the career field of discovery to be closed upon you. La Perouse was not the maker of the charts of his voyage, nor of the various observations, astronomical and philosophical physical, that adorn his labours and constitute so great a part of its their utility: he followed the example of his French predecessors in superintending the labours of those who filled the different departments under him. Even amongst our best English navigators, one of the most distinguished, Vacouver, preferred for the most part this task, to that of appropriating any one particular department to himself, and no one has better succeeding than him in fulfilling the object of his mission, his voyages not Cook himself excels, if he even equals, Vancouver, in the exactness and multiplicity of his observations; but his field was circumscribed, as must be that of all those who would now pursue the same career: the harv great harvest is reaped, and the gleanings only are reserved for us. The best execution of the task that remains, is to give well the details of what the too extended labours of Cook did not permit him to examine minutely. No, my friend, it is rather the directing head than the executing hand that is required in the commander of a voyage of discovery, - the liberality of your government will always supply able assistants in the different departments of such a voyage of discovery. What pleasure it would it be to me to see you preparing yourself for this task, rather than to sacrifice yourself to the raise the military glory of France, already to great for the happiness of the world. Surely you

[Page 167]

you cannot envy my country her naval fame, when tha the reputation of yours in another and more advantageous direction, stands so high. But if so, the efforts of an individual in making useful discoveries are certainly better calculated to succeed in your object than they can be in a military career. Lapérouse has done more for the glory of France in this in this point than any one milatary seaman with whose actions I am acquainted; and I believe certainly the Portuguese nation is more esteemed for its discoveries than for all the milaitary feats it ever performed by sea. Columbus and Vasco de Gama stand superior to all the captains and admirals the nations that employed them ever produced

In you I should have a friend and rival whose energy would stimulate

me be my stimulus to efforts worthy to obtain me a place of in the annals of navigation, and in the list of those who have most contributed to extend our knowledge of the globe and the blessings of civilization. Like two satellites following the traces of movements of the great luminary and archetype of navigators, we should mutually give receive and reflect light upon each other. Our particular courses, concentric to the same great end, would be prevented from interfering with each other by the harmony that would subsist between us. Our emulation would be that of brothers, anxious to serve well the cause the same of the common family of which we are members; for a navigator all the people of the earth constitute the family of a navigator (On the other hand, suppose us to meet in pursuit of the career of arms. Every benevolent sentiment is for the moment extinguished, and the sincere friendship I bear you, instead of presenting diminishing the effusion of blood, would only serve to augment it; and a ball, lanced by my hand perhaps be the destruction of him whom I held dear. No, my friend, I cannot contemplate this wanton destruction from a kind waste of human life to serve the cause of restless ambition without horror; never shall my hands be voluntarily steeped in blood, but in the defense of my country, or the necessary defense of myself; to such ties in such a cause every other sentiment vanishes.

Let me prevail upon you, my dear friend, to reflect coolly before devoting yourself to a pursuit in which the exertions your exertions as an individual can scarcely produce any great effect to the cause you wish to serve. The interval that may take place before such expeditions as ours can have their execution, will furnish you with time to pursue those sciences most conducive to the great end. Ah, if ever you have thought my actions worthy of being imitated, imitate me in this. You have, like me, had just sufficient experience to learn what the commander of a voyage of discovery ought to be, and what he ought to know. The worthies of France, and M. de Fleurieu in particular, will aid your pursuits; and who shall be able to supply his loss in France to the nautical world? I answer, that after a well-executed voyage, it is you my friend that will be called to fill

[Page 168]

fill the distinguished place he holds in the public estimation; and the naval glory of your country will then receive more brilliance from your labours, than I think it can by any other direction that can be given to your ardour and your talents.

On receiving your letter, I was struck with surprise at the very intelligible and pretty hand writing you have taught your left hand to make in so short a time. I sincerely hope it will not be long before the state of your wounds will permit you to take a voyage journey to Vacouas; in two or three weeks from hence, the dry season will render our quarter particularly pleasant, and the salubrity of the air have, I doubt not, a good effect in adding to your strength. I am learning to play at chess, and promise myself some useful lessons from you.

Adieu, my dear friend, may God preserve you the goodness of God speedily restore you to perfect health, and turn your thoughts from war to peace is the earnest wish

of your most affectionate and sincere friend

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. I have prepared a memorial for His Excellency the marine minister, and have addressed a letter to Monsieur de Fleurieu, praying him to give it his support

[Letter No. 112]

The Right Hon. Sir Jos. Banks - Soho Square - London

(Pactole - dup. Semillante) Isle of France Sept. 15.1808

Sir

It is still from this place that I have the honour to address you; and since the orders of the government of France seem to be insufficient to make the captain-general De Caen set me at liberty, I can foresee no circumstance capable of producing this that effect, unless perhaps the return of peace or his recal to France. His conduct is so incomprehensible, that several persons suppose he must have received some other communication from the marine minister, at the same time with the order, that dispensed him from the execution. But such a conduct would be so unworthy of the minister government of a great nation, that I think the non-execution of the order more probably arises from the general's inveterate animosity of which I have had such long proof and from his confidencye that the pretexts, whether true or false, he may he might find to allege, will would excuse him to a government which, cannot at the distance of 4000 leagues, must take their validity upon his word

Two vessels sailed from hence three for France three months after the reception of the order, and a ship from Nantz arrived lately which quitted France four months after the arrival of one of the two vessels there, the other was taken by

[Page 169]

our cruizers. General De Caën must have doubtless acknowledged by the that first of these ships arrived which was commanded by his brother, the reception of the order, and said what his intentions were respecting it; yet I do not learn that any fresh order is contained in the despatches received in answer. I can learn indeed nothing, all is carried on in mystery under this government; and I am persuaded, that when the epoch shall may come for my liberation, I shall only know it by receiving an order to embark two or three days before the sailing of the ship and that I shall only that is to take me, nor shall I know the place of my destination but from the public report giving that of the ship.

Unfortunately, it was by the ship taken that my letter to the French marine minister was written. I have now prepared a memorial of some length to him, setting forth my conduct previously to arriving at this island and since my imprisonment, as also the treatment I have received by from the captain-general. This memorial I shall send in triplicate by occasions that now offer for France, and in the opinion of an inte well-informed French friend to whom I have communicated it, it is well calculated to answer its end produce the desired effect Nevertheless, the little confidence I have in uncertainty of its success, and the length of time that must elapse before it can produce its effect, even if successful operate, will make me neglect no opportunity that may offer of procuring liberty by other means. As my packets will be put into the hands of private individuals with request that they may not be thrown overboard in case of the ship being taken capture, it is not improbable that one of the three copies may arrive in reach England

Amidst the various subjects I have for constant chagrin, I received a short time since a ray of pleasure on learning from the French journals that the my papers on the magnetism of ships, and that on the effect of sea and land winds upon the barometer, which I had the honour of addressing to you Sir Joseph, some time since in 1805, had been read before the Royal Society, and thought worthy of being inserted in its transactions. For this honour, which I attribute rather to your friendship than any merit of the papers, I beg you will accept my sincerest thanks. This will encourage me to prosecute my researches into the magnetism of ships, and after I shall have been able by observation to determine in a positive manner the differences of of variation arising in different ships and parts of the earth from this cause, and at different points of the compass, to ascertain deviation in the ship's head from the meridian to investigate the laws by which they are governed, and which I believe to have already ascertained be this have already ascertained found in part. I think future observations it will proved, that the differences of variation arising from a deviations of the ship's head from the meridian at any given dip at any given dip, is proportionate to the sines of the angles of that deviation, the dip of the

[Page 170]

needle remaining being always the same. If, therefore, the difference for any given angle, suppose 90.° from the meridian is once ascertained where the differences are greatest, is once ascertained, the difference for any other angle of deviation is easily deduced at the same dip is easily deduced. And I have little doubt, that the differences for 90° it in different dips of the magnetic needle, are directly very nearly in direct proportionate to those dips, being double at 60° of dip to what they are 30°. Should future observations confirm this theory, which appears to s I have deduced from a more accurate examination of my own observations, and which appears to me conformable to the laws of magnetism and the action of compound forces, I have not much doubt of being afterwards able to ascertain the position of the two great attracting points in the earth, and which I at present believe to be much nearer to the center than is has been commonly supposed; so near even, as not be more than 0,171573 of the semidiameter distant from the center it, that semidiameter being taken at unity

I shall also have to offer to the society some observations upon the measure of the altitude of celestial objects at sea, in which the sources of error in the present manner of measuring them will be pointed out, and a method of observing them pointed out shewn by which these errors will may be avoided; and this will conduct me to a method of obtaining the longitude at sea by means of the moon's right ascension, which with the necessary precautions, when the right ascensions shall be given in the nautical ephemeris with the same accuracy as the distance now is, will be at least equally accurate with that by means of the distance of the moon from the sun or a star now commonly used, - s will be attended with little more than half the calculation, and can be put in practice much oftener when the moon's right ascension shall be given in the nautical ephemis with the same accuracy that, and be practicable much oftener and in cases where the other is not. If opportunities offer on my return passage to England, I will put this method in practice and shall then be able to speak more decidedly of its expediency

Since I have no longer had any thing to occupy me relating to the Investigators' voyage and found myself sufficiently master of the French language, I have endeavoured by such researches as the above to employ my time usefully to the public and to myself. I do not pretend to claim any merit from this, for to employ myself constantly is a necessary consequence of the habits I have contracted, and is the only means I have to prevent my mind from dwelling too intensely upon the circumstances of my imprisonment and the losses in every way that I sustain from it. I am encouraged also by the hope, that if my labours should shew me to be an useful member of society, they might attract the attention of some worthy persons to my situation who might have it in their power to be instrumental in procuring my liberation from the cruel injustice under which I have now so long suffered

With the most ardent wishes for your health and happiness, I have the honour to remain, Sir Joseph,

your most obliged and faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

For P.S. to duplicate, see next page

[Page 171]

[Letter No. 113]

Captain Woolcombe of H.M.S. Laurel - Prisoner at Port Napoleon

This letter will be found in public letter of date Sept. 18. 1808

[Letter No. 114]

The Form of a bill of exchange given to Mr. Robles, for 300 spanish dollars

Isle of France September 21.1808

1st of exchange for

£ 66.14 sterling

Sir

At Thirty days after sight of this first bill of exchange, the second, third, fourth fifth or sixth of the same time and date not being paid, please to pay to Mr. Robles or his order from monies of mine in your hands or at your disposal the sum of sixty-six pounds fourteen shillings shillings sterling, being for value received by me at this place in effective Spanish dollars; and place the same to the account of

Sir

your affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

To W.A. Standert Esq

Navy Agent

Norfolk St. Strand - London

[Letter No. 115]

Madame Charles Desbassayns - Riviere des Pluies près St. Denis - Isle Bonaparte

Vacoua Sept. 23. 1808

My dear Madame Desbassayns

I had given a commission to Mr. Boand to purchase some little articles in India, which I hoped to receive in time to present to you, and your good to your excellent mother, and and amiable sisters on the first of this year. It is cor They are come late, but I hope it will be no impediment to your acceptance of a piece of muslin, and a pair of broidered sleeves, the one chosen by Mr. Boand, the other by Mrs. Gerard, as a small token of friendship, respect, and esteem, from

my dear lady,

your most sincere and affectionate friend

and devoted humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

P. S. to the letter for Sir.J.B. on last page [Letter No. 112, page 170]

Nov. 5. After attempting to delude me during fifteen months with the hope of being set at liberty by the first occasion convenient opportunity general De Caën has now caused me to be informed that he cannot permit me to depart until he receives other orders from France. His object is evidently to keep me here, as long and thus prevent me from making known his injustice, as long as possible; for I had made a request to be sent prisoner to France offering my parole to deliver myself up to the French government by the most direct means, in case the ship should not arrive at her destination. It is in answer to this request that the above information was given is given me. May I beg of you then Sir Joseph, by every sentiment which may have ever induced you to give me your protection, and by the sacred names of justice and humanity, to exert your influence in support of the memorial I have sent to the minister of marine, to obtain an order for my liberation of or transmission to France, that shall allow of no pretext for evasion; if any opening is left, it is [con'td on bottom of next page]

[Page 172]

[Letter No. 116]

Mr T. Pitot au Port

Vacouas Sept. 23. 1808

My dear friend

I inclose you the six bills of exchange for £64.14 according to your request Also three letters for France to be intrusted to the care of Mr. Chalail with a request to give them up to the English captain in case of his being taken, or to forward them by the earliest and safest conveyance to their addresses on his arrival in France. Pray offer him my compliments and best wishes for his health. To these I have joined a letter of recommendation, should the Pactole fall into the hands of my countrymen, which I hope will ensure Mr. C. a favourable reception. Pray offer him my best compliments and best wishes for his health and happiness.

This packet is my second expedition, the first is in the hands of M. Journel, to whom I have given a letter of recommendation at the request of M. M. Curtat and Labauve, and a caution with respect to my letters similar to the above.

I am very much disposed, my friend, to profit by the offer of Mr. C. my many disappointments have taught me to place such little confidence in future prospects however flattering. The greatest objection I see against it relates to the captain and officers of the Laurel; but in changing situations with them, I should still approve it; besides, I hope to know something of the captain's sentiments at noon, before sending this letter, and they will determine my inclination; but it is ary

[Letter No. 117]

Captain J. C. Woolcombe R.N. - Port Napoleon

Wilhems Plains Sept. 267. 1808

Sir

During the short interview which I had the honour of having with you, it escaped me to request you would command my services, in any way that you conceive I can be useful, either in furnishing or procuring your money should you have occasion for it, or in any other way that you conceive my experience and acquaintance in the island can be useful; to you for although I have the misfortune of differing in opinion with you upon a certain point, this can be no reason with me for not desiring to be useful to a countryman in misfortune, and more particularly to an officer of my own corps, as I hope it will be none with you to refuse my services should you find occasion for them

I take the liberty of inclosing for perusal at your leisure, the copy of a memorial I have addressed to the marine minister of France, which contains an abridged statement of my reception and treatment in this island; and beg, that on returning it, you will do me the favour

[con'td from bottom of previous page]- doubtful that I ever escape with life from under the hand of general De Caen. This letter being sent by the way of France, I cannot write to the admiralty, and therefore beg such parts of this letter as you judge proper may be communicated to their Lordships

[Page 173]

favour to say, whether you will take charge of a sealed letter from me to the commander in chief of the station at which you may first arrive. I have no idea Sir that your papers will be searched before your departure, since such a circumstance has never yet occurred to any prisoner since I have been in the island, nor has any parole been required to take no letters; but should even the first take place, the circumstance of the letter being sealed (which it will be unless you desire otherwise,) must exonerate you from any part in it, and I shall nothing will be therein inserted therein that has any reference to you, it will be I desire it should be entirely at my risk, which, in the confidence I have in your prudence, I consider to from your greater prudence, will be much less than I have before in incurred, several former prisoners having rendered me a similar service: Should any parole be required that may prevent the delivery of the letter, it can be either returned or destroyed.

I have the honour to be, Sir

your most obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 118]

Mr. Curtat - au Port

Wilhems Plains October 22. 1808

My dear Sir

You know perhaps that I had made a request to the government here to be sent to France as a prisoner on board the Semillante, offering my parole to take the most direct means of delivering myself up to the into the hands of the French government in France, in case the Semillante should not arrive at her destination. This morning the Ch The Chef d'etat-major [Colonel Monistrol] writes me in answer that the captain-general [de Caen] "ayant fait "[undecipherable word] à Son Excellence the le ministre de la marine, des "motifs qui l'avaient déterminés à suspendre votre mon retour en Europe, il ne "pouvait autoriser votre mon départ avant d'avoir reçu une reponse à ce sujet"

You know, Sir, that the Council of State at Paris gave their opinion, immediately on being informed of my imprisonment, that I ought to be set at liberty and my vessel restored, but that owing to the circumstances of the war, their decision was not confirmed by the Emperor till fifteen months afterwards, and the order of the marine minister did not arrive here until July 1807. The general has continued to delude me with false hopes left me in the delusive hope of the order being put into execution till this time, when he is pleased to let me know that I must wait the arrival of another order. I waited 3 1/2 years for the arrival of the first first order, and from the continuance of the war it is probable it may be it may probably be as long before the second may be received a second can be sent; neither then have I any certainty that other pretexts will not be found for delaying it would be executed, but on the contrary every reason to believe that other pretexts will not be wanting to delay my departure

[Page 174]

my departure until a third order may be received arrive; then through the unjust animosity of one person, I find and thus the career which I had embraced in the hope of being serviceable to mankind at the same time that I promoted my own advancement, stopped would be terminated almost at its commencement, [words crossed out and undecipherable] may be the pretexts alleged for not putting the order in execution, every circumstance of the captain-general's conduct shows, that personal animosity is the cause and my return to my country and family deferred to a period may I may never live to see, and this from no fault of mine, unless it is one to be sensible to injuries and acts of injustice Thus situated deprived of every hope of justice here, I have addressed a memorial to the marine minister, and explaining my conduct and treatment, and knowing the friendship that exists between you and Monsieur Barbet-Marbois whose attachment to the cause of justice and humanity I have heard represented as being joined to a more than ordinary firmness of character, I doubt not that if he would interest his brother the minister of the public treasury, His Majesty the emperor and King might be induced to give such an order for my liberation, or transmission to France for examination, as the captain-general would find it impossible to resist; and I am deceived in the character of your friend, if he would not take the trouble to write to his brother on being informed of the peculiar circumstances of my situation by you. The principal object of my letter to you, my dear Sir, is therefore to request your good offices in this case with him. You know the general circumstances of my detention, and what my conduct has been during near five years in this island. Persuaded of the justice of the French government and its desire to protect, rather than to oppress, men employed as I was, I desire only the opportunity of answering to the accusations that may have been made against me before men whom animosity does not render incapable of judging between innocence and guilt, and which I have too many cruel proofs is never to expected here by me

Requesting you will have the goodness to present my respectful compliments to Madame Curtat, I remain, my dear Sir

your affectionate friend, and faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. Should Mr. Barbet-Marbois do me the favour of complying with the request which I doubt not you will have the goodness to make, would it not be advisable in lest the ships should be taken not arrive in France that his letter and a duplicate were enclosed with my packets memorial, which will be committed to the care of gentlemen in whose fidelity I can depend? should the ship be taken

[Page 175]

[Letter No. 119]

Lieut. S. W. Flinders - Royal Navy (W.A. Standert Cliffords Inn - London)

(Semillante) Wilhems Plains - Isle of France Oct. 25. 1808

Notwithstanding the hopes I gave expectation I gave you, my dear Samuel, of very soon seeing me in England, by my letter of Aug. 16. 1807, I am still a prisoner here, and what is worse, without any prospect of being soon liberated. To all the applications I made for permission to depart, in consequence of the order for my liberation and the restoration of my vessel, I could obtain no other answer than that I should be informed so soon as a convenient opportunity offered for my departure. At length finding every reason to believe that the want of a convenient opportunity was only made a pretext to continue my detention, I applied to be sent prisoner to France, and receiving no answer, made a second renewed the application with an offer of my parole to deliver myself up to the French government by the most direct means, in case the ship should not arrive at her destination. This obtained an answer, which was, that "the captain-general [de Caen] having communicated "to His Excellency the marine minister the motives which induced him to defer "my return to Europe can could not authorise my departure until an answer is "was received." This general is duplicity itself. He gave me a copy of the order and gave led me to hope its immediate execution for the pleasure of keeping purpose of raising me on the tiptoe of expectation; to this [words crossed out and undecipherable] of all situations, and at length after fifteen months he acknowl dashed me with the destruction of my hopes, and is not ashamed to avow that till this time he has been telling me falsehoods. and having the malignant gratification of dashing me the lower and having the malignant pleasure of afterwards dashing me the lower by the destruction of every hope Every part The whole tenor of his conduct shews the determination he has taken not to let me out of the grasp of his talons so long as it shall be possible to keep me within them. By this His present subterfuge of having motives for deferring my return to Europe, he has gained him already one year, and perhaps will gain him two or three, for I waited had to wait three and half years for the first order, and there is no certainty that a second may not take an equal length of time to arrive. I doubt not that he hopes it will, and thus he will have time to devise other pretexts for delaying the execution should it arrive of the second, should the terms of it leave him any opening. The original cause of this violent animosity is my refusal to dine with him the day after he had told me I was an impostor. The independent stile of my letters afterwards displeased him; and on receiving the order a copy of the order for my liberation I did not go and to thank him for the communication and supplicate his permission to depart. He seems desirous to try all means of pushing to me to some violence either of action or language, in the hope of drawing an advantage from it to continuinge my detention upon well-grounded motives, but which I have been very as careful not to furnish him, as I have been to do nothing

[Page 176]

do nothing unworthy of my character or of my situation as commander of a voyage of discovery. Things are now come to such a pitch, that he will run almost every risk to keep me here being induced to this as well by his desire of preventing interest to prevent the long course of injustice he has exercised towards me from being known, and as from the desire of punishing my inflexibility by continuing my detention. Perhaps he would not be sorry that I should escape, provided it would should be in such a manner as to give him an occasion of ruining me by proving that I had broken my parole; this would prevent the world from taking an interest in my sufferings and justify his conduct in France

You see, my dear Samuel, what it is to be subject to the will of a man destitute of humanity, of good faith, and who knows not justice where he himself is concerned. The steps on I am now taking are these. I have written a rather long memorial to the marine minister of France setting forth what my conduct has been, and what the treatment I have received. I have anticipated such motives for detaining me as it is probable may have been alleged by the captain-general for detaining me. His animosity, and the causes of it are therein explained, and the interest he has in prolonging my detention as long as possible. I appeal to the justice and humanity of the minister and of the Emperor, to obtain an order for my transmission to France which shall allow of no evasion; and beg to have an occasion given me of answering to the charges that may have been made against my honour and the exactitude

with which I have adhered throughout to my passport. Two copies of this, with the most necessary documents to prove the truth of what I have advanced are already gone, and a triplicate will shortly follow. In France I have also written to Mons. de Fleurieu, counsellor of State, and to my friend Captain Bergeret of the navy marine, to use their influence in support of the request contained in the memorial; and amongst other letters from this island I am in expectation of obtaining a letter one to the minister of the public treasury, from his brother here, to the same effect. The Society of Emulation in this island, to which I have made some communications, and whose secretary is my intimate friend, have addressed a most pressing letter to the National Institute begging their interference, and I hope Sir Joseph Banks, to whom I have also written, will do the same, if he does not address a letter still higher obtain a letter from the Secretary of State to him the minister in France. I have endeavoured to put every powerful wheel into motion as a last attempt; and lest it should fail, I am laying another plan which requires only the concurrence of an officer whom I learn to be much interested in my situation, but in may be some time before I can communicate it to him

Of my own Every thing considered, I hope it cannot be longer than eighteen months from this time before I shall be in England; but I have been so often deceived in my hopes, that I would not have my friends put too much confidence in them. I remain

[Page 177]

I remain in the same friendly worthy family as before, and my way of life may present situation may be entitled a literary solitude, for it is by study principally that I endeavour to banish from my mind the recollection of my sufferings.

Having thus discussed my own situation, let me now, my dear Samu brother, talk of yours. By a Steeles' List of February 1807, I learned that you had the command of the Bloodhound gun-brig, but by a court kalender of June 1807, I see that Lt. Fitzgerald then commanded her. Whence comes this sudden change? Have you got a better ship, or have has you been dismissed any accident happened to you? My fraternal hopes and fears have been put into motion by this circumstance.

Your know my intention of completing the examination of Australia so soon as the admiralty will give me a ship. My intentions are still the same, and the great object of my present studies are directed towards is to render myself more capable of performing the task with reputation. I hope to command the expedition with obtain the rank of post captain, and my utmost interest will be exerted to be put on the list from the date of my imprisonment, with which, however, I dare not too much flatter myself. I shall represent the necessity of two vessels being employed, and that you shall should either command the second, or the first under me; for as the execution of the nautical department will rest with me, I shall endeavour to debarrass myself of the internal discipline and charge of the stores, to deliver myself wholly to the astronomical and hydrographical duties, and the general charge of the expedition. Exert then, my dear brother, all your faculties to render yourself capable of filling with hono credit the situation that I hope to procure for you. You have had good occasions of learning the discipline of the navy, and the manner best manner of governing a number of men who for the most part are only guided by hope and fear. The great requisites are activity and equality of temper: the latter I know you to possess eminently justice, with severity in one hand and recompense in the other, seldom fail of producing the desired effect, and are infallible when joined to amenity of manner. It would be a vast advantage to you could you obtain the first lieutenancy of a ship of the line or even of a frigate, for I trust you have now sufficient experience and knowledge to fill that situation honourably, and it would excite your activity, the only thing in your char which I fear to be wanting

If you should be disposed to call this but friendly advice, a lecture, believe at least that I have no other objects in giving it than the desire to see you as distinguished in the world, for as you are in my affection. I should have as much pride to see the recital of a meritorious action of yours as if you were my son, and as much chagrin to see one that should be otherwise. If I have the part in your esteem that I flatter myself with, think when you are about to engage, or are engaged in any enterprise, this will give pain or will this give pleasure to my brother: you will not find a similar reflexion the reflexion unless to yourself

[Page 178]

It is now more than two years since the date of my last letters from England, nor can I expect to receive others but by some conveyance which I am unable to foresee, the route by America being closed. By the return of a cartel from India I have a letter from John James Franklin, dated Oct. 1807 at Ghazeepore. which He found the occasion of transmitting it, by meeting with a cavalry officer who had been prisoner in this island and whom I had seen me. His letter gives me hopes that he will become one day a distinguished officer.

I am yet to learn why Mr. Aken is not upon the list of masters; nor do I know whether Elder is arrived in England with the trunk of charts and papers I committed to his charge: amongst which is the second volume of my log book.

I see in the French journals, that a paper of mine upon the changes of variation arising from an alteration in the direction of the ship's head, has been read before the Royal Society and published in their transactions; as also another upon the effect which the sea and land winds have upon the barometer, and They seem to have excited more than ordinary attention both in England and France, but you know more of these than I do here. I shall have other papers to present to the society shortly after my arrival, which will I think be at least equally interesting, and may perhaps procure for me the honour of admission into the society, and a step gained towards being put upon the list of past captains from the time of my imprisonment. But should what I have done obtain no notice, I shall seek my future happiness in domestic relations for which I think myself not ill calculated by nature. A library, a select society of friends, a garden, and my own family will then be the bounds of my ambition, and perhaps afford more true happiness than any other plan of life I could lay down. But Liberty, liberty is the first requisite, but oh and how difficult it is to obtain it. Adieu, my dearest brother, Believe me to be your sincerest and most affectionate friend.

Matttw. Flinders

[Page 179]

[Letter No. 120]

Bill sent to W.A. Standert Esq. Navy Agent, Cliffords Inn, London

The Commissioners of His Majesty's Navy - London

Exc 1^st of exchange for £

£268.10, first of exchange sterling

Investigator, sixth rate, Mattw. Flinders Esq. commander. Full pay}

from April 14. 1807, to August 29. 1808 inclusive --------- } 302.8

Deductions for Greenwich £4.4, Income tax £29.14 ------ 33.18

Nett pay ------------ £268.10

Isle of France October 25. 1808

Hon Gentlemen

Ten days after sight of this my first of exchange, the second of the same tenor and date being unpaid, please to pay to Mr. W. A. Standert, navy agent, of London, the sum of two-hundred and sixty-eight pounds ten shillings sterling, being the net personal pay due to me as commander of His Majesty's ship Investigator, from April 14. 1807 to August 29. 1808 inclusive, for value received by

# Hon Gentlemen

your most obedient humble servant

M.F.

Letter accompanying the bill

October 25. 1808 - Isle of France

Hon ble Gentlemen

My detention in this island being still continued with the same rigour as before, notwithstanding the orders of the marine minister of France to set me, dated in March 1806 and my numerous representations to this government I find myself under the necessity of drawing upon you for the personal pay due to me which remains due from to me since my last bills, amounting to two hundred and sixty-eight pounds ten shillings sterling, to meet those I have been obliged to draw upon by No. 1 and 2 by two bills of exchange dated this day, which I beg you will be pleased to honour accept. I have the honour to be,

Gentlemen

your most obedient humble servant

# Supposition on arriving in England

Stocks £600 ---- £1000

Bal. bills 300 ---- 300

7 years serv. pay 280 9 years 360

E.I. comp. 200 ---- 300

Remittance 200 ---- 350

I. of France 400 ---- 450

Father 1000 ---- 900

Uncle 300 ---- 300

£3280 £3960

[Page 180]

[Letter No. 121]

Celestine

W.A. Standert Esq. Cliffords Inn - London

Semillante Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

(Dup. Feb. 28. 1809) October 28. 1808

Post. Cartel

Dear Sir

On Sept. 21. last I drew upon you for £66.14 although uncertain what funds of mine you might have in your hands, being a stranger to what you have done in my affairs for some time past, except from some general observations of my wife and brother. Lest you might not have sufficient

whether without either selling out of the funds or applying to some other source, I herewith inclose you a bill upon the Navy Board for £268.10 the pay due to me. I wish, however, to observe to you, that I am not altogether certain that my full pay is continued, though satisfied that it ought, since I am not made a prisoner of war, but detained for the definitive orders of the French government. I therefore wish you to present the bill with this restriction, and even to withdraw and destroy it rather than incur the displeasure of the Board; having no doubt I shall be able to remove the difficulties on my arrival, if any exist. What remains after the payment of the £66.14 will remain in your hands to answer the orders you have for Mrs. Flinders and such bills as I may be under the necessity of drawing upon you from hence +

I inclose you also the duplicate of a receipt to be given in to the Navy Board if the first should not have arrived

I enjoy tolerable good health, but have no immediate prospect of returning to England, although the minister of the French marine gave orders for my liberation so long back as March 1806, and they arrived here in July 1807.

Be so good as to inform Mrs. Flinders of your having received the inclosed bill of exchange, and of the steps you take concerning it of its being accepted or being withdrawn.

Pray remember me kindly to my good friend your father and to captain Waterhouse, and believe me to be, dear Sir

your affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

+ My bills previously drawn were at the rate of 8 s. per day, but having seen in a Steele's List of Feb. 1807 that the pay was augmented to 12 s., with a deduction for Income Tax, this bill is regulated at that rate. The difference that would arise from the last change of pay the time of that the change took place to April 14. 1807 must I suppose remain with the servants compensation pay and until my accounts are settled arranged

[Page 181]

[Letter No. 122]

Mons. Baudin des Ardennes - Chez M. M. Merle au Port

Refuge Oct. 28. 1808

My dear Sir

I have learnt from Mr. Labauve that you had received an order to return to France, and from an advertissement in the gazette, see that you embark in the Semillante. I have several times written to our friend Pitot, requesting him to learn the pre certainty of your departure, and whether I might depend upon having the pleasure of seeing you; otherwi for should either your health, or any other consideration prevent you from making the journey, I will risk an application to go to the town, though in the present circumstances, the success is doubtful. My friend has not given me an answer to this; and it appears that it is some time that he has not been able to meet with you; he is now absent at la Poudre d'Or, and therefore my anxiety to be certified satisfied upon this head, induces me to apply to you to know whether my hope of seeing you here will be fulfilled

My application to embark also for France has been refused, nor have I any hope of returning to my country and resuming my occupations, if the marine minister does not give an order for my liberation or transmission to France, which shall admit of no pretext for evasion; So long as the least opening remains I am for avoiding or delaying the execution, I am doomed to be a prisoner. The prospects of being waiting another year for the order of the minister is sufficiently discouraging, but this is the least only a part of what I have to apprehend.

Adieu, my dear Sir, believe me to be with best wishes for your health, and with the purest affection

your very sincere friend, and humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

Have the goodness to present my compliments to Mr. Merle

[Letter No. 123]

Monsieur Barbé de Marbois - Sur son habitation - Rivière du Rempart

Aux Plaines Wilhems le 29. Oct. 1808

Monsieur

Notre ami commun vient de me transmettre une lettre de vous, adressée en France. Elle La bonté et la sensibilité qui y brillent ont encore haussé élevé la haute opinion que j'avais conçue de vous, Monsieur, sans avoir l'honneur de vous connaitre. Notre ami m'a fait lire la correspondance de Monsieur votre frere qui m'a autant frappée par son energie, et que par la ressemblance de sa situation à la mienne; qui est si grande, que nos dames ici, à qui j'avais communiqué je fais part de la lecture, ont dit de la première lettre, on croisait que c'etait

[Page 182]

M. Flinders qui [words crossed out and undecipherable] faisait ses propres plaints. Je n

Je ne trouve rien à supprimer dans votre pacquet; au contraire, Monsieur, ayant éprouvé sachant qu'en général "le coeur est comme ces sortes d'arbres qui me donnent leur baume pour les blessures des hommes, que lorsque le fer les a blessés eux mêmes " je me suis enhardi [words crossed out and undecipherable] d'y ajouter [words crossed out and undecipherable] un court reçit de mes infortunes, qui sous la faveur de votre égide, sera reçu sans deplaisir je l'espére sans déplaisir

J'ais l'honneur d'etre, Monsieur,

votre très obligé, et très obéissant serviteur

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 124]

Mr Park - Master attendant in Portsmouth dock yard

(Malherbe Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

Semillante) Nov. 3. 1808

My dear Sir

It is now several years since I have had the pleasure of hearing either from or of you, but I do not neglect to search every Steeles' List and court kalendar I can meet with for your name, which I always find in the same place

I imagine you are not a stranger to the very extraordinary and unjust imprisonment I have undergone in this island these five last five years. It is so unprecedented in its kind, that from what I can learn, few people attached to the navy are wholly strangers to it. It is now two years and a half that the French emperor gave an order of my liberty and the restoration of my vessel, and fifteen months since that order arrived here; but such is the animosity of the captain-general of these islands, or rather perhaps, such is his apprehension of the indignity of his conduct being made publickly known,

that he prefers the risk of evading the order to that of setting me at liberty. (It will is doubtless agreeable to my friends to be assured, that I have not merited such unworthy treatment by any violation of my passport; and this cannot be better proved than by my having from time to time made continual application during five years to be sent to France to be tried, and punished if I have done wrong, and that these applications have been constantly refused It requires no common share of confidence [words crossed out and undecipherable], that I, a private an unprotected individual, an Englishman, requests have so often requested to be sent to the government of a nation at war with us, to answer to charges made against me by one of their a French captain-generals'. I must be very certain of the innocence not only of my actions, but of my own intentions, before doing this; and my oppressor must be equally conscious of the his incapacity to prove his charges, to have has not refused these applications: had the case been otherwise, he would have doubtless seized with avidity the occasion of proving to his government and to the world, that he had not imprisoned a shipwrecked navigator in direct violation of his passport, but upon well founded motives

[Page 183]

Mr Park

but a better proof can scarcely be given, than that the French government Council of State, upon the bare accusations of by of general De Caen, exaggerated and wide exaggerated and misrepresented as was my conduct in them, immediately decided upon my liberty that I should be set at liberty and my vessel restored, without hearing my defense; but a letter is not the twentieth part sufficient to contain even an abridged recital of what I have had to suffer both in body and mind, since the time that the decay of the Investigator interrupted the prosecution of my voyage; but would you know the real cause of my imprisonment? It is to have refused dining with general De Caën the day after he had accused me of imposture and falsehood, - had seized my books, charts, and papers, and made me a close prisoner; there was a degree of British pride pride in this refusal, not merit meriting the whole force of his indignation; and it was still further increased by the letters of remonstrance which I dared to write upon the injustice of his conduct which I dared afterwards to write him.

But let me turn to a more agreeable side of the picture. The friendship, the kindness, the hospitality with which I have been treated during my long detention, by all the individuals with inhabitants of this island with whom my circumscribed limits have enabled me to make acquaintance, is beyond all praise. My friends in England can scarcely be more sensible of the injustice I have suffered, than are generally the inhabitants of this island, and notwithstanding the despotism power of the governor, they express it very openly freely; but for more ample information I refer you to the bearer of this letter, Mr. Francis Malherbe; with whose acquaintance you will be pleased. This gentleman is of a family respectable man worthy man, of a family respectable by its character and fortune occasionally visits in the family with which I have resided more than three years; and being about to embark for France for the purpose of placing his eldest son in a house of education, requested me to give him a letter of introduction to some of my friends in England; in case the ship should be taken. As it is probable he would be landed at Portsmouth, I immediately thought of you eagerly seized the occasion of giving you some account of my situation; and if it should be in your power to render him service directly or indirectly either by procuring him his liberty on parole, in pointing out to him a boarding school where his little boy might be placed during the time he may be kept in England, or in any other manner, I shall consider myself much obliged to yor benevolence kindness I should be sensibly obliged and it will be pleasing to him to see, that the benevolence kindness of the inhabitants of the Isle of France to English prisoners in general, is felt and acknowledged at 4000 leagues distance, as it will be honourable to a in honourable confirmation of the character for patriotism which our nations has obtained in every part of the world

If Mr. Malherbe's ship should escape our cruziers, he will send you this from France by the first opportunity. Have the goodness to present my respectful compliments to Mrs. Park and to believe me, my dear Sir, very sincerely

your affec most affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 184]

[Letter No. 125]

A Monsieur R. [Ravel] Négociant au Port Napoleon

Aux Plaines Wilhems le 5 Nov. 1808

Monsieur

J'ai l'honneur de vous envoyer mes lettres pour ma famille et pour quelques amis en Angleterre, et vous prie d'avoir la bonte de les mettre dans la main qu de quelqu'un à bord du Charles, qui ne les jittera pas dans la mer en cas de capture

Avez la bonté, M Je vous prie de vouloir bien presenter mes compliments respectueux à Madame et Mademoiselle Ravel, et d'agréer l'assurance d'estime et de reconnaissance avec lesquelles, jai l'honeur d'être, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obeisst. servit.

Votre obligé et tres devoué serviteur

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 126]

Captain P. G. King - Royal Navy (Mr. Sykes)

(Semillante) Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

Nov. 5. 1808

My dear Sir

The public papers have informed me of your arrival and that of Mrs. King in England, and you will have there learnt all the circumstances of my imprisonment and the continuance of my detention.

On communicating to me a copy of the order for my liberation and the restoration of my little Cumberland, general De Caën caused me to be informed, that "so soon as circumstances would permit I should fully enjoy the "favour granted me by His Imperial and Royal Majesty"; and the answers to my future applications to depart on board some one of the ships that sailed continually for India or America, were always to the same effect in the same equivocal tone. Finding that the want of a convenient opportunity for my departure was only made a pretext for evading the execution of the order, particularly after the exchange of cartels between this island and India in which all the prisoners of war were sent, I requested to be sent prisoner to France, made the request which I had so often repeated made before the arrival of the order for my liberty, to be sent as a prisoner to France, and receiving no answer I applied wrote again begging to be sent on board a first sailing as the following letter.

To colonel Monistrol, Chef d-etat -major-general, Isle of France

(see public letter book, Oct. 10. 1808)

The answer to this letter was as follows (See public letter book page 49)

I made an application to be sent prisoner to France, but received no answer, and it was became fully evident that the captain-general had no intention of executing the order to set me at liberty. I then determined to wrote a memorial to His Excellency the marine minister of France, of which two copies are already gone, and the third will be on its way in a few days: one of these copies will probably find its way to England, and of my future proceedings since the inclosed letter, which will be sent in duplicate

[Page 185]

Gov. King

duplicate will inform you further of my future [word crossed out and undecipherable] My long detention is so notoriously unjust, that there is scarcely an inhabitant of this island that is not convinced of it; and the secret motives for evading the order for my liberation are so well understood, that my friends have had no difficulty in obtaining been able to obtain letters for France addressed to Talleyrand the Prince of Benevento, to the minister of the public treasury, to Madame Kellerman, to the comptroller general of the public lotteries, and some other persons to interest themselves in support of my memorial to the marine minister. I have also written letters to Messieurs de Fleurieu and Bougainville, counsellors of state and members of the Institute, and to the minister of the treasury to the same effect. Fortunately two naval officers are now returning to France, who are acquainted with my conduct here, and capable of shewing the fallacy of the motives which general De Caën may have alleged for continuing my detention, at so least so far as regards the safety of the Isle of France upon which the pretended motives will probably turn. These officers will I hope be called either by the minister or by the Council, to give their testimony upon my case, and I cannot doubt of its being favourable to me : One of them was at Port Jackson with Mons. Baudin, and in the since become my intimate friend They are officers men of merit, and cannot but will probably have considerable influence on their arrival: the youngest was at Port Jackson with Monsieur Baudin his namesake

I have, in fine, made united all my efforts to obtain that justice from the French government which it is impossible ever to expect here, and if to these, and to the renewal of his application, to the Institute and his friends in France or at all, if it is not now done me; and if to these, and the renewal of his applications applications of Sir Joseph Banks to the Institute and his friends in France, which I have every reason to expect from the known attachment of Sir Joseph Banks to science and to justice, the His Majestys' ministry would add their representations and a formal to the French government, and a formal application for my liberty or for my transmission to France to be tried by a board of naval officers competent to judge of my voyage a voyage of discovery my passport and conduct, and of the charges made against me; it is scarcely to be doubted that success would follow

To this effect, I beg of you, my dear Sir, to commune consult with Sir Joseph Banks, and to communicate such parts of this letter as you judge necessary, to the Admiralty and to such other persons of consider weight as you think capable and willing to aid an innocent man in obtaining that justice think may feel for the situation of an officer whom recompense in return for his services, and dangers incurred for the benefit of science in general,

is has been five years exiled from his country, his family, his advancement, and affairs, without trial examination examining that the passport, which was to afford obtain him protection and assistance, has suffered the least violation on his part. Whether innocent or guilty, every the laws of every nation ordains that I should be tried previous to punishment; and every nation which either has, or may thereafter send out an expedition on discovery, or may receive one in its ports, is interested in my situation the proof or my guilt or innocence; but more particularly the governments of England and France; of the first, under whose orders my voyage was prosecuted, I need not speak, every Englishman will feel the part it must necessarily take in my fate; and the second is surely interested to prove, that I have not been treated ignominiously and kept five years a prisoner

[Page 186]

prisoner by one of its officers generals instead of receiving the assistance and protection it had formally promised me, without having committed some extraordinary crime; and if I have done nothing contrary to my passport, it is justice and its own reputation demands, that at least the injury done to my reputation should be immediately repaired by a honourable and immediate restoration to liberty

No person can know so much as better than you, Sir, whether the

execution of my voyage, compared with my the means of execution committed to my charge, was pursued in a manner that entitles me to deserve well the attention of the Admiralty and of the friends to nautical and geographical science; but every man can judge whether I ought to be treated as I have been without the commission of any fault having been proved against me; and it is a strong presumptive proof of my innocence, that upon the bare accusations agains of general De Caën, the Council of State at Paris decided upon my liberty and the restoration my vessel; as it is, that the same general has constantly refused to send me, to judgement an unprotected individual, an Englishmen, to be judged by the French government under which he holds so high a situation

I have detained you very long, my dear Sir, upon this subject; but the importance of it to me, and your friendly kindness will plead my excuse

Have the goodness to present to Mrs. King, my affectionate and respectful compliments, and to accept the assurances of respect and esteem with which, I am ever, my dear Sir,

your very sincere friend and affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 127]

Monsieur François Malherbe, chez Mons. Remy, au Port Aux Vacouas le 8 Nov. 1808

Monsieur

J'ai le plaisir de vous envoyer une lettre décachetée ouverte pour un de nos marins amis un digne et honnête marin un digne et honnête marin, au service du roi, et autrefois de la of la marine royale, qui se fera honneur, j'en suis persuadé de vous rendre tout le sevice en son pouvoir, et dont vous pouvez en avoir besoin. En l'envoyant cas que vous n' ne trouverez besoin pas occasion la nécessité de ses services, je vous prie de faire passer la lettre cacheter la lettre et de la faire passer en Angleterre par la premiere occasion; et si vous passez par Bourdeaux, je pense que le frere de M. Robles pouvait vous indiquez le moyen

Vous aurez la précaution de ne communiquer ce que j ai écrit qu'a vos amis les plus sûrs, pour que les soupçons du chef n'en tirent pas partie. A votre arrivée à Paris Monsieur, si vous trouverez occasion en quelques il pouvait être si l'occasion se presente à aider en quelques choses ma mise en liberté ou ma transmiseion en France, je compte sur votre bonne volonté d'en faire essaye.

Je Vous souhaitant votre la santé et un bon voyage, je sais

Notre excellente famille je joint avec à moi, de pour vous souhaiter la santé et un bon voyage, et j'ai l'honneur d'être Monsieur

votre tres humble et obéissant serviteur

Mattw. Flinders

Ayez la bonté accuser la réception de l'incluse

[Page 186] [wrongly numbered]

[Letter No. 128]

Monsieur Thomy Pitot au Port le 8 Nov. 1808

Mon cher ami

Je suis arrivé ici un peu abasourdi et triste. Le sort de notre pauvre ami, et le mien remplissent tour à tour mon ame; Le regret de la séparation et l'incertitude sur l'avenir ferment à present tout accès à l'espérance que peut- être je dois ressentir et pour lui et pour moi

Permettez moi de vous rappeler les choses les plus essentielles dont nous sommes convenûs.

Ajouter au pacquet remis à Mr. B., mon memoire et la lettre addressée au ministre, décachetés; et aussi toutes les lettres que vous aurez obtenue pour moi sur le même sujet.

Obtenir, si vous pouvez, des duplicata, de Mr. Barbé &c. pour être [word undecipherable] aux lettres inclose ci-jointes: cette expédition d'être remise à quelqu'un de sûr, à bord de la Celestine, avec prière de ne pas les jetter en mer.

Apprendre de M. Catoire le montant de mon traitement, qui sorte des mains du payeur-général: ce-ci à une occasion convenable

Voila, mon ami, les sujets principals principaux sur lesquels nous étions convenus

J'ai ecrit encore une lettre à Monsieur Banks, qui pout être utile à notre ami. Envoyez la, s'il vous plait, en le renouvellant l'assurance de mes voux pour son mon sincere amitié, et mes voux pour son bohheur

Mad. D Arifat vous prie d'envoyer la lettre inclose pour Bourbon, par la première occasion

Adeiu. Votre plus affectionné ami

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 187]

[Letter No. 129]

The Right Honble. Sir Joseph Banks Bt. K.B. President of the Royal Society

Baudin-Semillante Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

Nov. 8. 1808

Sir

Ensign Charles Baudin of the French navy, and late of the Le Geographe with whom I am intimately acquainted, and connected by the ties friendship, and by those, has the goodness to take charge of the various letters I have written to His Excellency the marine minister and others in France, with the project of putting into action every means in his power of procuring attention to my situation, and if possible of obtaining my liberation, or transmission to France for a thorough examination to be made into the extraordinary circumstance of my imprisonment and long detention. This young and meritorious officer has had the misfortune to lose an arm and to be otherwise severely wounded; he embarks on board a merchant ship to return to France; but should the chance of war conduct him to England, I am persuaded that the task he has undertaken, his own merit, and misfortunes, will obtain for him the advantage of your attention and benevolence, and those of governor King to whom he was personally known at Port Jackson; I presume, even, to intreat for him your intercession with the Transport Board to obtain his retur exchange and or his return to France on parole; in which I have certainly take have a great personal interest, from both from the hopes I conceive of his exertions, and from the esteem and attachment I have to him personally. He accompanies his captain, Monsieur Motard, with to whom also I have the honour to be known, and from whose efforts, with the marine minister in France on the subject of my liberation my hop I am also led to hope for a favourable result.

Permit me to renew the assurance of esteem and consideration, with which I have the honour, to be, Sir Joseph

your most obliged and faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 130]

Monsieur Barbé de Marbois - Rivière du Rampart

Aux Plaines Wilhems le 10 Nov. 1808

Monsieur

Permettez l'expression Permettez moi de vous remercier de nouveau .pour la les deux lettres que vous avez eu la bonté de remettre à Monsieur Thomy Pitot sur mon sujet. Tant de temoignages d'interet à ma position

ne peut ne peuvent que éveiller la justice et la bienveillance l'humanité d'un gouvernement que s'est montré jusqu'ici le protecteur des sciences, et surtout de ceux celles qui form furent l'object de mon voyage; car je ne puis pas douter, ni de l'interet que Monsieur votre frere prendra de remplir le but de vos bienveillants rep les personnes respectables à que vous vous êtes adressé, prendrant à remplir lehat vos bienveillantes intentions, ni de leur capabilité d'y faire tourner

[Page 188]

M. Barbé de Marbois

tourner les yeux du gouvernement.

Je crains d'être importunes en vous priant de faire des duplicate de ces trois lettres, mais le haut prix que j'y attache, et ma la confiance en votre bonté, Monsieur, m'enhardissent de vous faire la demande; et en cas que vous vous determinez à l'accorder, de vous prier de vouloir bien les remettre envoyer à mon ami M. Thomy Pitot, qui s'est chargé de les faire partir par la Celestine: les premières partiront sur le Charles.

J'ai l'honneur d'etre, avec des sentimens distingués de considération et de reconnaissance, Monsieur,

votre tres humble et très obeissant serviteur

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 131]

To Captain Henry Lynne R.N. (Prosoner at Port Napoleon)

Wilhems Plains Nov. 13. 1808

Sir

I had the pleasure of receiving yesterday your obliging note of Monday, with the admiralty List accompanying it, and for which I beg you to accept my thanks. The list is not of so late a date, as a court kalendar sent me from India, but the notes manuscripts notes it contains render it of give it a considerable value with me

I am also very sorry, Sir, that you have no prospect of obtaining permission to come into the country. You would have passed a few days; very agreeably in this part of the island, as well from the novelty and variety of perspective it affords, as from the hospitable and amiability of its inhabitants; and to me, the pleasure of making acquaintance with a countryman and brother officer, of whose society I have long been many years deprived, but still more with a gentleman of whom my friend Pitot has given me such favourable impressions. would have been to me a high gratification; for which the deprivation I have I have undergone the deprivation the almost entire deprivation of the society of my countrymen for four many years past adds considerably does not certainly tend to diminish my desire of communicating with them.

So soon as the present ships for France shall be sailed; I propose requesting the approbation of His Excellency the captain-general [Decaen] to make a visit of two to three days to the town; and should it succeed, of which however my hopes are very faint, my first care will be to inform you of my arrival; and unless too powerful considerations of prudence interpose, to pay you a visit at you lodgings; in the mean time, Sir, you would do me a pleasure in saying what you may have heard of my imprisonment either in England or at the Cape, and whether it is much known in the navy.

I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient and faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 189]

[Letter No. 132]

Monsieur Charles Desbassayns - Riviere des Pluies - Près St. Denis - Isle Bonaparte

Wilhems Plains Dec. 9. 1808

My dear Charles

It seems as if the God of Frenchmen was determined to avenge himself upon me for the evils that my countrymen cause to his people, and to makeing our cruizers the instruments of his vengeance. Your letters to Labauve arrive, but those for me are always taken. I am perhaps the only one in the house that does not fully share in the agreeable satisfactory intelligence received yesterday from you and your dear lady; the loss of a long letter previously addressed to me damps my joy, but it does not prevent me from taking a sensible interest in the tender promise your wife makes of us of a successor to your name. You will scarcely devine a thought which strikes me, and be which, if you join in the idea it, will ensure me what I have much at heart: to be never forgotten by my friends at Mauritius and Bourbon. It is this. Th I suppose that your first child will be a son; and if you give him more than one name, I beg of you as a proof of your desire to continue our friendship to the last, that his second, name or his th third or fourth baptismal name, or the third or fourth if you give him so many, may be Flinders. I do not pretend to this honour until the principal persons of your family whom you may wish to compliment on this occasion, are served. Although as god fath heretic, I cannot pretend to the distinction of god-father, yet if your son bears my name I shall consider him as my God-son, and ever take an affectionate interest in his welfare. In case you send him to England for his education hereafter, it is I that will charge myself with that care. If you agree to my petition, pray communicate it to your good lady, upon whose friendship I count for its being granted on her part: if, nevertheless, she makes the least opposition I resign my pretensions

You will have been The memoir, of which I spoke to you in my letter of August last, is gone to France in triplicate, accompanied by letters to M.M. Fleurieu Bougainville, Bergeret and many others; and although disappointment upon disappointment has hitherto followed all my efforts to obtain justice and the return to my country and family, I yet entertain some hope that the months of June and July next will not pass without such an order for my liberation or transmission to France arriving, as His Excellency shall find impossible to evade. With respect to a peace, it seems as uncertain as ever. England has more to lose than to gain by it, and unless Bonaparte shall offer such conditions to obtain commerce, ships and colonies, as shall seduce

[Page 190]

M.C. Desbassayns

I see no possibility of arranging a peace. The best way for us, is to leave the affair to Providence, and make ourselves as happy as we can without peace.

We have the agreeable assurance from Batavia, of your brother having safely arrived in America. It seems that the American government permitted a vessel in ballast to go to Batavia, for the purpose of regulating the accounts of its merchants there: but the embargo appears to continue in full force. Having but little time for writing before the departure of our packet, I do not talk to you of my employments: but they are mostly preparative to my being sent to France for trial, which is what I most desire.

When your occupations will permit you to dedicate an hour to me, pray remember the losses I have suffered, and with what solid how much pleasure a letter will be received, by from you by, my dear Charles, your very affectionate and sincere friend

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 133]

Monsieur Mallac - Avocat au Port Napoleon

December 30. 1808

Dear Sir

I am very sensible of the honour you do me in making the me the interesting communication contained in your note of the 25. You judged very truly in supposing that any circumstance capable of augmenting your happiness, would be learned by me with pleasure; I take a sincere part in the event in question, and beg leave to join my congratulations upon it with those of the persons who are most interested in your welfare

That you may enjoy many years of interrupted happiness with the lady you have chosen, and whom reports says to be worthy of that distinction, is the sincere wish of, dear Sir,

your very obedient, and affectionate humble servt.

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 191] [

[Letter No. 134]

Monsieur Froberville, habitant de Moka - Isle de France -

Au Refuge le 4 Janr. 1809

Mon cher Monsieur

Ce n'est qu'hier qui j'ai reçu votre lettre du 29. pe Recevez- en mes sincères remerciments pour vos bons souhaits et pour la manière tres obligeante et affectionnée dans laquelle ils sont exprimés. Pour vous et votre bonne famille je forme aussi des voeux les plus ardents et plus amicals. Que vous soyez heureux, que vous voyez vos enfants établis d'apres le desir de votre coeur; et que je puisse le savoir dans son temps, quand je serai dans sous un autre climat, dans le sein de ma famille. Je quitterai l'Isle de France j'espère cette année; mais jamais je n'oubliéra le bienfaits de ses les bienveillants procédés de ses habitants. Quel preuve j'ai ici, que tout est compensé dans ce monde! L'endroit où j'ai éprouvé la plus grande injustice, ou j'ai rencontrai un homme manquant de tout bon principe, est aussi celui où, hors de ma propre famille, j'ai trouvé le plus d'amitié, de compassion pour mes infortunes. Les sentiments mixtes qu'aura l'Isle de France dans mes souvenirs à quelques années d'ici ne sauraient s'exprimer

Si j'avais eu vos Recherches ici,,je n'aurais pas manqué de comprendre votre première lettre. Je croyais vous avoir tout rendu tout ce que j'avais de vous sur Madagascar; mais vous me faites rappeler que dans une malle au port, je devois avoir les Recherches dont parmi d'autres choses, les Recherches dont vous avez bien voulu me fair présent. J'attends notre ami ici le samedi prochain, et je lui en parlierai

Ayez la bonté de presenter mes respects et amitiés à Madame votre épouse, et de croire, mon cher Monsieur, au très au sincèrement attachement, de, mon cher Monsieur

votre affectionné ami et serviteur

Mattw. Flinders

Vous me trouverez hardi, de vous écrire dans une langue qui j'entends

si peu, mais it faut un commencement à tout. Presentez mes respects, et la bonne année s'il vous plait, à Madame La Chaise

[Page 192]

[Letter No. 135]

Monsieur Charles Desbassayns - Rivière des Pluies - pres St. Denis - Isle Bonaparte

Wilhems Plains Jan. 29. 1809

My dear Charles

I received your letter of Dec. 22 five days after date. After so long a privation, the pleasure of receiving a letter from you, which at all times give me great satisfaction very sensible, gave me uncommon satisfaction: one from England alone could alone have produced a greater effect been more agreeable to me. I am charmed at the readiness with which you and your excellent wife have granted my the desire expressed in my last letter; and I hope that heaven will favour my wishes in giving you a son. I I have already conceived a great an affection for the dear child, and should circumstances determine you to send him to England one day, it will be the greatest proof of friendship you can give me, to confide him to my charge. But observe, my friend, that in giving my name to your son, I will not have any person of your two families offended; arrange it therefore in such a manner, that the pretensions of others may not be wounded

With respect to my accompanying our family to Bourbon, you have but too well foreseen the impossibility of it. Since the general captain-general [Decaen] has alleged reasons for suspending the execution of the order he has received for to setting me at liberty, he feels himself obliged to be more strict with respect to me than ever to avoid being inconsistent. The pretext he has chosen doubtless concerns the safety of the Isle of France, and to let me embark on board a vessel and visit Bourbon would be a degree of inconsistence of which even he will not be guilty; besides that the vessel might be taken. I cannot now obtain permission to go to the town for my affairs, judge therefore if any application to go to Bourbon has any prospect of being granted. The desire of being useful to a family for whom I have the sincerest affection and friendship, would in case of meeting with an English cruizer would be a powerful motives, in addition to that of passing a few months with you, to make me desire the voyage ask the permission, did I see the most distant prospect of success; but in the opinion of all my friends there is not the least hope of its being granted. I shall therefore endeavour to assure the safety of their passage backwards and forwards, by letters I shall write; but must content myself with accompanying them with my prayers and best wishes

You have probably seen the account given to the public here, of the affairs of Spain. It appears from thence that King Joseph had been obliged to quit Madrid and retire to

[Page 193]

to Burgos on the 1 August, half way to Bayonne, with the scattered remnants of the French army. According to Champagny's letter to Bonaparte So that three-fourths of Spain at least of Spain was then solely occupied by the insurgents assisted by the English; and this after the French had advanced as far south as Seville. According to Champagny's letter to Bona- It is to be remarked that the last vessel sailed from France the 27 September, and has doubtless brought intelligence nearly up to that time; but the events that have passed from after Aug. 1 to that are kept secret. We only know from Champagny's letter to Bonaparte on Sept. 1. that it required 80,000 men to complete the army of Spain up to 200,000; and as it is said to have originally consisted of 150,000 at least it follows that the insurgents have killed & taken 30,000; of which the corps of gen. Dupont taken made prisoners in the Sierra-Morena near Seville, appears to have composed 12 or 15,000. It is however generally thought here that the French army has lost 80,000 men. No person doubts that the disturbances in Spain, the quarrel between the Prince of Asturia and Charles IV, have been excited by Bonaparte, to have a pretext for placing one of his family on the throne; and this conviction appears to have diminished his partisans. It appears that the Arch-duke Charles of Austria is the prince whom the Spaniards desire to see upon at their head; and this may account for the immense armaments in the latter empire. The friendship connexion between Alexander and Bonaparte Napoléon is a forced connexion which will probably not long exist; and I shall not be surprised to see Russia and Austria leagued with England and Spain against France, and that some of those nations held in subjection by Bonaparte massacre will rise and massacre their oppressors. I suspect that Bonaparte apprehends this, and that it is the cause of an expression in a future letter of Champagny, which I am told says "Europe ought not to be astonished, if the "French armedy should be mounted to two millions of men" It is possible that the French nation will quietly see itself drained of its defenders sacrificed, for to the prosecution prosecute the insatiate ambition of a Corsican? But whatever may be the result of his arms in Spain, the fleet and foreign possessions of that nation are I think inevitably lost to him. Spanish America will doubtless declare itself independent, and its ports will probably be opened to the English commerce, which will go near to breaking the heart of the mighty emperor. We may then have peace, but not I think during his life

You ask my opinion of Haüy's treatise. I judge it to be a most excellent work, and had received some lights from it on the subject of magnetism; but I think he has committed an error in article 588, page 119 of my edition, in judging of the inclination of the magnetic needle by the angle it makes with the axis of the earth; instead of that which it makes at with the horizon; for according to what he says, the

[Page 193]

dipping needle transported to the magnetic pole, should make an angle of 90° with the magnetic axis, which would be parallel to the horizon; but experience and analo shews that the dipping needle must make a right-angle with the horizon, if placed immediately above the magnetic pole. I suspect, however, that I have not fully comprehended him, for this is too gross an error for a man much less informed than Haüy to have committed.

These several months past I have been employed upon the subject of my imprisonment, preparing explanations and reasonings since the memorial sent to France with its duplicates and accompanying letters, I have been preparing explanations and reasonings upon my conduct and that of my oppressor, against the time that in case I should be sent to France by the ministers' order. The arrival of something to determine my fate may be expect in April, May, or June. If nothing arrives before the end of July, I give up all hopes of the French liberty from the French government, and can depend only upon other means: Upon the whole, I think Madame D'Arifat will not find me at the Isle of France on her return.

Adieu, my dear Charles, assure your good wife of the my sincere attachment, and believe me to be your most affectionate friend

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 136]

Captain Lynne, Royal Navy

Wilhems Plains February 9. 1809

Dear Sir

It would be to me a source of much satisfaction to know that you had obtained the permission to embark on board the cartel destined for Brazil; but I fear from the tenor of general's [Decaen] answer that such is not his intention. I have had so many similar to it, and even stronger, that I know what they mean; nevertheless your case is so different to mine, that I conceive you may entertain some little hope

I am far from being sorry that my packet is in your hands; and shall be obliged if, on the departure of the Portuguese captain, you will confide it to him; provided that you know him sufficiently and have confidence in him. If the cartel should not touch at the Cape, I should wish it to be put into the hands of any captain of Ad. B.'s [Bertie] squadron that may board her sea; or otherwise to be remitted to the commander in chief of His Majesty's ships at Rio Janeiro; who will doubtless forward it by the earliest occasion

It appears from your letter, that the ad. was acquainted with the circumstances of my detention here, before arriving at his station: can you inform me whether he had any orders from the admiralty respecting me, or wh from whence

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he derived his information? That he takes an interest in the unprecedented treatment I have undergone here, gives me pleasure; and it is upon that supposition that I have written to him. You can inform me whether the ad. is not of the Duke of Ancaster's family.

I am sorry for what you say of captain W. I hear as much from public report, which is as little favourable advantageous to him as it is favourable to you. I took occasion to inform him of the general benevolence and hospitality of the inhabitants of the Isle of France: if he has not found it to be true, I fear it must be his own fault. I regret much that you cannot obtain the permission to visit some inhabitant within the radius of my limits, where I could meet you; I am persuaded it would be a source of pleasure to both; we have so many things to say and communications to make, for which letters are either improper or insufficient, that I am persuaded a meeting would afford much pleasure to both

Between this time and the end of the month, I shall write one or two letters for the same convey for England, and agreeably to your obliging offer, shall take the liberty of transmitting them to you; in the mean time I beg you to accept the my best wishes for the success of my your application, and that you will believe me to be, dear Sir,

your obliged and faithful humble servant Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 137]

Mrs. Flinders Partney near Spilsby - Lincolnshire

Portug. Cartel Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

Mar Feb. 287 1809

On the departure of my last letter, commenced Aug. 14, and finished Oct. 25, I had, my dearest friend, great apprehensions of not soon having another occasion opportunity of writing to thee; but the unexpected departure of a cartel for Brazil with Portuguese prisoners, gives me an occasion which I hope is tolerably sure.

In fear that my last letters - should have miscarried, which however was sent in duplicate, I will inform thee that no change whatever has yet taken place either in my public or private situation. By three different occasions, I sent a long memorial to the French minister of marine which, if the ships have not been taken, is arrived in France by this time; and lest they should be taken, I made my arrangements in such a manner as that my letters should not be thrown overboard; and I hope that if they reached England, the ministry would send them to France. From this time The last copy was accompanied by several letters from persons in this island, to officers under the French government, pressing them to use their influence in my cause

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Mrs. Flinders

and I wrote also to some others whom I judged disposed to assist me to the same effect in my cause, which is that of justice and humanity; If these produce any effect, have any success it may be hoped that from between this time and the end of June, general De Caen will receive such an order, either for my liberation or transmission to France, as he will find himself unable to resist. Should nothing arrive before the end of July, I have taken measures which to quit the island soon after by other means; as however these measures partly depend upon others, the success is not altogether sure, though very probable

Since Aug. 1806, my love, I am totally a stranger to every thing that has passed amongst my relations and friends in England, as well as in our private affairs: next to procuring my liberty, this reflexion occupies most my thoughts, and is the subject that gives me the greatest inquietude. I know not what arrangement thou hast made with Mr, Tyler,- how my brother Samuel is employed; - what is the situation of my mother in law, and my young sisters; - of my poor sister Susan, of Wm. Flinders, of my cousin Henny and her aged father and mother at Spalding, - of thy good family and that of the Franklins. What joy it would be to me to receive full information upon all these heads, with a particular account from Standert of all my private affairs! But I dare scarcely hope to receive that satisfaction here; the only prospect I have is by the means of two gentlemen named Desbassayns, who went from hence to America twelve months since, and we are informed were taken in going from America to France. They took charge of a letter for thee, and I gave them a letter of recommendation in case of their being taken, with Standerts address. We are told that they were permitted to go to France in a cartel, but that the vessel was not allowed to enter Morlaix: after some difficulties they obtained permission to land in Holland. As it is probable that these gentlemen, from friendship to me, and from the utility that my recommendation was probably to them, will have seen Standert and perhaps written to thee to make the offer of forwarding thy letters, it is possible, that the first ship from France may bring me a proof thy affection, with some account of what I desire so much to know: What a happy day would such a receipt furnish me! It would be such an one, as I have seen but few for many years

The brother of the two gentlemen above mentioned, lately married the youngest of the Misses D'Arifat, and is a worthy and estimable man: his brothers are scarcely less so, but I have not had so much intimacy with them. Madame D'Arifat and her family proposes making a voyage to the island Bourbon with her family

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to be present at her daughter's lying in of her first child: the father has promised me, should it be a man child, that he shall bear my name; and he proposes sending him one day to England to be educated under my direction: the family of Desbassayns is numerous, and one of the richest in the two islands. Should this voyage of Madame D. take place I shall suffer a great loss in my society for many several months, unless orders from France should, in the mean time, set me in the road to Europe; in which case my regrets in the Isle of France must will give place to other more powerful feelings and sensations other prospects; though assuredly the proofs of friendship I have received here will never be effaced from possess a place in my heart never be effaced either from my memory or my gratitude

I learn from the a Moniteur of August last, that whilst general De Caen keeps me a prisoner here, they have taken possession in France of a considerable part of my discoveries. The before unknown part of the south coast of Australia was principally discovered my me; but at Paris they have given it the name of Terre Napoleon, two gulphs of my discovery are called Golphe Bonaparte and Golphe Joséphine, my Kangaroo Island is changed into L'Isle Decrés; and some other invasions of an inferior kind have been made upon me and other English navigators, by the editors of Monsieur Baudins' voyage, or perhaps by the orders of the government. I shall write by this occasion to Sir Joseph Banks upon this subject.

Feb. 28. My last letter informed thee of a bill transmitted to Standert for £268.10 upon the Navy Board, by this occasion I send him the second, in case the first should have miscarried. It is a bill for my pay, up to Aug. 29 1808 but of the payment of which I am not quite certain: I desired him to inform thee of the result

I beg of thee, my love, to inform write to my brother and mother-in-law on the receipt of this letter; and generally to present my affectionate remembrances to thy family, and to my relations and friends at Enderby, Boston, Donington, and Spalding. I pray thee to preserve for me thy constant affection and friendship, and to believe in the inviolability of those of thy Mattw. Flinders

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[Letter No. 138]

The Right Hon ble Sir Joseph Banks - Bt. President of the Royal Society - Port cartel London

Wilhems Plains in the I. of France Feb. 27 1809

Sir

Since I had the honour of addressing you on Sept. 15, and Nov. 5 last, I have seen in the a Moniteur of Aug. last a letter from the first lieut. of le Geographe, editor of the nautical part of Monsieur Baudins voyage; After an exaggerated account of their discoveries, in which it appears, that the south coast of Australia, from the islands of St. Francis and St. Peter to Bass' Strait is proclaimed to be a French discovery, and has received the name of Terre Napoleon. This is an injustice to our nation in general, and to Lieut. Grant and to me in Pparticular, for the greater part of that coast was discovered by us. In my charts transmitted to the admiralty, the parts discovered by Mr. Grant, by Mr. Baudin, and by me, are distinctly and impartially marked; and what is more, I shewed these charts to Mr. Baudin at Port Jackson, and he raised no objection to the division assigned him. The two gulphs discovered by me, have been named at Paris Golphe Bonaparte and Golphe Josephine, and my Kanguroo Island of which I gave M. Baudin the first information as well as of the gulphe, is trans formed into l'Isle Decrés; even my discovery of the north coast of Van Diemen's Land in 1798, is represented in that letter as a new discovery of the Géographe! Thius whilst general De Caen keeps me a prisoner here, they search at Paris to deprive me of the little honour with the scientific world, which my labours might have procured me

Mons. Freycenet, the author writer of the letter, is so advantageously known to me that I cannot conceive him to be the author of these pyracies; neither I think can Mons. Péron the editor for the part of natural history; but if they are not the authors, it must be the French government, or at least some of its members, You have read, Sir Joseph, the voyage of le Marchand, in which Monsieur de Fleurieu takes occasion to complain heavily of the similar conduct of in English navigators, though no one of the examples he cites are of half the force with those above mentioned, nor were the innovations so formally committed. I trust that some one will our nation will find some one in its bosom to vindicate her reputation and that of her navigators, though I should continue to be unjustly kept prisoner. I have much scruple to believe, that my imprisonment is connected with this invasion of the maritime reputation of England, it would be so base, so atrocious an act; but in reality really appearances do certainly very much countenance the fact such an opinion.

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My last letter would inform you, Sir Joseph, of the efforts I have made to obtain a second order from the French government for my release, couched in such terms as should leave no possibility to general De Caen of evasion; in that letter I entreated you to make use of your influence with the ministry, ofr with the national Institute of France, in aid of my memorial to the French minister. I trust that the desired effect will be produced, and that in two or three months from hence an order sufficient order will arrive; if the affairs of Spain do not occupy all the attention of the French government, of which I have some apprehensions.

We I learn here, that two French gentlemen, named Desbassayns who had taken charge of letters from me, and to whom I had given a letter of recommendation in case of their being taken in their passage from hence to France, have really been conducted to England. They were capable of well able to speaking of my situation, [words crossed out and undecipherable] and of the general opinion entertained in this island upon the subject of my imprisonment; and being Frenchmen could not be suspected of partiality in my favour. It would give me much pleasure to know that you had seen them, or that they had been questioned at the admiralty; and perhaps the first ship from France may bring me a letter from them, if not some from my friends in England, who may have committed letters to their charge

My situation here is in every respect the same as in November last. I wait with as much patience as possible for the dénouement of this extra-ordinary affair, which shall enable me to assure you in person of the high consideration and respect with which I have the honour to be, Sir Joseph

your most obliged and faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

This letter goes in a cartel which carries Portuguese prisoners to Brazil, from whence I hope a passage will be found for it to England

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[Letter No. 139]

Captain Henry Lynne, English Prisoner, Port Napoleon

Wilhems Plains March 1. 1809

Dear Sir

The pleasure I had in receiving your letter of the 24 last, was mingled with sorrow on learning that the captain-general [Decaen] had refused your request; and the more so, as from an inhabitant of the town has having given me hopes the day before, that the friends you have there would very probably be able to obtain the permission for you. I would entertain you with subjects proper for consoling you under the disappointment, did I conceive you needed it; but a wise man knows how to submit himself to imperious necessity, and to find in his own heart and in useful occupation wherewith to defeat the injustice of men and the severity of fortune

I am of your opinion with respect to the general effect of a bribe here, for any other prisoner except myself. My case is so particular, that no person except the captain-general can interfere in it; and I even doubt believe that,

at this time even he would not venture to make any important change in my position, the determination of my fate being as I am officially informed

re-submitted to the French government. (I am curious to learn the negotiation of which you speak; if you succeed by bribery, and have any conception see any possibility that the same means might procure for me the same advantage, for it is possible that I may be deceived in my opinion, will you be so good as to make an offer for five-hundred dollars on my part for a permission to quit the island. I only dare request you to make such an offer, but in the case where the subject of bribery shall have been commenced between you and M.

In case of failure in your projects, I hope and think you may be able to obtain a permission to live in the country; but as the winter season is advancing, perhaps you would do well to demand it only for two or three months; and I trust your choice will be directed to Wilhems Plains

Inclosed are three letters, which I beg the favour of you to remit to the Chevalier Abrieux, begging him to forward them from Rio Janeiro to England. The packet in your hand I wish should be delivered to the captain of any ship of ad. B's [Bertie] squadron that may be met with on the passage, or otherwise to be delivered to the senior captain admiral or senior captain of His Majestys ships at Rio Janeiro

Have the goodness to inform me how your when the cartel shall be sailed, and of the prospects afforded by your negotiation; and believe that a very sincere interest is taken in what concerns you, by dear Sir,

your faithful humble servant M.F.

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[Letter No. 140]

To W.A. Standert Esq. Navy Agent - Cliffords Inn - London

Not sent Wilhems Plains in the Isle of France

March 30. 1809

Sir

I have this day drawn upon you three bills of exchange at thirty days sight for the sum of one hundred pounds sterling in favour of Madame D. Labauve D'Arifat which I request you to pay from funds of mine in your hands or at your disposal, and to charge to my account the same to my account. To prevent as much as possible all error, the bills will be signed undersigned agreeably to the annexed signature (Signature --) and in presence of two witnesses with the time and place of the undersignature named; after which the bills will become payable to the bearer. I am, Sir

your affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

Bill accompanying the above letter

Wilhems Plains at the I. of France

£100 sterling March 30. 1809

Sir

Please Thirty days after sight of this my first bill of exchange, second and those of the same tenor and date being unpaid, please to pay to Madame D. Labauve D'Arifat, or (on her signature in presence of two witnesses) to her order, the sum of one hundred pounds sterling; and place the same to the account of Sir

your affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

Witness to the {

Under-signature { Undersigned at (the Cape of Good H. May 1809

[Letter No. 141]

Captain Henry Lynne - Port Napoleon

Wilhems Plains March 29. 1809

Dear Sir

I fear from your silence since my last letter, that the cartel for Brazil has not yet sailed; and that the negotiations of which you spoke cannot be brought to a favourable conclusion

By the arrival of the Venus from France, I have received some general intelligence, th which induces me to hope, that one of the first arrivals may bring an order either for my restoration to liberty, or for my transmission to France for examination it has is not been already brought arrived by that ship; it if therefore you have not made the offer on my part of which I spoke in my last letter, I will thank you to make no mention of it. I have so had an opinion of some of the people here, that I think him capable of taking

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taking 500D. for granting me under the pretext of having obtained for me, what the orders of the French government do not permit to be denied. me

Should I quit the island before you, it will afford me the greatest satisfaction to render you and all our unfortunate countrymen every service of that you may desire; I do not fear however to entertain any great very great hopes great hopes having been so often deceived in my expectations; but it is certain, that if no order arrives between this time and the end of July, I can have no further hope from or confidence in the French government

A line from you will oblige, dear sir

your faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 142]

Monsieur Charles Desbassayns - Rivière des pluies - près St. Denis - Isle Bourbon

Wilhems Plains March 31. 1809

My dear friend

I have not answered sooner to your agreeably long letter of Feb. 19 (received March 5) in the hope of to receive some important political news of which the communication might afford you pleasure; but the month of March has produced us no arrival from France but that of the frigate La Venus, sailed from Cherbourg the 18 of Nov. 1808; and consequently could add but little to the stock of information received by L'Auguste and l'Imperatrice. The most important article is the declaration of Spanish America in favour of Ferdinand VII, and the reception of the English there as allies. This news is said to require confirmation; but it is an event which follows the affairs of Spain so naturally, that I have little doubt of its being true; and that Bonaparte, in searching to destroy the smalles remaining branches of the English commerce with the contiment, will have has thus opened to it a market which will more than compensate during several years the mischief which it has suffered from his malicious efforts had occasion to it. Do not, however, suppose that I am the dupe of his protestations with regard to Spain: I am aware that the destruction of the little trade that might still exist with Spain that country, was only the a pretext for the invasion of that country, and the placing of his brother upon the throne; and as also that the intrigues by which the father Charles and his son where were set at various, were directed by the same perfidious hand and with the same end in view. I

The invasion of Spain, I consider to be the greatest political fault that Bonaparte has committed: he as little knew the character of the Spaniards when he undertook it, as he did that of the English after the treaty of Amiens: he judged of the one by the weakness of their king, and of the other by that of Addington, the then minister. Supposing that

[Page 202]

that he should arrive at subduing Spain, he must inevitably lose the rich colonies of that nation, its fleet and maritime stores, and all such of the inhabitants who as should be able to transport themselves out of his power. All these would inevitably throw themselves into the arms of England either as allies or subjects, and counterbalance, in the proportion of ten to one, the advantage of placing his brother over a ruined land and a poor and discontented people. All this he must have foreseen, had he known the Spanish character; and should he not be repulsed, which I pray to God he may, this violent act of injustice will be the cause of his downfal. The discontent in France, more particularly in the sea ports, appears to arrived at a great height; the capital is not free from it; and should it gain the army of which Bonaparte appears never to have been a favourite, his end is not far off.

It is said, that when the Venus left France, cartels passed almost daily between France and with England. This appears to have excited some hopes of peace, on the belief that the propositions of the two emperors, have given rise to from Erfurt, had given rise to these communications. For my part I consider such hopes to be nugatory until before the fate of Spain shall be decided one way or other. Peace may perhaps be made afterward, and in case Spain should be conquered, Ferdinard will in then was probably established himself in America as the house of Braganza has done in Brazil; and I think he would gain by the change. It is, however, so well understood in England, that Bonaparte will only make peace but in the hope of renewing the war with greater advantage afterwards, and of consolidating his immense power, that I doubt if peace will ever be made with him again on any terms. So long as the war continues, there are always some hopes that the nations of Europe will rise and assert their independence, and even that the French nation, wearied of the yoke iron heavy yoke he has imposed upon it, will chuse a governor who shall be subjected to the restraint of constitution and the will of the people lawfully declared. It is even probable, that at the moment in which I write, the work of the last eight or ten years is reversed, or great steps made towards it. The A defeat in Spain will lose to Bonaparte the friendship of Russia, and be followed by a coalition of all the northern nations, including Austria, against him: In three, and perhaps in one month hence, we shall know more; and especially if we could see some other newspapers than those of which come from France: but enough of politics and particularly of political conjectures.

M. Hamilin captain of the Venus, was commander of the Naturaliste when I knew him at Port Jackson. In speaking of him, Ed. Pitot writes me under date of the 23. "J'ai vu ce matin le cap. Hamelin. Il m'a dit que le p. "volume du voyage de Baudin avait paru peu avant son départ, et que le "second devait paraître incessamment. Il est fait mention dans le premier de "votre rencontre avec M. Baudin, et l'on n'y parle de vous que dans les "termes les plus honorables. M. Hamelin m'a dit, que ni lui, ni personne de "son bord n'avait ce livre. Je vous avouerai que, malgré cela, je crois qu'il est "en sa possession; mais qu il a quelques raisons particulières pour ne pas "vouloir qu'on le sache." "Il m'a

[Page 203]

Ch Desbassayns Mar. 30. 1809

'Il ma témaigné un grand desir de vous voir; mais il vous attendra au port, "dans la crainte de déplaire en allant vous chercher". and his brother on the 27. "Mr. Hamelin avec lequel j'ai diné hier, m'a parlé de vous avec une "sincère affection; et m'a assuré que des démarches en votre faveur avaient "été faites en France par tous les officiers du Geographe et du Naturaliste, et "surtout par M. Perron et par lui. Le ministre a répondu plusieures fois, que "l'ordre de vous mettre en liberté avait été donné. On savait en France quand "la Venus en est partie, que vous étiez encore détenu ici, mais on ignorait si "de nouveaux ordres allaient être envoyés".--- L'empereur a donné de sa "bourse deux cents mille francs pour aider à la publication du voyage du "Géographe et du Naturaliste. Il me semble que rien ne sera négligé pour "ajouter à la beauté de l'atlas et à la perfection en tout genre de l'ouvrage. Je "sais que vous y êtes mentionné de la manière la plus honorable; et s'il faut "en croire Mr. Hamelin, la justice la plus scrupuleuse a déterminée la ligne de "demarcation entre nos découvertes et les vôtres."

I acknowledge that the hope I had conceived prospect of obtaining a positive order for my liberation, in consequence of the memorial and letters gone to France in Oct. and Novem. last, is somewhat heightened elevated hightened by these communications; more particularly if the communication intercourse between England and France should be open at the time of their arrival. If the order should be sent, it may be expected between this time and three months hence: but should the month of July pass, and I see nothing arrive; adieu all hopes expectation of liberty from the French government; I shall then have only myself to trust to myself.

Our dear Madame D'Arifat is making serious preparations for visiting you. For fear of accidents of the passage, I have addressed a letter of recommendation to the captains of any of His Majestys' ships, couched in such terms accordant with the high respect, friendship, and esteem which I bear to her and her family; and lest it should not be in the captain's power to comply with my request of setting her on shore with her effects at Bourbon if taking in going, or at here if taken in returning, I have also written to Vice-admiral Bertie at the Cape of Good Hope, reclaiming for her and her family his assistance and protection, and explaining her titles to them. To this last, I have joined bills of exchange upon my agent for £100 sterling, that she may not experience what it is to be in want amongst strangers or be wholly dependant upon their generosity. I most fervently hope, however, that she will reach you in safety, and return here equally safe: of the former there is little apprehension to be entertained, if no cruizers are seen between this time and that of her departure. How happy should I be, my dear friend, in

circumstances where were the circumstances of my situation such as that I could accompany her; but it is useless to exhaust myself in regrets, as useless as they are where unnecessary to entertain you with my regrets, which are as inexhaustable as they are useless. You know how happy I should be to render service to this most excellent family, and how sincere are my friendship and esteem of you and Madame Desbassayns; but to

[Page 204]

but to the law of necessity we must all submit; and I hold it to be wisdom to submit with a g with patience: difficult it certainly is, were where the necessity arises from tyr the injustice, the tyranny of men. (Madame D pleases herself with the idea, that the order for my liberty may arrive during her absence, and that circumstances may either allow me either to make a visits to Bourbon, or to stop a few days there in passing bye; but however much I desire this, I dare not hope it. Indeed I believe hope to be almost extinguished in my bosom; or at least to be so much compressed by the numberless disappointments I have experienced that it no longer appears but where there is almost a certitude of the event taking place; and man is so capricious and often wicked an animal, that where an event depends upon him then is seldom much certain relative to me depends upon the will of others, I have much difficulty to believe it certain. Nevertheless But this way of thinking which borders on misanthropy does not prevent me, my dear Charles, I reckon with certitude from reckoning with assurance upon the continuance of your friendship, - that neither absence nor distance will change it; and I request Madame Desbassayns will permit herself to be joined in that which I shall ever bear to you.

your most sincere and affectionate friend

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. April 3. We learn from prises sent in by Peroud who has been at Manilla, that in Sept. last, the English took possession of Macao. The Portuguese colours are still kept flying, until the orders of the Prince of Brazil are received. It appears that Chinese merchandise being very abundant in England, the government mean to take the occasion of humbling the Chinese a little, and to avoid paying in future the enormous duties exacted at Canton. All trade with the empire will be stopped for some years; and I believe it is hoped, that in future it may either be carried on by contraband, or by a fair in consequence of a fair treaty to be made with that empire government. Admiral Drury is said to be there with a ship of the line and several frigates: he consequently commands the entrance to the port of Canton. It seems to be the general opinion, that in case of peace, these islands and everything to the east of the Cape of Good Hope to which the French have any claim, will be ceded to England; and it is thought that Bonaparte will cede almost all the French colonies to obtain peace, but that he will obstinately persist in his designs upon Spain and Portugal

I learn with much regret that my friend captain King, late governor of N.S. Wales died soon after his return to England

My friend Pitot, from whom I learn these particulars tell me also, that the reason for not setting me at liberty is believed in France to be, that my departure might endanger the safety of the I. of France; and that the principal reason for supposing I had evil designs in stopping at the island, are is my having put into a bay on the south side of the island, where it is said I chased on shore a small French vessel. Happily, the memorial I have sent to the minister explains particularly the absurdity of these positions. It appears that I am indebted to M. M. Fleurieu, Jussieu, Chaptal, Lalande La Place and several other men of science for applications in my favour and that all the savans at Paris take a general interest in my position

[Page 204a]

[Letter No. 143]

Madame D Arifat April 10. 1809

Je vous prie ma chere dame et excellente amie, d'agréer que je satisfasse à ma conscience ((par l'envoie pour le mois d' Avril)). Vous ne pouvez [word crossed out and undecipherable] croire possible que moi, qui ai reçu de vous et des vôtres, la bienveillance, l'amitié que peut attendre un fils, un frère, je puisse me contenter a diminuer en rien quelque chose les peu de biens que le sort marâtre a laissé à des personnes qui ot tant merité, - moi qui brule de vous temoigner mon amitié, ma reconnaissance, ma haute estime par par des services qui peuvent repondre à mes sentiments!

Faut il, ma chere dame, que tout ce qui est bon est grand soit de votre côté. Ne me donnerez vous pas l'occasion de montrer autrement que par parole, combien je vous respecte, combien que je vous aime, combien je suis votre ami? Dans le moment actuel je ne vois la possibilité de vous être utile que d'une manière: J'ai avec moi ici cinq-cents piastres dont mes fonds ailleurs ne me laissent aucun usage. Oh combien vous me ferez plaisir de me traiter assez en ami pour vous en servir en entier ou en partie, si vous prouvez, ou que vous pensez à éprouver la moindre gène relativement à votre voyage. Je ne sais pas l'effet sur mon amitié que pourrait avoir la connaisance de ce que vous eussiez cherché du secours ailleurs; mais je sais que le chagrin de votr d'être séparé de vous, ma chere dame en seriez beaucoup augmenté, et que j'en seriez fortement humilié

Pardon, mille fois, ma chere dame et amie, si je vous ai causé la moindre peine par cette offre. Mon seul objet est d'applanir les difficultés s'il y in aurezait, et de vous montrer un faible temoignage de mon amitie, et de combie temoigner que mon coeur est reconnaissant de tout le bien que vous lui avez fait.

Si mon offre vous etes absolument inutile, je vous prie, ma chere dame, de en m'en épargner toute réponse.

[Letter No. 144]

Monsieur Laroche Souvestre Port Napoleon

Wilhems Plains May 3. 1809

Sir

I have the honour to receive your letter of the 26 last, with its inclosures

in which I you express a desire to be able to shew to my friends in India that you are not unknown to me. At the request of my friend Mr. Curtat, I wrote on your late voyage to that country and from the high opinion I entertain of Mr. Foisy, I wrote, on your late voyage to India, to the only friend person I believed myself authorised to address a letter of the nature then required: from all I have been able to learn I am sorry, Sir, that two such powerful reasons as not having the honour of being acquainted with you your acquaintance, and having no friends in India, to whom I can address letters, prevent me from

[Page 205]

me from complying with your request, for the only per friend to whom I addressed a letter there on your late voyage, at the request of my friend Mr Curtat; appears not to have arrived in that country from England

To Monsieur Laroche Souvestre - Port Napoleon

Wilhem's Plains May 23. 1809

Sir

I have the honour to receive your letter of the 26 last, with its in which you express a desire to be able to shew my friends in India that you are not unknown to me. I am sorry that two such powerful reasons as the not having the honour of your acquaintance, and the having no friends in India to whom I can address address a letter of the nature required where I have never been, prevent me from complying with your request. At the request desire of my friend Mr. Curtat, and from the high opinion I entertain of your respectable father-in-law, I wrote, on your last voyage to India, to a gentleman with whom I had made acquaintance in the Masion Despeaux; but from all I have been able to learn, he had not arrived in that country from England as I had expected; and as I have never been in India I do not feel myself authorised to write to any other he was the only person to whom I could feel myself authorised to address a letter of the nature required. The useful acquaintances you have doubtless already made there already made in India, and the testimonials with which it appears you are already furnished from hence furnished by prisoners capable of speaking directly to the purpose, would moreover render superfluous any thing I could add upon the subject it could be in my power to add upon the subject

I beg you will be pleased to express my compliments to Mrs Foisy

and that you will believe to be Sir I have the honour to be, Sir

your very obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 206]

[Letter No. 145]

Monsieur Charles Baudin Desbassayns Habitant près St. Denis - Isle

Bonaparte

Wilhems Plains May 14. 1809

My dear Charles

Our dear friend Madame D'Arifat has I believe totally abandoned the project project of her voyage to Bourbon; and indeed the risk is so imminent during the war for a family composed mostly of females, either from gales of wind at one season and the English cruizers on the other, that with all the friendship I bear to you and your dear wife, I cannot but applaud her present sentiments. With all the disposition that the greater part of my brother officers would I doubt not have to oblige her, it would yet be necessary that the winds, their position, and their orders would permit them to follow their inclinations, and many cases might arise where it would not be in their power; and she might be carried to the Cape or perhaps even to India, which would cause much expense to her and still greater inquietude to her family and numerous friends. In a very few days, I hope the infant so anxiously looked for by his expecting parents and friends will safely see the light; this the good health and spirits of the mother, so well described in her last letter all her letters, but particularly in her last of May 4, give us every reason to suppose believe. The first letter from you will give us this most interesting intelligence, and should the dear child be of our sex, you will inform me of the names baptismal names which he his to bear, and ion which you know I depend much for the prolongation of sentiments which are very dear to me; and which may, after you and I shall be no more, be the means of forming a connexion of friendship between him and my family which cannot but be of reciprocal utility. But the principal object of this letter is to tell you all we know of political intelligence, and particularly of America.

We learn by the schooner which sailed from New York in January, and arrived here the 25 of last month, that Mr. Madison is President of the United States, and that he treads in the steps of his predecessor. He even goes further, having interdicted to all merchant ships coming from England or France any of the belligerent nations, or nations under their influence, or belonging to them, the entry into the ports of the United States. The embargo is rigorously observed, the only exceptions being those vessels who have obtained particular permissions, and in these cases they are not allowed to carry any cargo. This is all These measures experienced some opposition in Congress, on account of the number of seamen which remai it was feared would seek employment from other nations: the point was however carried by considerable majority. This is all that we know with certainty; but some other reports, such as the probability of a war with England, if the perfe neutrality of America is not admitted free of all impositions are given; but the supra-cargo of the schooner is a Frenchman. I have not been able to see an American gazette, and cannot therefore send you any any

Mr. Lachenardiere, who is at present on a visit at our neighbour Chevreau's has re-

[Page 207]

ceived a letter from your brother Henry, who arrived in America in April 1808. From that time to October he passed in travelling over the United States, from Virginia to its northern bounderies. In the mean time your elder brother and sister departed for France, but were stopped and carried to England, were à force de protection, they obtained leave to return go to France by the way of Holland, and have arrived at Paris in December, when Henry writes. He had a quick and uninterrupted passage to France, but His health was not well established, he writes even to Mr. Lachenardiere by a secretary, but adds in a postscript from himself that he gained strength and amended daily. It appears that he has not written to any other person in the Isle of France, since he requests Mr. L. to say to Mr. Chardouillet that his son was in perfect health and at his destination. - I have requested my friend Pitot to learn from Mr. Chardouillet all the intelligence he has received relative to your brothers; and indeed have some little hope, that Panon will have seen some of my friends or relations in London and that he will have taken charge of their letters for me, and forwarded them by the same conveyance under the address of Mr. Chardouillet. It is La Bellone sailed from St. Malo Jan. 19, which after having exchanged a few shots and being chased by the Néréide, reached the port the 14 last, and gives us our last European intelligence: The brother of general De Caen is an officer on board that frigate, and disembarked the day before with the dispatches. The Diamant was the only ship from hence that was known to have arrived; and we conclude that the Pactole is taken A copy of my memorial to the marine minister was on board the Diamant, but no copy of the letters which accompanied that on board the Pactole. I know not whether the general has received any orders relative to me; but judge that the absence of the emperor would not permit any that are definitive: the next arrival may probably decide my fate; and it is said that the frigate La Confiance was to follow 15 days after the Bellone from the same port

The French head quarters on Dec. 31. were at Benerente near the northern frontier of Portugal; but it is pretended that a ship from London, taken by the Bellone on her passage, and which had news papers up to Jan. 15. announced the evacuation of Portugal by the English which on comparing dates and distances is very impossible; but which I suspect to this to be only a conjecture of the editor that such an event must finally take place, which has been complacently interpreted into a matter of fact. In effect it appears probable, that from the fullness and divisions of the Spaniards and Portuguese, and the small number of troops which the English have been able to spare not amounting to more than 45,000 at most, in both kingdoms, they will be overrun by Bonaparte. Judging from the French bulletins, the English expected to find a more determined spirit of resistance, more order and unity, and greater courage in Spain then they have found there, after the sums of money in clothing and arms which they had furnished; whilst the Spaniards expected the English to do more for them than their numbers could possibly permit them to do. It does not appear that the French armies have yet penetrated into Grenada and Andalusia, but There is every now great probability that in the end the Spanish and Portuguese ships and treasures will be transported to America, and that Bonaparte after having destroyed one part of the remaining inhabitants will subject the other part, with their desolated land

[Page 208]

Mr. Charles Desbassayns

-lated land to his iron sway. He seems to announce in his proclamation, the intention of giving to Joseph another crown and to place that of Spain upon his own head: Spain and Portugal are not therefore to be the end of his labours: whether he intends next to invade Austria, whether he will form a new kingdom upon the cons dispossess the emperor of Morocco, and the deys of Tunis and Algiers, and form a new kingdom of their territories, or whether he flatters himself with driving Geo. III from his throne, seems uncertain: it may perhaps be upon Turkey that his eye is fixed, and he will never want a pretext for attacking his high allies. A new revolution in which the Janisaries have again triumphed, will add to the facility of his conquest; but I am called upon to finish my letter, Accept the assurances of my sincere friendship and esteem for you and your good wife, and believe me most affectionately

yours Mattw. Flinders

P.S. do not defer writing to me: the arrival of a ship from France may occasion my departure from hence in a few weeks; and say a word upon the new arrangement you made for me last month

[Letter No. 146]

To Mr. R.P.F. Brereton, midshipman of the Sea Flower - Port Napoleon

Wilhems Plains June 14. 1809

Dear Sir

I had the honour of receiving this morning your letter of the 7th, and as you foresaw, was not a little surprised to find learn that I had a relation in this island, and the more so as I have no knowledge of any relationship existing between any person of your name and my family; It is new although had you had added the place of your birth, and the it is very possible I might have been able to trace it though the medium of the marriage of some distant relative. A cousin german of my father and uncle, named Hursthouse, had two two wives whose named was twice married, but the names of his wives I do not remember maiden names of his wives I do not remember; and it is not improbable that your aunt was one of these one of them: He was a most worthy man, and being situated nearer to my uncle, it a greater intimacy existed between them, and he might probably have named a nephew of his cousin. (You will do me a pleasure in giving all the particulars of your family and relations that can enable me to arrive at an elucidation of the fact matter; and any letter you may wish to transmit to me will be immediately received by being left with Mr. Thom Thomas Pitot, merchant at the port, with whom I have a regular correspondence: Captain Lynne is besides able to give you further particulars.

Your letter came to me through the medium of Mr. [name crossed out and undecipherable], inhabitant of the Plaines de St. Pierre, I [word crossed out and undecipherable] If you are acquainted with this gentleman and can obtain permission to go to see him, you will have no difficulty in finding me, and I shall go

in a few days to pass two or three months in his neighbourhood, and shall see him very often: a permission requested to come to see me, or to visit the house were I am, would certainly be refused

In leaving your letters with Mr. Pitot it is only necessary to put my name upon them without any further address, and you will oblige me in writing the particulars requested above so soon as you conveniently can.

I am, dear Sir, your very obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 147]

To Mrs. Anne Flinders Partney near Spilsby Lincolnshire - June 15. 1809

A short letter speaking of my hopes of the speedy arrival of an order for my liberty or transmission; with a request to say to Sir J.B. that if the order was not absolute, general De Caen would certainly never permit me depart during the war.

This letter sent to Captain Henry Lynne but delayed

[Letter No. 148]

To Captain Henry Lynne of H.M. Navy - Port Napoleon - June 15. 1809

Congratulating him upon his liberty, inclosing a letters for Mrs. F. and a duplicate of that of Nov. 22. 1808 (see pub. let. book) to admiral Bertie; and giving him the address of my agent, with a wish that our correspondence should not entirely cease

[Letter No. 149]

To Monsieur Brereton

Wednesday morning June 21.

Dear Sir

Notwithstanding the pleasure I should have in seeing you during your residence in the country, I find myself obliged to renounce it for the following reasons. Many people in the Isle of France are fond of talking and of making a great deal of the most simple action, more especially in whatever relates to me; and this might be extremely prejudicial to the worthy people with whom I am living, and not less to the gentleman, at whose house you are, and who it might be represented to the general had been instrumental, had had purposely contrived a meeting between you and me from for improper purposes. A due regard to them therefore imposes it as a law upon me, to request your excuse in withdrawing the invitation I had given you, and should have been happy to fulfil had the above reasons not existed. I therefore beg you will seek no occasion of seeing me in future, and [words crossed out and undecipherable] not on my account, for having no improper design I fear nothing; but out of regard to our friends who might under the present government here, might be accused and made to suffer innocently

It is also necessary to inform you, that having no written permission to shew for coming into the country, may subject you to a suspicion, and even arrest by any officer in the quarter unfriendly to English prisoners; and that you will do well in future to request your permission to be in writing. - On your return to town I beg you to call upon Mr. Thomas Pitot, who will have an order to furnish you with fifty dollars upon your note of hand

[Page 210]

and should circumstances permit me to render you any further service hereafter, I shall do it with pleasure.

Wishing you your health and speedy liberation, I remain dear Sir

your obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 150]

To lieutenant Owen, late commander of H.M.S. Sea Flower - Port Napoleon

Tamarinds May June 29 30 1809

Sir

I had just now the honour to receive yesterday your letter of the 27, relative to young Brereton. This young man wrote to me some time since, to say, that his father had desired him, should he meet with me find the occasion, to make himself known to me as a relation. His name was unknown to me, but I conceived it possible that some distant inter-marriage perhaps since I had with which I was unacquainted, or to which I had paid little attention, might have been the given cause of to this pretended supposed relationship. I arrived at in this quarter about ten days ago, and learning that he was on a visit at a neighbouring habitation, I sent to invite him to dinner. It then appeared that it could not be to any part of my family that his with me that he had any relationship could exist, he being from a part of England totally opposite to that where all my family relations family are placed. I found also that he had no written permission for coming into the country; and the little I had heard of his character made me think it possible, that he had none of any kind; on this account, and the possibility of stories being raised upon the object of our meeting which might give trouble to the worthy respectable people with whom I have long resided, as well as to the worthy man at whose house he was, I requested him to take no steps to see me in future; and having learned from himself that his only resource was the 14 dollars per month allowed by this government, I inclosed him at the same time an order of fifty not chusing for fifty dollars payable upon his promissary note; which I intended to let him reclaim repay at at any future time, or to abandon, as his circumstances and conscience should dictate: I did not chuse to go further until I should know his character more particularly

From your letter, Sir, and what I have learned by my correspondence in town, it appears that his reputation is of the worst kind; but I must do him the justice to say, that he made no attempts to obtain money from me, or to impose upon me otherwise than, perhaps, in the affair of his permission of his relationship in which I would believe he was himself deceived. The letter I have since received from him since contains little The letter he has since written me expresses his thanks obligation for the money which he had received

Permit me now, Sir, to express my thanks for your good wishes obliging expressions in my favour, and the sense I entertain of the delicacy of your proceedings, upon the with regard to the money I small sum advanced to Mr. Brereton. You are now acquainted with the principle upon which this advance was made, and I leave it entirely to your judgement to repay it to my agent in town Mr. Thomas Pitot, or his fathers account, or to leave it in its present state; only promising , that any debts this young man may have contracted to Frenchmen, I should wish for the honour of our country should to be liquidated before that to me is thought of.

Wishing you health and a speedy restoration to liberty, I have the honour to be

Sir

your very obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 211]

[Letter No. 151]

Mr Berten, Midshipman of the French marine, Prisoner on board His Majestys' ship Nereide

Plains de St. Pierre July 1. 1809

Sir

Without having the honour of being known to you, I take the liberty of addressing you this letter. Prisoner since near six years in this island under the most extraordinary circumstances, I have received much attention, civility, and friendship from many of your countrymen, and it is perhaps my own fault if from declining to augment the number of my acquaintance here, that these have not been more extensive. Your respectable aunt Madame Herbeck, is one of those worthy persons whose conduct has excited my esteem, and it is at her instance that this letter is written. If, therefore, it can be of any use in procuring your speedy exchange, or in softening the hardships of your situation, I request you will make it known that your uncle relations Mr. Merlo, and M. and Madame Herbeck your aunt are known to and respected by me, and I am that I consider myself under obligations to the latter for their continued politeness and civility to me; and To that purpose you are at liberty to shew this letter to any of my brother officers of His Majesty's navy, who will much oblige me by rendering you service.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

your most obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

Late commr. of H. M. S. Investigator, em-

ployed on discoveries with a French

passport

[Letter No. 152]

To Madame la Fitte - aux Plaines Wilhems

Tamarinds July 2. 1809

Madame

I have the honour to receive your letter of this morning, and from the long and forced separation I have undergone from my own family, can enter into the sentiments with which you are affected at the present unfortunate situation of your brother, and I partake them very sincerely. It is then with infinite regret Madame that I feel myself under the necessity of informing you, that no application of mine to the commander of the cruizing squadron can have the for the release of any of his prisoners, can have the least prospect of success; and would be the more indiscreet on my part, in that I have not the honour of being at all known to him. Some French prisoners were landed at this island from the Cape, under a promise of a return being made in English prisoners, which promise has not yet been fulfilled; and there is no doubt that the commander has orders to release no more except by exchange. (It is much to be feared, Madame, that if His Excellency the captain-general [Decaen] persists in making no exchange of the prisoners in his power, for those that may be on board the squadron, that these latter will be carried to the Cape and thence sent to England; but it is possible, that if all those persons and friends in the island, and they appear to be numerous, who have sons, brothers, or nephews in the cruizing ships were to petition his Excellency, that an exchange might be effected and from the letters I have similar to yours I judge

[Page 212]

To Madame la Fitte

and they appear to be numerous, were to petition His Excellency, that an exchange might be effected, and these unfortunate young men restored to their families. Upon no other condition do I think the commander of the squadron to be authorised to release any of those that are, or may fall, into his power

It is a cruel task for me, Madame, to be thus under the necessity of writing you thus, but being obliging to my great regret to acknowledge my own inability to render you any service in the case in question, I wish to show you the only means from which success can alone be reasonably expected, and beg I beg you will Have the goodness Madame to testify to Madame Forrestier your respectable mother, how much I regret the impossibility of my being able to do anything that might forward the meeting with her son after so long an absence, and to request present to her the hommage of my respectful consideration

Accept, Madame, I beg of you to accept, the assurances of the respect high respect and consideration esteem with which I have the honour to be, Madame

your most obedient and devoted

humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 213]

[Letter No. 153]

To captain H. Lynne, Prisoner at Port Napoleon

Tamarinds August 2. 1809

My dear Sir

I have delayed answering your obliging letter of July 21. in the hope of receiving some answer to an application I have made for a safe conduct for my wife to come out and join me here, but it has been in vain. I will not conceal from you, that this application was pr made for the sake of learning whether there was any intention of suffering me to accompany you in the cartel, or of sending me to France in the Canonnière; and that the letters I write to Europe might contain the information I should receive; but as it appears that no answer of any kind will be given, the near approach of your departure, obliges me to write without it

Neither will I conceal from you, my dear Sir, that I informed admiral B. that I no longer consider myself to be upon parole, and have given him my reasons for it; which if he approves, he will perhaps order to be put into execution a plan I have proposed, for withdrawing myself from the unjust hand which has so long oppressed me; for as to my idea of secreting myself on board the cartel, I believe it to be impracticable. The principal part of my effects are contained in three trunks at the house of my friend Mr. Pitot; and which, if it can be done, I should much desire might got to the Cape in the cartel, if you would have the goodness to take charge of them, and send them on board with your own trunks if necessary. Mr. Pitot will advise with you upon the manner of sending them. Should I you find on your arrival at the Cape, that I am likely to arrive there soon after you; be so good as to leave them there either in the house of the admiral, or in some safe hand where I may find them. But should you not find this to be probablye, I would beg of you to take or to send them to England; and cause them to be lodged either with my agent Mr. Standert, or with Mr. Park, master attendant in Portsmouth dockyard, if it will save you trouble. (To answer the expenses you may be put to th on the above account, I have requested my friend Pitot to put into your hands the sum of one hundred dollars; and to fulfil the following commissions which, upon th your friendly offer, I take the liberty of giving. the sum I could wish to have sent me from the Cape one or two hogsheads of the best Cape wine, or one hogshead and the value of another in Constantia wine. What money may be left, to be employed in the purchase of a Steeles' List, Late naval chronicles, and annual Registers, or any and monthly magazines, or any other late periodical or other publications you judge interesting. These I wish to have be addressed to my friend Pitot for me, with such a letter as can do no hurt should it be seen by this government; and I think Mr. Quenot, with whom I have the pleasure of being acquainted, will have the goodness, to give them a passage: In fulfilling these commissions I beg of you to use truly your own discretion, should any difficulty present itself. The letter which I beg of you to write me by the return of the cartel, to inform me what I have to expect, and whatever is interesting and confidential, I beg of you to put under cover to Monsieur Curtal, avocat, Port Napoleon. During your passage to the Cape, you will be able to know the perhaps make acquaintance with some person to whom such a letter may be confided; or you will find him such an one in the prisoners to be sent back in return. In preference to Mr. Frederick Pitot I should chuse Mr. Felix Froberville, who is with whom I am acquainted, and who will scarcely be thought of by this government.

The letters for England I shall have to trouble you with, shall be sent on the 4th. I am persuaded that no parole will be required of you relative to carrying letters; but the government is so much upon the watch to lay snares for me, that it is possible, they may send on board the cartel, when on the point of sailing, and search your trunks. It will therefore be safest to separate my letters from those you may receive from others, and put them safely away

Thus, my dear Sir, I have explained every thing by which it may be in your power to alleviate my the situation of the prisoner who, after your departure, will see himself, for the fourth time, the only one remaining in the Isle of France

[This letter is continued on page 212 as follows]

Capt. Lynne from the other side.

In fulfilling my commissions, I beg of you to use your own discretion should any difficulty present itself; and It now only remains for me to wish you health and happiness, early promotion, and a happy sight of your friends; and to request that you with sometimes think of me, especially when I can do any thing that may be useful or agreeable to you.

I am, my dear Sir, with much esteem, your very faithful

and obliged humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

I hope to have the pleasure of a line letter from you before you go

[Page 214]

[Letter No. 154]

The Right Honble. Sir Joseph Banks Bt. President of the Royal Society - Soho Square - London

Transmitted to captain H. Lynne but Isle of France August 3. 1809

delayed

Sir

The season for arrivals from France, is now passed by which I hoped a second, and positive order for my liberation word be sent to the captain-general De Caen is now past. Whether such an order has been given I do not know; for this island has been so completely blocked by our cruizers, that for during three months, past that no vessel of any kind has been able to enter; and my hopes from that quarter are now at an end for six months to come this year, and perhaps for ever

A French cartel which is to sail in a few days for the Cape, gives me the opp with all the English prisoners of war in the island, with the exception of me, as usual; gives me the opportunity of writing to you Sir Joseph and to the Admiralty, to whom I have spoken particularly of my situation detailed the circumstances of my present situation. I know that la Semillante, by which the triplicate of my memorial to the French marine minister was sent with letters many letters in my favour, arrived at St. Malo in the beginning of this year; and that my friend Enseigne Baudin, who had lost his was the bearer of them, and promised to use all his efforts in my cause, received promotion on his arrival, and was made a member of the legion of honour. And This gave me hopes, and if the memorial had the advantage of being backed by a se petition by an application from you, Sir Joseph, to the National Institute, and by one from our ministry to the French government, there seems reason to hope that such an order may have been given as general De Caen will find himself unable to resist; but still if a duplicate of it has not been forwarded by the Admiralty in some one of His Majestys' ships, it may be yet a long time before it will be received I may shall have the advantage of it

Happily for me, my health sustains itself tolerably well, in the midst of all my disappointments; and I still seek to entertain still the hope of some time testifying to you in person, the high esteem and gratitude consideration with which I have the honour to be, Sir Joseph

your most obliged, and faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. I beg to recommend my self to the favourable recollection of Lady Banks, of Major Rennel, Mr. Grev the Hon. Mr. Greville and such of any shipmates of the Investigator as you are in habit of seeing

[Page 215]

[Letter No. 155]

Lieut. S. W. Flinders at Mr. W.A. Standert's, Navy Agent, Clifford's Inn London

Sent to capt. H. Lynne but

delayed Isle of France August 3. 1809

My dear brother

It is still from this fatal island that I have to address you. My letter of Oct. 25 1808, would inform you particularly of all the steps I had taken to procure a second and positive order from the French government for my liberation; the success of which I hoped to have seen before this time. But all that I have been able to learn is, that two of the ships which carried copies of my memorial and letters, arrived in France the and that a naval officer (formerly midshipman with Mons. Baudin) who took charge of the triplicate one of them and promised to use his utmost efforts in my favour support of it, received promotion of on his arrival, and was made member of the legion of honour. But From the time that an answer might have been expected, this island has been so completely blocked by our cruizers from the Cape that nothing has been able to get in; so that what has may have been done is wholly unknown to me.+ Neither has any No letter has reached my hand from England since yours dated in Aug. the middle of 1806; so that I am altogether in the dark as to your position and that of our family and friends, which adds much to the distress of my situation

A French cartel is preparing to carry all the English prisoners in the island, me excepted, to the Cape of Good. Amongst them are captains Woolcombe and H. Lynne of the navy, who have been in this island near a year, and know the port infinitely better than me; so that this circumstance their being suffered to depart shews, that it is not any danger the captain general [Decaen] apprehends to his island that is the true cause of his refraining to put the first order in execution, though it is the general opinion that it has been made the pretext. Of captain Woolcombe no great opinion is entertained here, but I have had much correspondence with captain Lynne, who is considered, and whom I believe to be an estimable man. He It is possible you may meet with him, in which case he will give you much intelligence of my situation: he is to be heard of at No. 49 Berkley Square, and to say that you are my brother will be an introduction to him

I have nothing, my dear Samuel, more to tell you than what has been said in my former letters. I recommend you always still to prepare yourself for the completion of our voyage; in which, if two vessels are employed, it is my intention, as I told you before, to apply for you to command the second. When you write to our mother-in-law, give my love and duty to her, and say that the period termination of my imprisonment is still very uncertain I may be in England in six months from hence, or it may not be before six months after peace. I write to my wife, to Sir Joseph, and to the Admiralty by this occasion. My health sustains itself wonderfully well in the midst and of all the subjects I have for chagrin. Give my love our mother, to Susan to Susan and our young sisters, as also to our friends at Boston and Spalding. Do you ever see Mr. Wilson of 41 Gower St. Bedford Square? if you do, present my remembrances to him and when you find an opportunity of writing to me, speak particularly of Wiles, Standert & Aken. I am, my dear Samuel, your most sincere friend, and affectionate

brother Mattw. Flinders

+The cruizing squadron has frequently sent in Flags of truce with and, as I am told, made frequent demands for my liberty; but I am informed of nothing in an official manner

[Page 216]

[Letter No. 156]

Mrs. Flinders Partney near Spilsby Lincolnshire

Isle of France August. 1809

Sent to capt. H. Lynne but delayed

It is still to thy letter of July 15 and 18. 1806, my best love, and still from this place that I have to answer. It is a fatality one effect of the fatality which seems to be attached to all my efforts to procure liberation, that it is now our own countrymen, probably at least, that prevent the arrival of a second order from the French government, by which I hoped to be either set at liberty or sent to France. Two copies of my memorial to the marine minister had arrived there in the beginning of this year; but particularly, the last which was accompanied by letters from me to M. M. Fleurieu, Bougainville, and Bergeret, and by others from my friends here to other per considerable persons in or or near the government. These were carried by a young officer of the navy, who had shewn a zeal, an enthusiasm in my cause, and an attachment for me that nothing could exceed. His name is Charles Baudin, and he made part of the expedition commanded by his name sake. He is son of a deceased member of the National Institute, who was instrumental in placing Bonaparte at the head of the Government. He is patronised by this chief, and merits it by his knowledge, his patriotism, and braver who gave him a pension from his private purse until he was promoted to be Enseigne de vaisseau. He had the misfortune to lose an arm, and to be otherwise dangerously wounded in an action between la Semillante and the Terpsichore; and on this account he returned to France, a passenger on board la Semillante which had been disabled and sold to the merchants. On his arrival he was promoted, and made a member of the legion of honour. On receiving this intelligence I conceived much hopes that my memorial, supported by th its accompanying letters and the efforts of this and other friends, would certainly procure for me at least an order so positive for my transmission to France, that general De Caen would no longer be able to resist; and that this order would arrive by the first ship. But for these last three months, the island has been so closely blocked by our squadron from the Cape, that not one of the many ships expected from France has been able to get in; so that I am totally in the dark as to whether an order has or has not been given. Probably several of the ships have been taken, we know indeed positively of one for it was by a female passenger landed from it that we learned the arrival of La Semillante but all the public despatches would doubtless have been thrown overboard, and my liberty with them; so that my only hope now is, that a duplicate of the order may have been if issued, may have been sent by the French government to the our Admiralty, who will may have forwarded it by one of His Majestys a flag of truce, as was done by the first order. Some flags of truce have indeed come in from the cruizing squadron more than a month since some time since, and it is possible that and I know that many several offers have been obtained made for my liberty; amongst others, the captain of the Piémontaise, though of superior rank, has been offered in exchange. There is a possibility, that the last flag of truce which came in about a month since six weeks ago, might have brought some order to general De Caen concerning me; and that he has told me nothing of it is no proof that none are received. Should this hope not prove, like many all the preceding, to be a phantom, I may possibly depart in the French cartel for the Cape, by which this is sent, and which is to sail, as is said, on the 8th of this month. All the prisoners of war have received orders to be ready to embark on the 5th. This interval of three days without any apparent reason, has excited my suspicion, that it may be intended to call me to town so soon

[Page 217]

so soon as they shall have quitted it, and to give me the three days to arrange my affairs. But alas! I fear to indulge so pleasing a hope, I have soon having been cruelly deceived so often before, when appearances were much more promising. The arrival of this letter will be information to thee that I am that the cartel has sailed without me

Another A French frigate La Canonnière let to the merchants, is to sail for France armée en flûte in the month of October; but if no order should arrive before that time, and it is not the season for arrivals, I cannot hope to be sent in her. Every thing continues to demonstrate the captain general's determination to keep me here so long as he can by any possible means or pretexts. It is an animosity which is extraordinary both from its cause and long duration. I cannot suppose that my having refused to dine with him six years ago is the whole cause of it, but it is rather that he will never forgive me for the injuries he has done me, because they are so great, that he cannot believe I shall ever forget them. Unfortunately, for human nature history furnishes, some examples have shewn this which shew it to be a principle in human nature to forgive injuries done to us, much sooner than those we have done to others; and the greater have been these injuries the greater and more durable is the animosity

Thou wilt conceive, that in receiving information that a cartel was to go to the Cape, and the Canonnière to France, how desirous I must have been to know, whether there was any intention of suffering me to quit the island by one or the other opportunity. I knew that no request or representation of mine could obtain for me this information, and I tried other means: I wrote a letter, of which the inclosed is a copy. If my request the subject of it was granted, I should know that there was no such no order had been received, and that there was no intention of letting me go: Was it refused, the reasons that might be given for the refusal, would be some, perhaps much information to me go: Were no reasons given, I should judge that it was intended to send me by one or the other occasion, if nothing in the wording of the answer contradicted it. What I most feared was, that no answer whatever would be given, and this has taken place. One small hope, however, remains: If I am to go in the cartel, I shall be may have an answer on the 5.th when the other prisoners shall be embarked. I should much wish to tell thee the end of this affair; but on the 5th it will be probably too late to write to thee by the cartel.

I enjoy tolerably good health, my love best friend love, in the midst of all the vexations agitations, vexations, and disappointments which I have so long had to bear; but which I hope will not continue many months longer. A project, of which I have before given some hints, approaches the term of its execution; but as it does not depend wholly upon me, it is doubtful. I continue to remain in the same friendly and estimable family of Madame D'Arifat, where I am treated as a member of the family son, except that they shew me more attention. How often have I ardently wished that thou my dearest friend and best love wast here with me in the midst of these worthy persons; like me thou wouldst find in them a mother, brothers, and sisters; but I dare not request thee to come out, for many reasons; amongst others, the hope fear of thy arrival after I should be gone; and the sole reason cause of my writing the enclosed letter was to feel for the purpose of feeling the pulse of the captain general. Preserve then for me, my only love, thy heart, thy kind affection, thy health, for the happy, happy day when Providence shall place to suffer our reunion; and be fully assured of that nothing can change the constant and inviolable love and tender friendship, with which I am thine own

Matttw. Flinders

P.S. I shall request captain Henry Lynne, one of the prisoners, with whom I have had a correspondence to write to thee from the Cape, what he may then know of any prospect of liberty for me. Kindest remembrances to all friends at Partney and Spilsby

[Page 218]

[Letter No. 157]

Captain Henry Lynne - Port Napoleon

Tamarinds August 4. 1809

My dear Sir

I have the honour of sending you five letters which I request you will be good enough to add to the two already in your hands. I have taken the liberty of referring ad. B. to you for any particulars he may desire to know of my situation. On your arrival at the Cape, should you learn any thing that indicates my approaching liberty, or that seems to shew that it will prob my imprisonment will probably last until a peace take place, you will do me a particular favour in writing these indications with your opinion thereon, to my wife, whose address you will learn from that of my letters.

Should you meet with some of any our cruizers on leaving the port, and learn that any one of them has directions for putting in execution the plan of which I spoke in my letter of the 2nd last; have the goodness to say, that the proper day for it is when high water happens at or near daybreak; and that almost any black man accustomed to this part of the coast, and there are such I believe now on board the squadron, is qualified capable of being a pilot for the small pass I have mentioned

I am told, that the cartel is not to sail until the 10th being probably kept in expectation of the American schooner coming with from Bourbon with such despatches as may have arrived there. Who knows, my dear Sir, but that I may have the inexpressible happiness of being yet one of your party, in consequence of a positive order that may arrive? I would have detained my letters a day or two longer, had I not been afraid that you would be embarked the 5th and that all future subsequent communication between with you and from the shore might be forbidden

Be so good as to present my compliments to captain Woolcombe, to Lieut. Owen and to Mr. Timan, to whom I wish a good voyage. For you, my dear Sir, I wish every thing that is fortunate, and am with a sincere esteem and much regard

your obliged and very faithful humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

It is scarcely necessary to hint, that the greatest caution suggest, that even certain conversation on board the cartel, in upon what concerns me, may be prejudicial to me on her return for all our countrymen are not blessed with too much discretion. Your own good sense will have indicated this to you

[Page 219]

[Letter No. 158]

To Mr. Charles Desbassayns - Habitant pres Riv. des Pluies - Qartier de St. Denis - Isle Bonaparte

Tamarinds August 5.1809

My dear Charles

Since the arrival of the Entreprenant from your island, we know not what is become of you; but as the American schooner despatched to you about a fortnight since, is expected daily, or rather nightly, I will not enter into the thousand and one conjectures that have been made here upon the supposed events on your side the channel: suffice it to say that the government, and every person having connexions at Bourbon, have been long in the greatest a state of great anxiety about you.

It is said here that two vessels, supposed to be from France, were seen from the mountains to be chased by the English cruizers; and that they escaped and are supposed to be at Bourbon. It is then from you that we expect European intelligence; and this is an additional reason for desiring very anxiously the return of the American schooner. I am amongst the most anxious of the wishers; for if the French government have thought proper to issue any new order for my liberty, it is probably either at Bourbon or at the bottom of the sea. Should it arrive here in the schooner, and be sufficiently positive [word crossed out and undecipherable] to take away all pretext for evading the execution, it is probable that I may quit this island in a few days, on board a cartel which carries the prisoners of war to the Cape of G.H., and is to sail on the 10th instant. It is not indeed quite certain, that the captain-general [Decaen] has not received some orders by La Bellone in the middle of May, or in a packet landed by the English cruizers in June; and that he has told me nothing of it, is no proof to the contrary. (Being extremely desirous to learn whether there was any intention of letting me go in the cartel, or of sending me to France in La Canonnière, which sails for Fra with a cargo in October, I applied to the Chef d'etat-major to know, whether my wife would be permitted to land and rejoin me, should she present herself before the port; and requesting, at the same time, a passport safe conduct for her, and for my brother or such other relation as should be her conductor. No answer has yet been given to this letter, nor probably will any be given, unless it is intended to let me go; in which case, I shall be called to town 24 hours previously to sailing. Although I do not flatter myself that this will be the case, yet an order given for the prisoners of war to be embarked three days before the day fixed for sailing, seems to give it an air of possibility; for it is coincident with His Excellency's conduct towards me, not to let me enter the town until the other English officers have left it. It is this possibility, my dear friend, and the certainty assurance that, should it happen, I shall have no time to write to you afterwards, that induces me to write in advance, to make you acquainted with my sentiments on quitting the island

I shall, then, depart filled with the same sentiments of friendship and esteem for you and for your very excellent wife that I have ever and constantly professed. I request that we may correspond from time to time, and that when you may have any demand to make in England, or any commission to execute there, that you will address yourself to me at Mr. Standert's Naval Agent, Clifford's Inn, London as to a sincere and zealous friend. I request that you will hold in mind the offer I made of superintending the education of your son, for such I hope and desire you it is, should it be in England that you wish him to be educated. On the other hand, I beg you to add yearly the interest to the capital of the small sum in put into your hands in April 1808 and otherwise to make such arrangements as your friendly care may suggest. My intention with respect to this sum is the

[Page 219a]

Mr Charles Desbassayns Aug. 1809

is the same as before announced: vizt. to let it increase until such time as I , or some one authorised by me or by my testament, shall claim it. When this is done, which will probably not be for many years, I shall have in mind the restriction you have justly made, not to give 6 or 12 months notice, as the month of April is more or less distant. It is also proper to repeat, that should circumstances render the continuance of this charge too inconvenient to you, the acquittance of the house of Pitot, which is constituted my agent here, will discharge you at any time you may desire it. This is, I think, everything that is necessary to be said on this subject; and because I would leave room to say a few words either upon the manner of my departure, or in answer to the letter I hope to receive from you by the American schooner, I will at present conclude, with best wishes for the prolongation health and continuance happiness of two persons, so much loved and esteemed as you and your dear wife are by, my dear Charles

your most sincere and affectionate friend

Mattw. Flinders

Aug. 11. On The same day that day after I wrote the above, arrived the American schooner, and I had the great pleasure of receiving your letter of Aug. 1. two days ago. I felicitate congratulate you and Madame Desbassayns in sincerity and affection, upon the happy event arrived of May 16. and hope that an occasion of fulfilling your friendly promise to me, will speedily furnish your friends with a fresh subject of felicitation.

I have many thanks to give you, my friend, for the trouble you take in the little affair committed, to your care; what you have done, and what you propose to do, are highly to my satisfaction

As yet I have received no letter from Baudin or from France; no information of any order or any thing concerning me being arrived in the despatches of the captain-general; nor, in fine, any intelligence of any kind. But the cartel for the Cape is not yet sailed; and so long as she remains, I still preserve some hopes of being a passenger in her, or of being sent to France in the Canonnière. It is reported that the owner principal freighter of this latter has requested that the cartel may not be allowed to sail, until after the departure of that ship; but I hope this is not true. The English squadron continues to block Port. N.W. in a manner, which for strictness has never before been equalled. Nothing can get in, and it is not known when the Bellone and Gazelle, ready for sailing some time since, will be able to get out. If this continues, the cartel will not be suffered to sail perhaps until the hurricane season. The fears of the general [de Caen] that the English should learn what is passing in the port, are truly ridiculous. They know every thing that the English prisoners could tell them, for they have lately taken particularly since they took some canoes, and more than one that a boat has made its escape to them. He has caused all the officers upon parole to be shut up, as is said, because one night that the cruizers had approached closer than usual, and that the forts were cannonading them, the general found upon the little mountain some of the prisoners whom curiosity had led there; their presence so near to His Excellency was a matter of much scandal to him. It is to be feared, that if the cartel is really detained so long, the French prisoners at the Cape will have been sent to England before her arrival; for the cruizers have lost all confidence in the word of the captain-general from having been deceived by him more than once. I bid you adieu, with my best wishes, having nothing political to communicate, and Mad. D'Arifat will give you all the domestic intelligence

[Page 220]

[Letter No. 159]

To Captain Henry Lynne

Tamarinds Aug. 6. 1809

My dear Sir

Receive my thanks I receive your welcome letter of the 5, which in everything accords with my wishes; but I prefer your taking the 100 dollars here, to that the measure of drawing upon my agent; it is so many years that I have had my no account from him, that I know not very well how I stand upon his books. Your observation to be written from the Cape is very judicious, as is also the necessity of making to me some more explicit signal to the than that I have already given; as however, I shall not remain much longer on an inhabitant of this quarter, I wish my first to be adhered to. In addition, if the ship wears her pendant forward, - if when she lies to, it is with the fore topsoil to the mast, - and when under sail, if her main royal or top-gallant sail are set, and the fore royal or top-gallant sail are in, I should know be still more certain that my plan was adopted and the execution about to take place: you will remember high-water, and day break or a little before. Should the ship see any person upon or near the shore, with a white handkerchief constantly in his left hand, she will know that I see and understand what is preparing; but the not seeing such a person is nevertheless not however any signal to the contrary.

2 o clock the 7^th. I hoped to have sent you this by Mr. Pitot whom I expected today, but learn on the instant, that the arrival of the American schooner prevents him from coming; and I am obliged to conclude in haste. Receive the assurance of consideration and esteem with which I am, my dear Sir, your very faithful and obedient servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 160]

A Monsieur Garnier - Peintre

Chez M. Saulnier - au Port Aux Plaines Wilhems le 16 Octobre 1809

Monsieur

J'ai eu l'honneur hier de reçevoir votre lettre du 14, mais trop tard pour vous répondre par le noir qui d'ici va journellement au port. En vous adressant à moi pour être recommandé à mes compatriotes comme faisant partie de l'expédition de Monsieur Baudin, saviez vous, Monsieur, que moi, qui commandais une expédition semblable, et qui suis venue ici, mon passeport à la main après un naufrage, j'ai été fait prisonnier, et privé pendant des années de tout ce qui j'avais pu sauver de mon premier desastre; et que depuis six ans je suis, par le représentant en cette isle du gouvernement Français, detenu loin de ma famille, de mon avancement, et de la poursuite de mon voyage; et cela, sans qu'aucun acte proscrit par mon passport ait éte allégué contre moi? Saviez vous, aussi, Monsieur, qu'un Moniteur du Juillet 1808 m'annonce, qu'on s'est emparé à Paris de mes découvertes sur la côte sud de la Nouvelle Hollande, pour les approprier à cette expédition même de M. Baudin, en leur donnant les noms de l'Isle Decrès, de Golphe Bonaparte, de Golphe Josephine, de Presqu'ile Cambacérès &ca &ca? Si vous saviez tout cela, Monsieur, vous m'avez fait infiniment d'honneur en me croyant assez audessus des passions humaines pour avoir la volonté de protéger qui que ce soit se reclamant de cette expedition; et en quelque sorte vous avez eu raison; car bien que l'amertume de ma position soit proportionnée au zele avec lequel

[Page 321 follows immediately after page 220, presumably a mistake in pagination by Flinders]

[Page 321]

A Mons. Garnier

lequel je cherchais à remplir les grands et libéraux objets de mon voyage, j'aurais bien desiré de faire tout ce qui était dans en mon pouvoir pour l'expédition de M. Baudin, ne fut ce que pour rendre encore plus frappant le contraste entre ma conduite et l'indigne traitement qui jusqu'à présent a été la seule recompense de mes travaux.

Ainsi Monsieur, J'aurais donc, Monsieur, fait ce que vous me demandez, en vous recommandant vous et vos ouvrages à la protection spéciale de mes compatriotes, si j'avais pu vous considérer avec justice comme faisant partie de cette expedition. Mais je vois, que vous avez quitté l'expedition avant qu'elle soit arrivée rendue à la terre qui en était l'objet; - que vous ne vous êtes par rejoint à elle à l'epoque de son retour à l'Isle de France; - que vos ouvrages, tout estimable que je ne doute pas qu'ils soient, ne sont pas faits ni dans l'expédition ni dans le pays de ses recherches; et ce qui me montre prouve que ce qui vous avez fait ici et a l'Isle Bonaparte n'appartient en aucune manière à l'expédition de M. Baudin, c'est que vous le considérez comme votre propriété particulière, pendant que tout ce qui est de ce voyage appartient nécessairement au gouvernement qui en a fait les frais

Les marques de bonté que j'ai reçues de nombre d'habitants de ce pays - ci pendant une longue captivité, et les principes qui, en me faisant preférer les voyages de découvertes à des expéditions guerrières, me porte également à soulager ceux que la guerre rende malheureux, m'ont fait donner beaucoup de lettres de recommendation à des Français partant pour l'Europe et pour l'Inde; mais à la longue, mes recommendations ont été si répandues, que pendant que d'un côté j'etais persécuté comme l'ennemi implacable des Français je courrais risque de l'autre d'être considéré comme voulant être le protecteur général des ennemis de mon pays; et les capitaines des vaissaux de la M.B. se sont déja plaints que je donnais ces lettres trop facilement. J'ai donc été obligé de borner restreindre mes recommendations aux personnes en faveur desquelles je pouvais citer des services importants rendus aux prisonniers Anglais, et qui étaient à ma connaissance. Jugez donc, Monsieur, qu'ayant donné une lettre à pour deux enfans, et promis une autre pour une dame malade, tous partants sur le même vaisseaux que vous, si je puis donner une troisième sans avoit aucun bon prétexte.

Si vous voulez bien considérer toutes les circonstances de ma position, vous verrez que malgré le mon desir qu'on vous protège ainsi que vos ouvrages, il m'est impossible de faire autre chose pour vous, que de vous assurer de ma bonne volonté, et des sentiments avec lesquels j'ai l'honneur d'etre, Monsieur

votre très humble et tres obéissant serviteur

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 322]

[Letter No. 161]

A Madame Curtat - a Kerhoun

Aux Vacoua le 23 Oct. 1809

Ma chere Madame Curtat

Pendant notre retour ici que nous nous achemenâmes ici, où nous sommes arrivés en bonne santé hier au soir, j'ai pensé aux médité, sur les meilleurs moyens de secourir votre pauvre neveu Ossère. N'ayant pas d'ami ni de connaissance à la quelle je puis donner une pareille commission, j'ai entrepris d'écrire une lettre aux officiers, du [undecipherable word] le bureau chargés des prisonniers en Angleterre. J'avoue que cette demarche est un peu hardi de ma part hazardée, mais enfin c'est pour servir un ami, et peut - être reussira-t-elle, ce que je souhaite de tout mon coeur, et j'en ai un peu d' même espérance, ayant employé dans ma lettre les raisonnements et les sentiments qui seront le plus sentis par eux.

Je vous envois, ma chere dame, cette lettre pour être transmise à Madame Ossere par la première occasion, et quand lorsque vous le désirez, je vous en enverrai un duplicata, et même un triplicata s'il le faut. Cette demarche ne doit point empecher Monsieur Curtat à écrire à son ami en Angleterre, car si l'un de ces moyens manque de son effect, l'autre peut reussir; et si son ami s'adressait au bureau en appuie de ma lettre, ils s'entre aideraient beaucoup. Je vous prie Madame de presenter mes complements et amitiés à M. Curt et à M. Barbé, de recevoir d'agréer l'assurance de mon affection et de mon respectueux devouément

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 162]

A Monsieur Quenot - chez M. Pouget-Marchand - Rue Nationale - au Port Napoléon

Wilhems Plains October 23. 1809

Sir

I yesterday received with much pleasure your letter of the 21st and had a particular satisfaction in finding that the letter I had the honour of presenting you with during the time I was a prisoner in the Maison Despeaux, had been a means of procuring fo to you the merited consideration.

Be pleased to accept my thanks for your communication relative to the eclipse and the observations that have been made for the longitude of Port Napoleon. Notwithstanding that the nature of the eclipse forbid almost all hope of obtaining a satisfactory result, I had the curiosity to make the calculation of the longitude from it this morning. Supposing the observation of Mr. Malavois to have been correction, the true time of ecliptic conjunction should have been at 23h. 29'.40", which being compared with that under the first meidian as deduced from the tables, would give the longitude of the port 54°. 27' east of Paris which is evidently much too little. (The observations for the longitude made by me whilst in the Maison Despeaux in 1804, were not numerous. I have no longer my books by me, but remember that from twelve sets of distances of stars east and west of the moon, the numbers on each side being equal, I deduced the longitude 57°. 44' 1/2 east of Greenwich, and that from twenty-four sets of distances of the [undecipherable symbol] east and west of [undecipherable symbol], the numbers on each side being also equal, Mr. Aken my officer obtained for a mean result 57°. 45'1/2 east of Greenwich for the

[Page 323]

M. Quenot

for the longitude of the Maison Despeaux; so that I have considered the longitude of Port Napoleon to be 57°. 45', or from Paris 55°. 25'; and it is with pleasure that I find this result to accord so very nearly with your observations. I may add, that the excellent chronometer I had on board my little schooner on arriving here, for which I had a rate and error found a month before at Timor, gave the longitude of the Isle of France still further east than my above mentioned observations; so that I found myself close to the shore at day break in the morning, when by the geographical tables I expected to find myself 6 or 8 leagues from it; and it was principally owing to this cause that I was obliged to pass by the south of the island instead of passing by the north of th as vessels usually do. And since it appears to have been the unusual manner I took to reach Port Napoleon, that first excited suspicion the suspicions of His Excellency the captain-general on my account, I may perhaps say that the erroneous position of the Isle of France in the geographic tables, has been the principal cause of the long detention was the first cause of the long and severe detention I have undergone here

I shall receive with much pleasure any geographical or astronomical communications you can make me relative to Madagascar and the Mozambique Channel. Cape St. Andrew and Cape Amber, are important points in the construction of a chart of Madagascar, but do not appear to have been settled by any capable navigator, unless it has been done within these few years. But however much I desire these communications, I desire still more your departure from for the Cape, since it will restore so many of my unfortunate countrymen, as also of yours, to liberty. What joy it would be to me to accompany you in your voyage after having been detained here near six years! but this is what I dare not hope. The evil stars that conducted me to this island seem to have condemned me to an interminable exile in it; but I do wrong in talking thus to you to you upon a subject whose existence you can only regret.

I should gladly make the calculation of the longitude from the observation of La Caille in 1753, had I the necessary tables; but I have no others here than the nautical ephemeris for this year 1809, which I borrowed a few days since expressly for the last solar eclipse.

In reality it is a long time since I have been at the port, that liberty having been denied me these last two years. On your arrival from the Cape, I requested my friend Mr. Thomas Pitot to call upon you, being anxious to learn if my letter in your favour had produced its desired effect; and also whether you had learned any thing at the Cape that could give me any insight into the the time when my captivity was likely to terminate; but although he was more than once at your lodgings he was not so fortunate as to find you

Be pleased to accept the assurance of consideration and good will, with which I have the honour to be, Sir,

your very obedient humble servant Mattw. Flinders

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[Letter No. 163]

Mr. Curtat - au Port Oct. 9. 1809

[`Nov' has been added in pencil and it is probable that the correct date of this letter is 8 November 1809]

My dear Sir

I inclose you the duplicate and triplicate of my letter to the Transport Board according to the your request , and I hope and sincerely desire that it may produce the desired of wished for effect in favour of poor Ossere; and this I think there is every reason to hope if Mr. Morton Pitt aids my letter by an similar application from himself. I thank you for the favourable mention you have made of me to that gentleman; and although I do not foresee that he can have any direct means of favouring my return to my country and family, it is yet possible that he might be a find means of making causing the ministry occupy itself with to think of my affair. In this point of view it might be useful to add, after the words "dentenu ici par notre gouvernement " pour des raisons que personne a pu approfondir; and after the words "depuis près de six ans" to add malgré dles ordres contraires donnés par le ministre de la marine.

I think it would be proper to send my letter send to Mr. Morton Pitt unsealed my letter unsealed, and request him to seal it after peru that he may be better acquainted with the nature of my request to the Board, and take his measures accordingly

Our ladies are in good health, and are sensible of your friendly remembrance. Be pleased to render my respectful and friendly compliments acceptable to your good lady, and believe me, very sincere my dear Sir, very sincerely your affectionate friend and humble servant Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 164]

Mr. Hope Agent of prisoners on board the cartel La Henriette - Port Napoléon

Wilhems Plains Dec. 18. 1809

Sir

Having learned through the medium of Mr. Blake, that you had the goodness to take an interest in my extraordinary position in this island where I have been unjustly detained these six years past, and that you had a letter addressed to me by Mr. Captain Stock, I take the liberty of writing to you to request you will be pleased to give the said letter, or any thing else you may have for me, either to Mr. Blake , or to my friend Mons. Thomas Pitot, merchant at Port Napoleon, either of whom know have the means of transmission. I need scarcely observe to you, Sir, how much I shall be obliged by your using your endeavours to obtain my release from this island, either by exchange, on parole, or even by being sent a prisoner to France to be tried for what is alleged against me, and punished if any thing can be proved against me contrary to the tenor of my passport, if no better conditions can be obtained: I have myself tried all these means at different times, but without success; although I am in possession of an authenticated copy of an order from the marine minister of France to set me at liberty and restore my vessel little schooner. Should you judge it necessary, I will forward to you a copy of this

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Mr. Hope

of this order, and give you any other information upon the circumstances of my detention, that you may judge requisite. to found your application

My messenger being pressed for time, I conclude with begging your excuse for this hasty address, and that you will believe me to be, with consideration, Sir

Your very obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 165]

To Mr. Hope - Agent of prisoners on board La Henriette - cartel - Port Napoleon

Wilhems Plains Dec. 21 1809

Sir

I have had the pleasure of receiving from captain Lynne, the letter you bought me from Mr. Stock open letter which you had the goodness to bring me from Lieut. Stock. At the same time that I am flattered by this proof of remembrance and interest in my misfortunes in an officer whom I esteem, I see with chagrin that I have no prospect of liberty from the side of India, unless you should be pleased to use your endeavours to that effect with this government, and that you should succeed. (I suppose, Sir, that you are acquainted, generally, with the history of my misfortunes, commencing with the shipwreck of the Porpoise in the South Sea, followed by my extraordinary and unjust imprisonment in this island in Dec. 1803, and prolonged, by the unrelenting animosity of His Excellency the captain-general De Caen, up to the day in which I write. There are some of the later circumstances with which it may be proper you should be more intimately acquainted, in case you should have any discussion with this government upon my situation: these circumstances you will learn from the inclosed copy of various letters which have passed. You will see by the numbers 1,2,3,4,5 and 6, that deceitful hopes of liberation were repeatedly given me; and by No. 8 that after fifteen months of delay reckoning from the del arrival of the order for my liberty, and two and half years from its date, these hopes were at once done away under the pretext of motives at length torn from me without assigning any other reason for this breach of promise than that the general had motives for suspending my return to Europe. I am well assured, that so late as March 1809, the marine minister expressed his belief answered to a personal application in my behalf, that orders to set me at liberty had been sent out to the Isle of France; he therefore intended and expected that they should be put into execution, and this after the captain-general's motives were known to him. Why he has not sent out another order, I can only conjecture; it may possibly be in consequence of some intrigues in hand to overturn the general when the occasion shall offer; and this circumstance of the having disobeyed the order for my liberty, will perhaps add one to the charges against him. However that may be, the immense loss of time to me, the absence from my family, country, and affairs, the delay in the prosecution of my voyage of discovery and of in my promotion are not the less severe; more particularly when I see that a part of my discoveries have been appropriated to a French voyage, honour it is attempted at Paris to deprive me and the the British nation the British nation and me of a part of the discoveries made in H. M. ship Investigator, by appropriating them to the voyage of the

[Page 326]

of the French captain Baudin, under the names of Terre Napoléon Golphe Bonaparte, Golphe Joséphine, L'Isle De Cres, Terre Napoleon &c. &c. I will not pretend presume to say that I am detained here to prevent my reclamations, until such time as the world shall have adopted these names this has any connexion with the prolongation of my imprisonment; for in fact I know of no other real cause for my imprisonment, my detention, than the my having declined dining the with general De Caen six years ago, the day after he made me a prisoner, seized all my charts and papers and passport, and called told me I was imposing upon him. Everything else are pretexts founded upon This reason has been kept out of sight and in place of it there has been alleged others which have no other basis than the misfortune of my shipwreck, my ignorance of the war on before arriving here, and the open unsuspecting candour of my proceedings, of both all which the basest advantages have been taken. (What I now tell you, Sir, is for your particular information; for should you have the goodness to apply in my behalf, it is necessary to know, that in these regions nothing wounds and irritates so much as truth the truth. An appeal to the humanity (!) of the captain-general, - to the interest protection which the French nation accords to the sciences in whose service I was employed, - and to which I have wholly devoted myself, - to the losses and sufferings I have undergone during a detention of six years; - these must be the topics upon which an application for my liberty should principally dwell to the pacific nature these must be the topics upon which an application for my liberty should principally dwell turn, to give any hope of success. They should may be accompanied with an assurance that I will engage myself to any conditions that may be required of me, even to the returning in a given time to the Isle of France; and if a repetion of the application by an offer to go or of a second going to France is made or to the going direct to France and submit submitting myself to whatever the government there shall award. In France I should not, at least, have to contend with personal animosity; and I should there find some persons who would interest themselves in the labours which I have not ceased to prosecute, even here, through the weight mass of grief and continued vexation despotic vexation with which I have had to contend. I have Sir but one wish, but one ardent desire, that of returning the soonest possible to render an account of the mission with which I was charged, and of recommencing my discoveries; and I have been wholly occupied here, either in improving my labours what has been already done, in taking every step to procure my liberation which had the most distant prospect of success, - or in preparing myself for the better execution of my future projected voyage. The captain-generals wrongs me, if he supposes believes that I have, or ever had, any hostile project to the Isle of France but I am persuaded that in fact he does not believe it for his actions are in contradiction. With war With offensive With offensive war I have long disclaimed all but I am persuaded that, after the first days, this has never been any other than a pretext, for his actions are in contradiction to such a belief. With offensive war I have long disclaimed all voluntary connexion. Our nation possesses too many distinguished naval and military officers to have need of my poor assistance. In geographical and nautical science the field is more open; and in it is in these pursuits, congenial to the general interests of all nations, it is that my life has been and will still be devoted I have sought to render myself useful; and if general De Caen feels that he has an interest to the contrary, the perversity of his nature is to be pitied since + see next page.

It would Sir be a great satisfaction to me, to have a few hours conversation with you; but I doubt very much whether, if you was inclined to ask the permission to pay me a visit come here it would be granted you: it is however possible, if address is used in making the application. With respect to me going to town, an application a request from me would probably receive no answer whatever. I am not without the pe expectation of some arrival from France during your stay here; in which case I should be obliged to you to if you would endeavour to learn whether any thing relative to me shall be arrived

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Mr Hope

of which this I cannot prevent myself from entertaining some hopes, although I have been so often deceived in my expectations from that and every other quarter

I write to you, Sir, as if I knew from yourself that you intending to take every step in your power to obtain my release; and the favourable terms in which Mr. Stock speaks of you in his letter, assures me that I shall not be mistaken: would that I had an equal assurance certitude of the success of your endeavours. In any case, I beg you to receive the assurances with which I have of consideration with which I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your very obedient and humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

+ Belonging to last page

In my memorial to the marine minister, which I have every reason to believe was received in the Dec. 1808 or the following month I informed him that I no longer considered myself to be on parole, after the arrival of the order of the government for my liberation, and the letters received from of colonel Monistrol which let me know that the want of a favourable occasion for my return to Europe alone prevented my departure. In fact by the letter I did not think it necessary to declare this to general De Caen for obvious reasons but have taken care to say nothing that could indicate the contrary: In fact, by the letter No. 10, the captain-general has himself done away my parole, although he seems in it to indicate express a belief an intention that it should still exist after he had violated the conditions. My answer to that letter, which was written in French to avoid all error of interpretation, was sufficient to let him know my real sentiments thereon if he paid attention and was not devoid of all penetration; but I have heard nothing further upon the subject, and remain at this time in the predicament which No. 10 and 11 place me

[Letter No. 166]

Mr. Walter Holcombe Robertson, Surgeon of the native infantry in the Hon. Company's military service Calcutta or elsewhere

Wilhems Plains Isle of France Dec. 28. 1809

My dear Sir

By gazettes brought from Calcutta by La Henriette English cartel, I have learned your promotion in the Company's service, and by a Mr. Wohrnitz, arrived in that cartel, I learned with much pleasure that you are returned to India; are married, and happy with your wife. I acknowledge my regret at not receiving a letter from you, as well from not having more particular intelligence of your situation, as from its being now more than three years ignorant since I have received since the date of my last letters received any letter from England from whence you could have given me some news. My servant Elder quitted me in June 1807, and was the bearinger of many papers, books, and letters, but I am totally ignorant of what has become of him

You are not any stranger, I imagine, any stranger to the refusal of general De Caen to put in execution an order of the French government to set me at liberty and restore my little vessel, which arrived here in July 1807. For this conduct he has given fifteen months afterward as I believe some reasons to his governmt.

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Mr. Robertson

with which I have not been made acquainted, nor can any person imagine what they can be. More than a twelvemonth since I addressed a memorial to the marine minister which I know to have been received; but as yet it does not appear that any fresh order has been sent out; indeed the captain-general receives almost no communication from the government, and the island seems to be left to itself. This neglect is productive of disastrous consequences to the island as well as to me, and where it will end I know not

The commissary of prisoners on board the cartel, (Mr. Hope) proposes to make, or is now making his efforts to procure my liberty by exchange or otherwise, but I have much fear that he will not succeed, unless before his departure some fresh order for it should arrive from the French government. I know not whether I shall be allowed to see Mr. Hope, having been lately restricted to the boundaries of the plantation upon which I have principally resided these last four years; but if it should be in your way, I should be glad you could see the commissary, or captain Ramsden (formerly our fellow prisoner in the Maison Despeaux) who will be able to inform you more fully, of the circumstances of my situation at the time of their departure and the public opinion in this island thereon. The general is, if possible, more capricious in his proceedings toward Englishmen than ever: Mr. Stock, the former commissary of prisoners, was not treated with any distinction or scarcely civility, whilst it appears that Mr. Hope is very much noticed by the general. they English prisoners are sometimes left at liberty and sometimes closely shut up in prison

The friendly intercourse which you know to have existed between Mr. Thos. Pitot and myself, still continues the same: he has ever been to me an affectionate and sincere friend, and he does not forget you, who are often the subject of our conservation. It is impossible for me to give you any certain information of when I shall be set a liberty; the general, I well know have reason to believe, will never suffer me to depart so long as he can find any plausible pretext for detaining me; but wherever I may be, I pray you to be assured of the affection and esteem of, my dear Sir,

your sincere friend and obliged humble servant. Mattw. Flinders

P.S. Feb. 1. 1810 Two merchant vessels are lately arrived from France, but it should appear that they have brought nothing capable of effecting my liberty; since a French cartel is just gone with prisoners to the Cape, without any mention of me having been made. Mr. Hope was to have used his efforts with general De Caen in my favour, but I hear nothing from him either of his success or otherwise. Adieu, my dear Sir; God bless and preserve you from the iron hand of tyranny; and may you never know the bitterness of sighing six years in vain after justice. If you know where Major Henry is, pray remember me kindly to him when you have an opportunity. - Should you meet with Cornet James Franklin of the 1st native cavalry, I beg to recommend him to your friendly notice, as son of a family nearly allied to mine; and whe will, I trust, be found to merit your esteem.

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[Letter No. 167]

Cornet James Franklin 1st. Reg. Native Cavalry - Bengal Establishment - Partaubgarh

Wilhems Plains Isle of France Jan. 5 1810

My dear James

It should appear either that you have no correspondent in Calcutta, or that you were unacquainted with the sailing of La Henriette, cartel with French prisoners, for this island. That vessel arrived here a short time since, and I flattered myself with receiving a letter from you, as well as from my friend Mr. W. H. Robertson, whom I learned to be returned to India, and to be employed in the upper provinces of Bengal, as a surgeon. But neither from you, from Mr. R. or from Major Henry have I received any letter. On the return of La Henriette to India, it is said that a second cartel is to be sent, and if so I hope to be more fortunate: address me under cover to Monsieur Th. Pitot, Negociant - Port Napoleon

Your letter of October 12. 1807, sent through the medium of Mr. Macartney, reached me safely, but a considerable time after date. This letter gave me much satisfaction, in as much as it let me know something of your situation in India, and something of your manner of thinking and writing, in all of which I take much interest. I was sorry, however, that you should think the sending me news of our families and friends in England would be sending "coals to Newcastle"; for it is almost impossible to be more ignorant upon these interesting subjects than I am: my last letter received being dated in June 1806; since which period I know not what is the state of any of my relations or friends at home. I am sensible to the interest you take in my extraordinary position here; and in answer to to satisfy your desire of being more particularly acquainted with it, I give you the following abridged statement.

An order to set me at liberty and restore the little vessel in which I arrived here after shipwreck, reached this island in July 1807; and it was promised me that "so soon as a favourable opportunity offered, I should fully "enjoy the favour which had been granted me by his Majesty the emperor and "King". Nevertheless my departure was delayed many months, although ships were continually sailing for India, for America, and or for France. All my applications for the execution of the order were answered in the same way; till having lost all confidence at the end of fifteen months I requested to be sent a prisoner to France, offering, to give my parole, in case the ship on which I might be sent should not arrive at her destination, to take the most direct means of going to France and delivering myself up into the hands of the French government. I was then told, and not till them, that the captain-general having communicated to His Excellency the marine minister, his motives for suspending my return to Europe, could not allow me to depart until he should receive an answer. Upon this I wrote a memorial of ten pages to the minister, - wrote letters to several persons in or near the French government whom I supposed to interest themselves in my voyage of discovery, - and obtained others letters to persons who had it

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who had it in their power to serve me with the French emperor and marine minister: I wrote also to England in order to obtain a second demand for my liberty, to be made through the medium of some neutral ambassador. I am still waiting the effect of these different applications. No fresh order has yet arrived to set me at liberty; by I know and all that I know is, that one of the person written to in my behalf, had a long conversation with the marine minister; the result of which was, that he professed to hold me in much estimation as a navigator, and said that "orders to set me at liberty had already been sent out". He knew, however, that these orders neither had or would be executed, and it appears pretty evident that my detention is prolonged either from negligence or to answer the purpose of some secret intrigues, and or perhaps for the purpose of despoiling me of my discoveries upon the south coast of Australia (or Austral-Asia) and appropriating them to the voyage of Monsieur Baudin. This is the predicament in which I remain at this time.

During the last four years and a half, I have resided in the quarter of Wilhems Plains in the interior part of the island, upon with the a liberty extending to the circumference of circle described by a radius of two leagues; but these three months past I have been restricted to the plantation upon which I dwell. In the midst of all I have suffered from the capricious severity of the captain-general De Caen, the liberal and generous proceedings of the inhabitants of my district, have been a source of consolation, with which, and the various employments in which I have constantly occupied myself. I have contrived to diminish the deep chagrin which I could not but feel arise in my breast on seeing my voyage of discovery interrupted, - my promotion retarded and the care of my fortune left to chance - myself branded with the odious appellation of spy, and kept far from my country and family; and all this by the representative of a government, which had allured me into one of its ports by the solemn promise of assistance and protection

It is almost perhaps impossible for a stranger to be more happy in any family, than I have been and am in that of Madame D'Arifat; I have besides made many friends, and I believe may say that I possess the esteem and good will of all those with whom I have made acquaintance: my misfortunes have much aided me in this case. It is unknown to me that I have more than one enemy, but he is implacable; and what is still more unfortunate, he is all powerful here

The commissary of prisoners, Mr. Hope, is I understand, using his endeavours in my behalf at this time; and as, contrary to what has been seen hitherto of Englishmen, he is well received by general De Caen, he entertains hopes of success: more, probably, than I do. Should any change take place before the sailing of the cartel, I will add a post script, till when believe me to be, my dear James, very sincerely

your affectionate friend and humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. Feb. 1. 1810. Some vessels have arrived here from France which might have brought a fresh order for my liberation; but a French cartel has just sailed for the Cape with English prisoners and I am still left behind, and without any knowledge of what is to be my fate: I have sent letters to England by one of the prisoners. Mr. Hope, the commissary of prisoners has not yet given me any information of the steps he has taken in my behalf, and in fact I augur no effective good from that side.

[Letter No. 168]

Monsieur Charles Desbassayns - Rivière des Pluies - Près St. Denis - Isle Bonaparte

Wilhems Plains Dec. 30. 1809

My dear Charles

I have let some months have passed since the date of my last letter, first because the American schooner had adopted the bad habit of throwing the letters overboard, and secondly because I have had little or nothing new to say to you, that could be said by me with prudence; but I have not for that from that cause, ceased to think of you and of your good wife, and to interest myself in whatever concerns you. And here let me thank you for your intention of writing to my wife by the Streatham, and which I am sorry could not be put into execution: I hope, however, that captain Dale will, on his arrival, give her or some of my family information concerning me. I will not here enter into the late affair at your island, but speak to you of the English cartel La Henriette, arrival arrived here about ten days since from Calcutta and Madras with the officers and crews of La Piemontaise and Jena. The commissary Mr. Hope has been extraordinarily well received by general De Caën, with whom he has made his arrangements relative to the prisoners to his satisfaction, as I am informed; and he proposes to use his efforts to obtain my liberation either by exchange or otherwise, with the hope of succeeding: but he does not know the general so well as I have had reason to do. However, I hope he will at least obtain some information of the pretexts for suspending the execution of the order for my liberty, which may possibly indicate the measures to be taken in order to obviate them

I received by the cartel only one short letter, which was from Mr. Stock the former English commissary of prisoners: it gives me no hope of liberation from the side of India. I have run over a year's gazettes ending in September last. The sum of American news is necessarily of an old date; Mr. Madisson was president and followed the steps of Mr. Jefferson. The embargo created much discontent in the trading towns, and a published letter of general Pickering complains heavily of a disposition in the government to overlook or submit to French aggressions, and to exaggerate those of the English in order to induce a dispositio general desire of war with the latter nation. I do not learn that either nation of the belligerent powers have given the satisfaction desired relative to commerce; but it appears that some vessels have been excepted from the embargo, since two have arrived here

With respect to European news you are better informed than we are here at this island. Spain does not appear to be yet more than half conquered by the French, nor, although they will probably overrun the whole country, do I think they will ever possess it in peace. Of all the atrocious acts committed by Bonaparte, his conduct with regard to Spain is perhaps the most diabolical. I have read in the papers, the extract of a publication by Cevallas, in which the whole of French hypocrisy, French intrigues and violence at Madrid and Bayonne are developed; His narrative is accompanied with

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official documents, amongst which is the secret treaty of Fontainbleau; by which it appears, that at the time that the integrity of the Spanish monarchy was guaranteed to Charles IV and that it was agreed he should take the title of emperor of the Two Americas, intrigues were carrying on at Madrid to deprive him and his dynasty of all, through the medium of Godoy, otherwise called the Prince of Peace. You will have seen the armistice with the Empereur of Austria signed in July last, and which is said to to have been followed by a peace. A Russian army had entered Gallicia; but it is said that the English had declared to Alexander that if he opposed himself to Austria, they would lay every town in the shores of the Baltic in ashes; it is perhaps with this intention in view, that the immense English armament under Earl Moira and admiral Strachan had been prepared and was ready to sail in the beginning of July. Would that the sailing of the armament may produce the diversion in favour of Austria, without the exercise of its destructive powers! My opinion is, that it is intended to attack St. Petersburg and by a revolution, to change the sovereign of Russia, to which most many of the principal men in that empire are said to be disposed since war was declared against England

It appears that Buenos Ayres is the only province in Spanish America, that has not declared itself unequivocally in favour of the patriots and of Ferdinand VII. The neutrality of the Philippine Isles has been acknowledged by the British government in India: the French that were there were very severely treated at first, and narrowly escaped being burnt alive by the priests death, as informs an officer left there by La Canonniere

The cartel for the Cape is not yet sailed, but the report of her sailing now shortly begins to rise again; and it is possible she will go so soon as the Laurel and some other vessels nearly ready to sail shall be gone, and the English cruizers shall have quitted the coast: when this last shall take place is, however, very uncertain: I doubt even whether they will quit the island at all, unless in the event of a gale of wind; the order for the blockade being very precise and rigorous. With respect to an attack, nobody believes in it here; though it is said that both the English and French officers of the last cartel have declared, that it will not be long delayed. For myself I do not believe the English think either this or your island worth the trouble and expence of attacking and keeping, but they would perhaps be glad to see you neuter -

Jan 3. 1810. A happy new year to you my friend, to your good wife, and your pretty little girl. May you continue to be perfectly happy in each other, and preserve the same friendly sentiments towards me which I have hitherto experienced from you. - I have yet no news of any change to be made in my situation in consequence of the endeavours of the English commissary; but as I know he has been with the general, I may probably have some information today La Venus is arrived, and announces the capture of three Company's ( I suppose extra) ships coming from England, and which are probably at your island at this time: La Venus having been separated from them in a gale of wind. I am mistaken if these repeated captures from the company do not at length draw down an attack upon these islands, which otherwise would not, in my

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Mr. C. Desbassayns

in my opinion, take place. - I should have desired to have deferred sending my letter a day or two longer, in order to give you the European news, and to say what Mr. Hope might learn of the intention of the general with respect to me; but Madame D'Arifat closes her letter this morning, under the idea that the American schooner will most probably be sent to your island immediately either to give or to obtain intelligence of the prizes. I thereby bid you, my friend, adieu for the present: with the intention of writing again so very soon should any thing favourable to me take palce. Remember me very kindly to Madame Desbassayns, and believe

your very affectionate and sincere friend M.F.

[Letter No. 169]

Mrs. Flinders - Partney near Spilsby - Lincolnshire

Wilhems Plains in the I. of France Jan 13. 1810

The cartel by which I hoped my letter to thee, my dearest friend, of Aug. 13 last, would have been conveyed to the Cape of G. Hope, is not sailed even yet. The officers instead of being restored to liberty on Aug. 8 as they had been promised, were closely shut up in prison, and remain to this day; but it is now again said that they are to go away; and I take the occasion to inform thee of the continuation of my health and the circumstances that have occurred since the date of my last.-

At the time I had given up all hope of receiving from this government any answer to the letter I wrote relative to a safe conduct for thee, I unexpectedly received one which said, that the captain-general had no objection to thy joining me here; but that for a safe-conduct, thou must apply to our government which would make the request to that of France. This let me know that the general had received no fresh orders to set me at liberty, and indeed it appeared that he had received nothing official from his government for near a year. This island has continued to closely blockaded till a ship A month since a cartel unexpectedly arrived from India with French prisoners, and she still remains here. The commissary, Mr. Hope, has let me know in a flattering letter he wrote me that he should not fail to use his utmost endeavours to obtain my liberty, by exchange or otherwise, and he had been extraordinarily well received by general De Caen, he flattered had hopes of succeeding; but, I, who knew the general better than he could do, had but little prospect of liberty of by his means, unless a ship should in the mean time arrive from France, and bring him some fresh and positive orders. A ship has, in reality, arrived a week since, and for some days I was in a state of the most anxious expectation. A week is now passed and I am utterly a stranger to what the general may have received by this vessel, nor have I heard any thing since from Mr. Hope; but as we know that on the Oct. 1, when she sailed from France, Bonaparte had not returned to Paris from Germany, I entertain almost no hope of a fresh order for my liberty being brought by this occasion; there is, however, a possibility of it, as also that something may be obtained by Mr. Hope, though I do not promise myself from his exertions more than perhaps some information of the pretexts that have been made the ground for prolonging my detention

In answer to my memorial to the French marine minister, and to all the letters written by me and others to France, I have learned no more than what one of the gentlemen informed me some time since from the officer of the government to whom he wrote in my favour. The extract of the letter of this officer

[Page 334]

officer, dated Paris March 28. 1809 is as follows

"I have received, my friend, your letter of Oct. 28 (1808) as also those "of Mr. Flinders. I immediately went to the marine minister, who is well "acquainted with the affair of that stranger; and he told me that orders to set "him at liberty had been sent to the captain general, and that they had been "certainly received. The conversation was sufficiently particular for me to be "able to assure you, that this navigator is much esteemed, but I have no "means of guaranteeing the efficacity of the step he has taken." - The minister was well acquainted with my affair, because he had received my memorial; and he knew from the same source, that the orders sent out neither had, or would be put in execution. From the whole tenor of this equivocal answer I judge, that my imprisonment is made to be subservient to some intrigues, which have for object the overthrowing general De Caen, to whom the minister is known to be inimical: This, however, is only conjecture

There was much talk here three or four months since of an attack meditated by the English government upon the Isle of France, and at that time I received an order from the captain-general not to quit the plantation of Madame d'Arifat. I should treat this order very lightly did any important circumstance call me beyond the bounds of the habita - plantation; but as it is impo my situation requires that I should give no plea for worse treatment than I have yet received, prudence has makes made me hitherto conform to it pretty strictly

By the arrival of the cartel I learned by the cartel, that arriv Mr. Robertson was arrived in India, but I had no letter from him or from James Franklin: a Gentleman person who saw Mr. Robertson told me, that thou wast well when Mr. R. left England, but at what epoch this was I could not learn. This, my love, is all that I have heard of thee since the reception of thy letter dated in June 1806; and a long and cruel silence it has been; but I do not reproach thee, knowing how extremely difficult it must have been to find the means of conveyance. My greatest hope of receiving letters since the way of America was closed, was through Mr. John Exshaw at Paris, who from whom I learned indirectly some months since time, that he had written to thee and shewn a mode of conveyance for letters to him, which he would transmit to me. But so many ships bound to this island have been taken, that if he should have received any from thee, they may have lost afterwards probably been lost afterwards

Having two packets of letters already in the hands of the officer who I expect will take, this, for which reason I do not write to any other person than thee, at this time; I therefore beg thee to write to my brother, and my mother-in-law and such other persons as thou shalt judge proper &ca. the heads of what has occurred since Aug. last.

I still remain in the same friendly family as before; but whether I have any thing to hope upon the subject of my liberty, seems to be wrapped in as much or more mystery than ever. I endeavour to bear up as much as possible against such a long train of continued misfortune, and I preserve my entire affection for thee, my best friend; and for the day when Providence shall in its justice restore me to thee and my beloved relations and friends. God bless and preserve thee

Mattw. Flinders

Jan 16. I learn from a Gents magazine of Jan. 1809, the death of Mrs. Peacock, after having given birth to two children: I am truly sorry for this misfortune, and beg thee to offer my compliments of condolence to Mr. and Mrs. Franklin. I have seen a Steele's List for July 1809, but do not yet see the promotion of John F.; but what surprises and afflicts me more, is that I do not find my brother Samuel's name upon any part of that list.

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Mrs. Flinders

of that list: what can be the meaning of this? I am lost in conjecture and apprehension. - Another vessel, sailed from Bourdeaux Oct. 8, has got in since the raising of the blockade by our cruizers, but I do not yet learn any thing new by this occasion

Jan. 19. I am now obliged to close my letter; but having no more to say than to bid thee an affectionate adieu, until another occasion of writing presents itself. I have requested capta my friend captain Lynne to write thee from the Cape, should he learn any circumstance that bespeaks any solid hope of my approaching liberty. Do not fail to remember me kindly to Mr. and Mrs. Hippius when thou writest to them. - I have again written to the Admiralty and to Sir Joseph Banks. - Adieu, thine most affectionately.

[Letter No. 170]

The Rt. Honble. Sir Jos. Banks - Bt. KB. &c. &c. &c. Soho Square - London

Wilhems Plains in the I. of France Jan. 18. 1810

Sir

I have still the chagrin in writing to you to say, that except a large retrenchment upon the degree of liberty that was before allowed me, no change has taken place in my situation since August 3. ult, when I had the honour of addressing a letter to you. Several vessels have lately got in here from France, but it does not appear that any fresh order relative to me is arrived; although I know that the French marine minister is certainly informed of the non-execution of his order of March 21. 1806, and even that the intends government still intends that it should be put in execution; but Why the minister has not thought proper to forward a second order, is wholly unknown to me; There seems to be some extraordinary mystery upon this covering this subject, which neither I, or any person with whom I have conversed, are able to penetrate. Whether it is, that the French government wait for an official request to that effect from His Majesty's ministers, or whether there is some political intrigue in hand to overturn general De Caen, and to which his refusal to set me at obey the order for my liberty is to be made assisting, - or whether the [word crossed out and undecipherable] encroachments made at Paris upon my discoveries on the South coast of Australia constitute en the cause of the delay, I am unable to fix even a founded conjecture; but think that some one or all of these motives causes have an influence in it. Permit me once again, Sir Joseph, to recommend my cause to your protecting care interest with the admiralty, or in His Majesty's privy council, as you judge most expedient

In a Gentlemen's magazine for March 1809, I had the satisfaction of seeing mentioned your election to the Recordership of Boston in place of the late Duke of Ancaster; and thus the fears I cannot help entertaining for my patron and friend, which from time to time came

[Page 336]

across me, and augment my affliction chagrin, were once more dissipated. I do indeed fear, that my hopes of one day completing the examination of Australia, or of obtaining promotion as a recompense of what I have done in the Investigator, will never meet a second advocate and promoter equal to the first. In these times of war and desolation, there are, alas! so few who are both able and at the same time willing to aid such enterprises, however interesting they may be to science and to humanity; and I know too well how feeble my single own sole unassisted voice is, when unaided by a and how unable to make itself heard upon such a subject, admidst such a the din of arms as which appears still to resound throughout all Europe. I have therefore every reason, From both reason and sentiment I do, therefore, most anxiously hope and pray, that many years of life and health may be added to the illustrious course you have al Sir Joseph, already run; and that it may be permitted me to depart once more upon a voyage of discovery to Australia and the neighbour under your auspices, after having testified in person the high sense of obligation and respect with which I am, and shall ever remain

your much attached and most obedient

humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 171]

Captain Henry Lynne - English prisoner - Port Napoleon

Wilhem's Plains Jan 19. 1810

My dear Sir

I safely received the newspapers your friendly letter of the 15, at the same time with some newspapers, for which I thank you. The papers I returned yesterday, to be sent by Mr. P. to Mr. Blake. My friend gives me information that the cartel is reported certainly to sail certainly according to report on Saturday; but although from the reappearance of our cruizers, I fear it her departure will not take place so soon, I herewith send you thr I have written some letters for England, and herewith send you three, with a request that they may be added to those already in your hands. Mr. P. told me also, that you had applied for a permission to come to see me here, and I should have been truly happy to have such the occasion of making a personal acquaintance with you; but the little confidence I have in the success of the application, does not permit me to delay my letters in expectation of it; nevertheless, believe me, my dear Sir, I am truly very sensible of this mark of your friendly sentiments towards me.

As this may possibly be the last letter I shall have the opportunity of writing to you here, and you may not have my former letters by you, I will report here recapitulate the memoranduma they those letters have contained. Trunks: these will be put into your hands delivered to you by Mr. Pitot, with one hundred dollars to pay the expenses you may be at with them in their transportation, and to meet the commission hereafter mentioned. Should you, on arriving at the Cape, see any probability of my being there a few months afterwards, I request they may be left either at the

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Captain H. Lynn

at the house of the admiral, or in some safe hand where I may find them; but should the ad. not be disposed to comply with disapprove of the subject of my letter to him, and the you should see no prospect of my early liberation, I beg they trunks may be forwarded to England to my agent W. A. Standert of Clifford's Inn, accompanied by a short letter; or if it will save you trouble, to Mr. Park, master attendant at Portsmouth dock yard with a note requesting he will take care of them for me

Commissions. I beg you to purchase for me either two casks of the best Cape wine, or one cask and a small barrel keg of Constantia, to be sent by the cartel to Mr. Pitot for me, if Mr. Quenot will take charge of them permit them to be embarked, and which you will be so good as to request of him for me in my name. +

Letters. Those in your hands and these now sent I beg may be forwarded to their addresses by the first good occasion; and should you learn any certain any thing certain of my approaching liberty at the Cape anything of my approaching liberty upon which reliance can be placed, you will much oblige me by adding to them a letter from yourself, detailing such information to my wife, whose address may be taken from the my letters in your hands

The letter which I beg you to write me under cover to Madame D'Arifat aux Plaines Wilhems by the return of the cartel, informing me what I have to expect and what ever is interesting and confidential, I should wish to be given to Mr. Felix Froberville a prisoner at the Cape, with injunctions of secrecy. This young man is nephew of Mada grandson of Madame Dumanhy, and will be less thought of in what concerns me than Mr. Frederick Pitot. A short letter accompanying the wine, and addressed to Mr. Pitot, will be more properly confided to. But should he not return in the cartel, put the letter [words crossed out and undecipherable] to Monsieur Curtat, Avocat P. Napoleon the letter so addressed under cover may be confided to any other confidential private person in whose care and fidelity you have confidence. A short letter accompanying the wine, and addressed to Mr. T. Pitot for me, will be more properly confided to Mr. Quenot.

Project. The third day mentioned in my inclosure to ad. B. is in case the ship intending to put it in execution should not find the red flag hoisted before her arrival. If approved of by admiral B. the memorandum enclosed is to be followed, instead of the letter enclosed to them. If the ship intending to put my project in execution does not find the red flag up [words crossed out and undecipherable] If approved of by admiral B. I wish the inclosed memorandum to be followed, instead of the letter of which a copy is inclosed sent to the admiral. It may possibly happen, that the commander in chief might think well of my project such a project, and yet not chuse to give it his official sanction. In this case, if he will permit you, my dear Sir, or any other officer to put it in execution., I will take all the responsibility upon myself, and make no pretention, or mention of his authority for justifying my conduct. My intention is to go to France by the most direct means, in order to claim from that government a complete and honorable justification of my conduct, or to submit myself to the conditions that may be there imposed upon me; provided that such a proceeding shall not be opposed either by the commander in chief or by the Admiralty. (It is not necessary for me to enlarge here, upon the extreme in-justice, and tyranny the inhumanity and want of good faith that have been shewn displayed both in my first imprisonment and in prolonged detention; nor is it necessary for me to explain to you my dear Sir, how improbable what little hope there is of my ever obtaining here either justice or liberty; so long as the captain-general De Caen shall be able to find any means of

+ A late Steeles' List will be very acceptable to me, and any monthly magazines, naval chronicles, annual registers' or other periodical publications, that the residue of the hundred dollars (reserving always the expenses for the trunks) may enable you to purchase for me: further I beg you to use freely your own discretion, if any difficulty arises in the execution of these little commissions

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eluding them: Of all these you have had opportunities of gaining a knowledge. And if admiral B. has received the roll sent by the Portuguese cartel (of which I beg you to inform me from the Cape), he will not be wholly a stranger to them. My first wish and I much desire great desire then is that you, my dear Sir, might be charged with the comm execution and that you may find a black man of my project, and if you find at the Cape a black prisoner, or other person, acquainted with the passes in the reef on the lee side of the island, I should then have no doubt of complete success. The memorandum inclosed is in place of every thing I have heretofore written you upon this subject; as indeed is this letter to be in place intended to comprehend every thing upon the heads of which it treats, and then to render any reference to my former letters unnecessary

I have said nothing upon the report I wish to be made at the Cape of my situation and treatment ; well knowing that your own good sense and friendly sentiments will dictate what is proper; and I therefore conclude with begging you, whatever may happen, to preserve for me a place in your friendly remembrance, as you will ever have a distinguished place in mine; and that whenever I can be of my services to you can be useful to you you will freely command them. With every with wishing for your health and every success I This remain my dear Sir, in the earnest desire of

your sincere friend and affectionate

humble servant

Matt. Flinders

P.S. Pray inform me, or cause me to be informed of the reception of this packet

Memorandum inclosed

The ship intending to put my project into execution, should cruize off the signal mountain of Tamarinds the whole greater part of the fourth day

after the full or after the new moon, when I will be upon the lookout. The ship or vessel should carry her pendant forward; - When lying to, it should be with the fore top-sail to the mast; and when making under sail, she should have the main royal or top-gallant sail set, and the fore royal or top gallant sail in

or royal set, at [words crossed out and undecipherable] at the same time that the fore top-gallant sail or royal is in. These signals will make known to shew me that the vessel making them is charged with the mission. (At sunset the vessel should make sail to some other part of the island, but return to off the Bay of Tamarinds on the second night afterwards, when it is dark. At the first break of the morning following this second night, or an hour before day break if there is moonlight, an armed six-oared boat should be in the bay; and she will find a small shallow opening in the reef, on the north side of the bay near the head, where she may land at about a hundred yards from the inner end of the long white beach, without difficulty. I will be there with my trunk an hour before daylight, and nothing at present in the neighbourhood can prevent me from embarking in the boat. But in case any unforeseen accident should prevent the happy execution it will be necessary of this project for my deliverance, it will be proper for the ship to make sail, immediately on the return of her boat, to another part of the island; and on the second night afterwards, to repeat the same operation. (If a black man or other person acquainted with the small shallow pass in question, was in the boat, he would be able to land her at the end of the long white beach an hour before daylight whether there was moonlight or not; and this would be a great advantage as it also would be to have the oars muffled. No other signal is necessary between me and the officer in the boat, than the hailing him - the answer - and the subsequent questions being in English.

Jan. 19. 1810

[Page 339]

[Letter No. 172]

Mr. John Boand - Swiss - Calcutta or elsewhere

Wilhems Plains Feb. 1. 1810

My dear Sir

I was not a little disappointed at receiving no letter from you, either by the French cartel that returned from Calcutta about a twelve month since, or by the English cartel which arrived here from India two months ago. I have, however, seen Mr. Wohrnitz who has informed me generally of your proceedings, of which a part related to me, and I have many thanks to give you for the friendly efforts made in my favour

I still remain, my dear Sir, in the same uncertainty as to my liberty, as when you left me. The memorial I sent to the marine minister of France has not produced a second order; and as three vessels have lately arrived from that country, I have very little hope that any will now be sent. The proof that no sufficient order has been received is, that a French cartel with English prisoners is just sailed for the Cape without any mention being made of me. - Mr. Hope, the commissary of prisoners on board the English cartel, proposed to use his endeavours with general De Caen in my behalf; but judging from appearances, he has either thought it prudent to decline the application, or he has not succeeded.

The excellent family, where I still continue to reside, remains nearly the same as before. Madame Desbassayns a daughter born to Madame Desbassayns at Bourbon is and another to André D'Arifat at Flacq are the sole change: We often think and talk of you, and I can assure you that you are remembered with esteem. The good Madam Curtat is retored to health, after having undergone a severe illness, but I suppose you will hear from her. Since these last four months, the general has ordered me not to pass the limits of the habitation where I dwell; and he has even the pretension to think, that after refusing to execute the order of his government for my liberty, and having exercised so long his tyranny and injustice, that I should still consider myself only parole, after he has himself broken the conditions of it! Without promising any thing in the answer made to this order, I have avoided being put again into prison

It is said, that on the return of the cartel to Calcutta, a second is to be sent. If so, I hope you will write to me by some one, who will deliver the letter either to Mr. Thos. Pitot or to Madame D'Arifat, to one or other of whom your letter should be addressed under cover. I enjoy good health and very sincerely wish you the same

Your affectionate humble servant

Matt. Flinders

[Page 340]

[Letter No. 173]

A Monsieur Curtat - Au Port Napoleon

Wilhems Plains Feb. 7. 1810

My dear Sir

I have read with much concern the details contained in the letter you of Messieurs Barbé and Céré; and feel every desire to all in my power to prevent a recurrence of the same unfortunate events, without I fear having been able to do anything effectual. It should appear, that the English cruizers having in long spared divers small French establishments in these seas have been not a little exasperated at the affair of Tappanoully; and if I was to give an opinion upon the little settlement at Agalega, it would be to withdraw it altogether. I have, however, agreeably to your request, written all that with any degree of .... prudence on my part, or prospect of success on theirs, I can possibly do it is possible for me to do. With respect to from feeling sensibly their misfortune, and from a desire to do what should be agreeable to you, I sought to write such a letter, addressed to the captain of His Majestys ships as might give some hope of preventing a repetition of the calamity to their establishment at Agalega; for with respect to the other part of their request, a letter which should serve as a passport to their bark, neither I or any officer in His Majestys navy could possibly think of, or dare to give it; nor should Messrs Barbé and Céré deceive themselves into an opinion that the letter you herewith receive for them, will be any effectualt guarantee for their establishment. A captain who should go there with an order to destroy all he can balancing to the enemy, will not be stopped by their many other letter, especially if he has knowledge of any of the families said to have been so wantainly received at Tappanouly if he simply stops these in passing by, in that case and I fear in that only, can the letter be of any service - Impressed with esteem for the character of Mr. Laurent Barbé and sensible of the merit of Mr. Céré the elder, and of the liberal conduct of Madame Bedar I addressed a letter did without sufficient to the commanders of His Majestys ships relative to the establishment in question; more I avow to shew that I took a sincere part in the misfortunes of Messrs Barbé and Céré that with any although I could entertain not founded hope of my its letter being of any ultimate service; for I cannot flatter myself, nor is it it is not to be supposed, that any private letter put into the hands of a captain, would turn him from executing his orders. I pray you, my dear Sir, to present my compliments to Mr. Barbé and to testify the interest I take in his misfortune; of which indeed, the letter I have written is rather a proof, rather than, I fear any surety for his establishment in future, so long as this unfortunate and desolating war shall continue. Have the goodness to present my friendly respects to your good lady, and believe me very sincerely Your affectionate friend and humble servant

Mattw. Flinders It is a cruel state of things, where innocent individuals are made to suffer fo the faults of his government or its officers; but such is unhappily the nature of war and in general, and particularly of the disastrous war in which our two nations are at present unfortunately engaged. These gentlemen are not the sole sufferers: I fear that many entire families have been reduced to indigence by the late acts of Tapanouly; nevertheless, if I thought that my recommendation could produce any other effect than that of compromising myself, I would gladly give it. You know, my dear Sir, how readily I have acceded to many requests for letters of recommendation; and God knows I would wish to spare the horror and sufferings of war to every honest and peaceable man; but although my letters never pretended to anything beyond serving an individual who might be taken, or who was already a prisoner, yet many of them have remained without attention, except that reproaches have been conveyed to me of giving them too easily. Judge then if the admirals in India and the captains of H. M. ships have found, that I thou by requests in favour of the persons of meritorious individuals, I sought to do too much in favour of Frenchmen, what would be their report on finding I attempted to stop th one of them arrest the hand of one officer in the execution of his orders, and whether it would be likely to produce any good effect.

The predicament in which I stand between the two nations is indeed singular: Whilst on the one hand I have been unfeelingly persecuted during six years as a dangerous enemy of France, I am on the other considered as desiring to set myself up for the protector of Frenchmen! Being thus situated, and after maturely weighing all the circumstances of the case in question, - the little good, and perhaps harm, that my letter was likely to do to the establishment at Agalega, and the almost certain probable mischief

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mischief that would accrue to me, I have been induced myself obliged to suppress it, much, assuredly, against my feelings.

Have the goodness, my dear Sir, to explain the motives of my conduct to Messieurs Barbe and Céré, and my sorrow at their existence. I beg your good lady to accept you to present my friendly and respectful compliments to your good lady, and that you will believe me to be, with much regard your affectionate servant and friend

[Letter No. 174]

H. Hope Esq. Commissary of Prisoners - Port Napoléon

Wilhems Plains March 13. 1810

My dear Sir

Owing, I believe, to my good friend Pitot having been in the country, I did not yet get your letter of the 10th. until this after noon. It will be unnecessary for me to dilate upon the pleasure your welcome intelligence gives me, after having been detained here more than six years; it would indeed be all that I could bear excessive, did not past experience in the want teach me to mistrust any promise of the captain general produce a salutary draw back in teaching me to distrust any promise of the captain-general [Decaen], until he shall be so far advanced as almost to render retraction impossible. This opinion of His Excellency does not, however, prevent me from feeling the full conviction of how much I owe to your zealous exertions in my favour, whether they shall, or not, be finally crowned with success. Be assured, my dear Sir, that they excite my gratitude, and have impressed upon me such an opinion a highly favourable of your heart, and mind, as make me very desirous of making your personal acquaintance and of obtaining your friendship talent for negotiation. and the sentiment of gratitude to which they are entitled.

Should the general now let me out of his hands, it will be certain that he has received some fresh orders from his government to that effect; probably by La Mouche which arrived shortly after the sailing of the French cartel for the Cape; I know him to well to believe, that any transient beam of justice or humanity can have produced the such a change in in his intentions, though he may possibly seek to place it under this favourable point of view. With respect to the conditions that may be required from me, I have no objection will not object to signing any that shall not prevent me from pursuing my dis or publishing my discoveries; and that shall not in any way be dishonourable to me. I could wish, however, not to s that none other was required from me, unless the not taking part in any expedition against the Isle of France should the government be so puerile as to require it. If however, it should be positively required, that I do not bear arms during the war, I you are authorised you to promise my signature to that condition

I think you know, my dear Sir, that my having refused to dine with the captain general the day after my imprisonment, has been the great cause of his animosity against me. In any conversation you may have with His Excellency, or with his officers concerning me I beg you to evade this subject; for after what has passed, I can never enter the government

[Page 342]

house as a guest, and I hope the much desire and hope that the general will not lay me, a second time, under the necessity of refusing him.

As yet I have heard nothing from colonel Monistrol upon the subject of my liberation. When he writes me, as I doubt not he will, if the intention of liberating me is pursued, I shall, agreeably to your suggestion, refer him to you in all that relates to conditions; for although I have had every in general, reason to be satisfied with the politeness of this officer, I wish to avoid all personal discussion both with him and with every officer of the government: having suffered too much here, and been too grossly deceived not to have formed opinions which might prove inimical to the preservation of that temper which the case might probably require

I much regret, my dear Sir, that you cannot have not had the opportunity of knowing the most excellent family in which I have so long resided. You would have passed a few days in the most delightful climate of the island andt this season, and seen a part of the island which merits which would this little world to which I shall ever attach interesting recollections, and in which you would probably amuse you have found amusement

I shall confine the intelligence of the agreeable prospect you have given me to this good family and to my friend Pitot, from whom I have no secrets in whose discretion I can confide, and from whom I have no secrets. Be pleased to present my compliments to Mr. Ramsden, and to be believe me, with much esteem, my dear Sir,

your very obliged and obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 175]

Mons. Charles Desbassayns - Riviere des Pluies pres de St. Denis - Isle Bonaparte

Wilhems Plains March 14. 1810

My dear friend

I received your last friendly letter of Jan. 21. a fortnight after date. I should have written to you almost immediately, had not I had a prospect of being soon able to answer obtain an answer to the question you wished me to put to Mr. Hope. I have been continually flattered with the prospect expectation of being visited by that gentleman, but a letter of his received yesterday seems to say that it is not at the Refuge that I shall see him. He tells me, that he has obtained a promise from the government that I shall depart for India with him in the cartel, and that I may expect very soon to have my liberation announced to me through the official channel. This, my dear friend, is certainly most agreeable news, but I am far from giving to it all my confidence; for you know that near three years ago I was promised "the full "enjoyment of the favour which His Majesty the emperor and king had granted "me, so soon as a favourable occasion should present itself". Nevertheless it would be imprudent not to make the necessary preparations for a departure, particularly as it is said by the public, that the cartel is to sail on the 25th. of this month. The first of these preparatory steps, is to write to you, my dear friend, to announce

[Page 343]

Mr. Ch. Desbassayns

announce the prospect that is given me, and to assure you and your good wife of my very sincere and lasting friendship, and to solicit the continuance of yours. It may possibly happen, if the generals' intention is really as announced promise is kept, that I may be hurried away at twenty-four hours notice and have not time to write you again from hence. In this case remember that my address in London is as follows

Captain M. Flinders R. N.

at W. A. Standerts Esq. Navy Agent

Clifford's Inn London

to which address I hope you will favo write me from time to time. You know that the house of Pitot is my agent in this country, and my good friend Thomy the center of my correspondence here; and I shall certainly not suffer any good occasion of writing to pass, without informing my friends in the two islands of my welfare, and recalling myself to their amicable recollection. I have before said, and repeated it here, that if any case should arise wherein I can be useful to you in England, that you will address yourself to me as to a zealous friend; particularly in the case where you should have a son whom you wish to have educated in my country; of and of whom you may be assured I shall have the same care as of a child of my own

I return to the subject of your letter. It seems to be a very doubtful question whether the English will think of making any attack upon these islands. My opinion has been that they will not; but I think it seems not improbable, that the taking of five Company's ships in so short a space of time may have fix their wavering determination, and that you may possibly have a visit either in the month of May or about November following. I am persuaded, that the question of attack has been an affair of calculation with the Company; and if it finds, that it loses more annually by them the French cruizers than the expenses of government and keeping of the island would amount to, then will the Company, from being an opposer become the advocate for taking possession of the islands

I thank you for the details It gave me much pleasure to learn that my letter had been of service in England to your worthy brother. I have his address, and shall not fail to write to him at Paris, when I can find an occasion; but in the mean time, I beg you to inform him of me, and to assure him of my esteem and friendly remembrance.

For fear that I should not be able to write to you again from hence, permit me to repeat my vows for your health and welfare; and to beg that you do not too much sacrifice your own health and peace of mind for the interest of others. I like not the long absences you are obliged to make from home: they cannot but be prejudicial to your own happiness and affairs. I have often wished I could pass a few months at Bourbon to give you assistance, which I think I could do usefully

Should be I be again employed in discovery to New Holland, and I should learn that

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that general De Caen is recalled, I will endeavour to make my arrangements for stopping a few days that the Isle of France may be a place of refreshment for my ship's company; I shall probably be able to effect this, by representing the numerous products, vegetable and animal, which it presents for the advantage of Australia; and I shall have the satisfaction of revisiting my very dear friends, from whom I cannot bear to think of parting without such a consoling prospect. +

Adieu, my dear Charles. Pray confirm to Madam Desbassayns the assurance the assurance of my esteem and affection, and believe me to be

your very sincere friend M.F.

+ If you should have time to write me a few lines immediately on the receipt of this letter, I should perhaps probably receive them before my the departure of the cartel. I think you might be able to write to me in England by the way of Paris, wording your letters with caution, though in general you will doubtless prefer America as long as the war lasts. Pray give me the address of your correspondent there, that I may make use of the same channel of conveyance, should the state of politics allow it

[Letter No. 176]

A Monsieur Froberville - a Moka

Vacouas March 29. 1810

My dear Sir

I have, at length, the satisfaction of info announcing to you that the official information of my departure in the cartel for India, was announced communicated to me yesterday, upon the condition "à la condition "de ne pas "servir d'une manière hostile contre la France et ses allies pendant le courant de la présente guerre".

I go to town this evening, and the cartel is to sail on Saturday; so that, having but very little time to arrange my affairs, I beg you will oblige me by communicating this intelligence in my name to your good neighbours Dunouhy, Hugunenin, and Reneau Desvaux: Madame D'Arifat will have the goodness to write to Mad the good Madame La Chaise

In bidding you Adieu, my dear Sir, I beg you to be assured of my sincere affection and esteem for you and your good family Madam Froberville: sentiments which I shall ever preserve, together with the gratitude I feel for remembrance of your constant kindness and friendly kindness to me. I pass the day which is allotted to me in town, at Mr. Pitots. May you enjoy health and happiness is the sincere desire of, my dear Sir

your very affectionate humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 345]

[Letter No. 177]

Monsieur André D'Arifat - Chez M. Ravel à Flacq.

Vacouas le 29 Mars 1810

Mon cher André

Je suis assuré sur que vous prendrez une sincere part à ma satisfaction en reçevant l'annonce officiel de mon départ, [undecipherable word] Samedi prochain, sur le cartel pour l'Inde. Je part ce soir pour le port.

Je vous prie de communiquer ces nouvelles à Monsieur et Madame Ravel, à leur famille, et à Madam Gondreville, et de leur presentant l'assurance de ma parfaite considération, et de mon regret que les circonstances de ma position ne me l'ont pas permis d'accomplir le desir que j'ai toujours eu de leur de visiter.

Pour vous, mon cher André, soyez assuréz l que vous avez une place dans l'estime et sincere amitié qui je porte à votre excellente famille, à laquelle je dois plus que je ne peux puis exprimer: et je vous prie de compter sur le souvenir aussi constant amical que durable, de votre tres affectionné serviteur et ami

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 178]

Monsieur Morin, à la Montagne Longue

Vacouas le 29 Mars. 1810

Mon cher Monsieur

Encor une fois j'ai la satisfaction de vous annoncer mon prochain départ pour ma patrie: Plait à Dieu que cette fois, l'annonce ne soit pas tromheur. Monsieur Monistrol m'informe que Son Excellence autorise mon depart sur le cartel Anglais Samedi Prochain "à condition de ne pas servir a "une maière hostile contre la France et ser alliés pendant le courant de la présente guerre".

Veuillez communiquer cette nouvelle à Mesdames Morin et Colique avec l'assurance de mon estime et de mon respectueux devouement; et me croire mon avec une parfaite considération, mon cher Monsieur

votre très dévoue et affectionné serviteur

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 346]

[Letter No. 179]

Alr. Sauvejet, Rivière Lataniers, near Port Napoleon - Isle of France

Wilhems Plains March 29. 1810

My dear Sir

I have, at length, the satisfaction of announcing to you, that I am called to town by this government, in order to my departure in the cartel which is to sail on the 31st. for India. The constant and friendly kindness I have received from you and your family ever since that epoch of my long imprisonment when I had the honour of making your acquaintance, assures me that you will receive this information with interest and with pleasure.

At the same time, that I express to you the ineffaceable sentiments of friendship and respect, which the undeviating benevolence of your excellent relation Madame D'Arifat, during the four and half years I have resided in her family, has excited in me; give me leave also, my dear Sir, to assure you how sensible I am of the many kindnesses I have received at your hands; and at those of your goo to express my sincere hope and desire, that should you pursue the intention of embarking with your family for France, and the fate of war should throw you into the hands of any of my brother officers, the commanders of any of His Majestys ships, that you may receive from them such treatment as from your liberal conduct towards me, and the goodness of your own heart, you are so well entitled. In case of your being conducted to England, I request you will immediately inform me of the event, at the address annexed; and be assured, my dear Sir, that no effort on my part shall be wanting, to procure your speedy return to your family in France; or, in case that cannot be accomplished, to render your situation in England as agreeable as possible

I beg you to present my respects and friendly compliments to Madame Sauvejet, - to give my love to my excellent little friend Mademoiselle Noëmi, and that you will believe me to be with sincere esteem, my dear Sir

Your very affectionate and obliged

humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

Captain M. Flinders

at W.A. Standerts Esq.

Cliffords Inn

London

[Page 347]

[Letter No. 180]

A Monsieur Cazeaux - Plaines Wilhems

Aux Vacouas le 29 Mars 1810

Monsieur

J'ai l'honneur de vous annoncer que jai reçu les nouvelles officielles, que Son Excellency le capitaine-général [Decaen] autorise "mon retour dans ma patrie "sur le cartel Anglais à la condition de ne pas servir d'une manière hostile "contre la France et ses alliés pendant le courant de la présente guerre

J'ai pensé, Monsieur, gue vous prendrez un intérêt à la satisfaction que cette annonce ne pourrait que me faire après une detention de six ans et demi; et je vous ne voulais pas partir sans donner faire part à vous, et à Madame Cazeaux, de cet événément; ce que je vous prie Monsieur de reçevoir comme une preuve de mon estime et de mon dévouement.-

Le cartel doit mettre à la voile pour l'Inde Samedi, et je part pour le port ce soir

Je vous prie de faire agréer auprès de Madame, mes hommages respectueux auprès de Madame, et de me croire être, avec considération, Monsieur

votre obligé et très humble serviteur

Mattw. Flinders

Madame Cazeaux voudrait elle me faire l'honneur de communiquer cette nonvelle de ma part, à Monsieur et Madame Chateau, ainsi qu 'à Madame Burguesse

[Letter No. 181]

Mr Airolles - Port Napoleon

Wilhems Plains March 29. 1810

My dear Sir

I am assured you will learn with pleasure, that I have at length received official information, that His Excellency the captain-general [de Caen] has authorised me to embark on board the English cartel now in the port, and bound to India. In bidding you I adieu, I beg you to be assured that I shall ever retain a sense of the friendly attions I have received from you, and from your relations Messieurs Chazal and Chevreau and their families; and I hope that, should you embark for France and the chance of war should throw you into the hands of any of my brother officers, commanders of His Majestys ships, that you will find amongst Englishmen that liberal conduct, which I have so generally experienced from the inhabitants of the Isle of France

Wishing you health and happiness, I remain, my dear Sir

Your affectionate and obliged humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 348]

[Letter No. 182]

Monsieur Charles Desbassayns - Rivière des Pluies, près St. Dénis, Isle Bonaparte

Port Napoléon April 16. 1810

My dear Charles

One part of the family wish expressed in your letter of the 24 last was fully accomplished. I received it in the town, having at that time as full an assurance of my approaching liberty as the nature of the case would admit

On Wednesday March 28, I received a letter from Mr. Monistrol saying that the captain-general granted me the liberty of returning to my country on the condition that I do "not serve in a hostile manner against France and her "allies during the continuance of the present war"; and he said in a note postscript that the cartel was to sail on Saturday. Next morning at daylight, I had the mortification to see the English cruizers signaled off the port, and the departure of the cartel thereby prolonged, in all probability, to an indefinite period. I nevertheless went to town the same day, and waited upon the Chef d'etat-major in the expectation of finishing the arrangements which I supposed to have been prepared, relative to my vessel, my journal &c.; but was told that the general had given no orders upon these subjects; I have learned, in fine, that my journal will would not be given to me, or any accounts of my vessel or other things; the reason alleged for which is, that I am not set at liberty in consequence of any orders from the government in France, but from at the particular request of Lord Minto, to whom the general desires to do what is agreeable wishes to oblige. It appears, in effect, to have been the conciliating conduct and repeated applications and conciliating manners of Mr. Hope that have obtained this extraordinary change in the captain-generals' proceedings. I am told that several copies of my journal have been sent to France Paris, where, if the government thinks proper I may obtain one of them, but I am not allowed to take a copy here of my original book. This you will say is extraordinary; but it is analogous with the proce conduct hitherto held toward me, and gives affords some room to for conjecture what are upon the copies sent to Paris. - I am of myself inclined to protest against the keeping of make a formal demand for my journal, but as Mr. Hope has thus far conducted the affair with success I shall not so far act contrary to his sentiments as to do it; and perhaps I may think myself fortunate if I get away at all, by in any manner

The cartel has hitherto been detained, in the expection that some vessels bound to Batavia would first get out; but the presence of the cruizers close off the port have prevented this, until now that the moon gives too much light to have any further hopes; and wWe are now told in expectation, that a flag of truce is to be sent out tomorrow, to know if the commodore will let promise to let the cartel pass without visiting her, and in that case we are to sail immediately

[Page 349]

M. Ch. Desbassayns

During the twenty days that we have been kept in this disagreeable state of suspense, I have at least been suffered to remain in the town unmolested; and I am in hopes of getting away without being under the necessity of seeing the captain-general. It is the seeing him, of which I have entertained the greatest most apprehensions; being pretty well determined not to accept of any civility from a man whose conduct has been such as has his to me; and it is therefore with pleasure that I learn, that he has not dropped any hint of a desire to see me; though I suspect that his not giving my journal may be intended to lay me under the necessity of making a personal application: but I will rather go without it; and if the British government approves of my going to Paris, I will try to obtain there not only the copy, but an order for the original; and also see whether any justice will be done me for all that I have suffered here.

The cartel goes to Bengal, but will touch at Madras in the way; and there I propose to stop until the admiral, whom I expect will be arrived, shall give me a passage; unless I should fortunately meet with some ship on the passage way, bound to the Cape of G. Hope.

With respect to the circumstances concerning attack upon your island, of which you have spoken to me in [words crossed out and undecipherable]; I am now disposed to think that it will may take place before one year is passed: the reason which has changed my opinion cannot be very well developped here; and it is only an opinion and this opinion which has no positive information for a basis and nor does it not immediately extend to the sister island: this is not much, but it is for yourself only

May 8 At length my dear friend, general De Caen has consented to let the cartel go, although she will be visited by the cruizers. I have not time to relate to you the circumstance which brought about a communication with the cruizers by a flag of truce; having received orders to go on board the cartel this morning: we may sail tonight, or more probably in the course of tomorrow. Now that I am certain of going, the pleasure I had in contemplating this event in perspective, is vanished. My heart is oppressed at the idea of quitting my friends here, perhaps forever. There is some talk of peace. Should it take

place, I shall probably be sent to pursue the investigation of New Holland; and before three years, shall, as I hope, visit the I. of France. Even during the war, if gen. DeCaen be gone, I propose to call here if permitted

Accept, my dear Charles, the reassurance of my lasting esteem and affection for yourself and your dear wife, from Most sincerely yours

your very sincere friend M.F.

[Page 350]

[Letter No. 183]

Madam D'Arifat - au Refuge

On board the Harriet cartel May 14. 1810

My dear Madam

I have received a letter from Captain Lynne, dated March 19. at the Cape of Good Hope; he was then living in the house of admiral Bertie, having been superseded in the command which had been given to him: it is said that he is shortly to be married to the admirals' daughter He informs me of the unfortunate death of Mr. Quenot, by a furious ox which broke loose from the slaughter house. But the information which most concerns me particularly is that the admiral did not approve of the plan relative to me, which captain L. was authorised to propose to him; and that he saw no immediate prospect of liberty for me: he was to send my trunks to England by the first opportunity, so that there is every reason to fear I shall miss them

We have now been on board here near a week, in anxious expectation of sailing, as you will suppose. On Saturday Madame De Caen sent some plants on board for India, and Mr. Hope was invited to go out to Reduit. Combining these circumstances with the report that the captain-general refuses to listen to the numerous opposi representations that have been made against our departure, I think it most probable that we shall go tomorrow: of this we shall be more certain on the return of Mr. Hope, this morning by and by.

As I did not think it my business to go to colonel Monistrol relative to the parole which I expected would be required of me, I have not yet given any; but as Mons. Bernard told me he should see me on board, I suspect that he will be charged to arrange this matter; and I should not be surprised if he was to bring me my journal and the other papers necessary for me to give in to my government on arriving in England. The general will perhaps have reflected that by refusing me these, he will lay me under the necessity of going to Paris, which may occasion be the cause of a thorough examination being made into the whole business of my imprisonment, a circumstance that might not prove very agreeable to him. I even think it possible that he only refused me them journal, for the purpose of obliging me to make a personal application; in which he has been disappointed. He told Mr. Robles that I had acted like a very young man, and did not

[Page 351]

Madam D'Arifat

and did not know what was due to him; which was as much as to say, that he was disappointed in that I had not gone to pay my respects to him.

In this last letter that, it is probable, I shall have to address you from hence, I beg leave one more, my dearest Madame, to repeat the assurances of my sincere friendship and affection to you and all the members of your excellent family, of which I had the honour and happiness of being a member making one, during near five years; a period of my life, which it is impossible, under so many points of view, it is impossible should ever be absent from my recollection, more than the amiable persons to whom I owe so much

Adieu then, my dear lady and friend. May God of his infinite goodness bless and preserve you and yours, is the fervent desire of

your most affectionate, obliged and

devoted friend and humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. I forgot to say, that there is a small cask of wine constantia wine on board the cartel which Mr. Pitot will keep in readiness for you, after deducting a dozen bottles for himself. There is also two small, and or one large cask of best Cape wine, for you and my good friend Labauve

Mr. Hope is returned without any certain news of our sailing. I send this letter to Cactane, whom Toussaint sees almost every morning. The general says we shall go some time this week, but I doubt not there will be time for me to receive one more letter from Vacouas

[Letter No. 184]

Monsieur Charles Desbassayns - Rivière des Pluies - près St. Denis - Bourbon

Cape Town July 15. 1810

My dear friend

After many vexatious delays, I had the happiness to get out of the Isle of France on June 13 last in the Harriet - cartel. We spoke the squadron cruizing off, under the command of commodore Rowley; and as I was under no obligation to go to India, I applied to him to embark for a passage on board the corvette the Otter, which was going to be despatched immediately to the Cape of Good Hope. Th I found colonel Keating on board the Boadic commodore's ship, and learned that there was prospect of your island being almost immediately annexed to the British dominions. I mentioned you to the colonel as being my particular friend, and I trust you will find him to be an useful and agreeable acquaintance. - My application to the commodore being complied with, I embarked on board the Otter with captain Tomkinson on June 14, and after a rather tedious passage, arrived in Simon's Bay on the 11th last. There I learned that the Leopard of 50 guns and a transport had sailed only a

[Page 352]

sailed only a few days before for England, and that I had thus lost the finest occasion of speedily reaching my native country after an absence of nine years. Three days since I came over to this town, and had the mortification to see a vessel from India just leaving Table Bay for England with despatches, having stopped here no longer than 24 hours; and when I may now find an opportunity of going, is uncertain; but I am led to hope that one many occur before a month passes over.

I just learn that the Otter is going back immediately to your island with despatches, and I have only time to write this short letter to inform you of my progress thus far;- and of to assuringe assure you and your charming wife of my sincere friendship and affection. If you I shall write by the first occasion to my good friends in the Isle of France; but in the mean time beg of you, if you can find the means, to let them know of my welfare, and of my unalterable sentiments towards them. There is no news here so late as what had been received in the Isle of France before my departure, except that our ships appear to trade freely at the River Plate. Adiue, my dear Charles. I here renew to you every thing expressed in my last letters from the I. of France, and am

your very affectionate friend

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 185]

Madame D'Arifat aux Plaines Wilhems - July 16. 1810 Cape Town

Account of myself since leaving I. of France - Friendly remembrances

[Letter No. 186]

Monsieur Thomy Pitot - Au Port Napoleon - July 16. Same in substance

[Letter No. 187]

Hugh Hope Esq. Civil service Calcutta - July 18. Account of my voyage, and request to send my trunk to Mr. Standert by first ship for England

[Letter No. 188]

Mr. John Ramsden - commr. of the ship Harriet - Is the same general tenor, with expressions of thanks and offers of service

[Letter No. 189]

Captain W. F. W. Owen - Royal Navy - Madras - July 25. Remembrances and my trunk

[Letter No. 190]

Lieut. Taylor, commander of H.M. cutter Olympia - Simmon's Bay

Cape Town Aug. 11. 1810

Sir

Having learned from admiral Bertie, that the Olympia would most probably be sent to England immediately that intelligence arrives from Bourbon, and which may be expected every day, I beg to inform you that it is mostly very likely that I shall be ordered a passage with you, if not all the way to England, at least as far as St. Helena. You will oblige me bBy saying how far this may be convenient to you, and what mess stock it will be better to provide here than at Simmon's Bay you will oblige, Sir

your obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. I have a servant with me. My address is at Mrs. Peterson's - Kastel Street

[Page 353]

[Letter No. 191]

His Excellency - Lord Caledon -

Aug. 19. 1810

My Lord

A note I received from commissioner Shield, informs me of your Lordships wish to see a narrative I had written in the Isle of France during my confinement in the Isle of France the abridged narrative of my voyage, shipwreck, and imprisonment in the Isle of France, which, I wrote during my amongst other occupations, I wrote to diminish the tedium vitae of which sometimes pursued me, (as I believe it would most men during the long a detention I underwent in that island from my country, family, and professional pursuits.

I shall be much flattered if the perusal may afford your Lordship any amusement, in return for the polite attentions with which you have been pleased to honour me, and of which I am truly sensible.

I have the honour to be, my Lord

Your Lordship's most obedient humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 192]

To Madame D'Arifat, aux Plaines Wilhems - I. de France

Au Cap de Bonne Espérance le 24 Août 1810

Ma chère dame

Je vous ai écrit le 16 du mois passé, ainsi qu'à mon mes amis Pitot, et Desbassayns par Monsieur Lynne, qui s'embarqua sur la corvette l'Otter pour aller à Bourbon, qu'il devait trouver au pouvoir de mes compatriotes. Cette lettre-ci vous sera portée par quelqu' officier de l'armée qui doit partir incessamment pour se joindre aux troupes venant de l'Inde pour la réduction de l'Isle de France; et j'espère ma chère dame et amie, que nous serons bientôt compatriotes d'après ma maniere, et que je vous verrez en paix en moins de deux ans je desire et ai fait tout ce qui dependait de moi pour que cela s'accomplisse sans sang versé. J'ai prêché l'avantage à envoyer une force assez grande pour que les habitants se trouvent dispensés d'une-resistance inutile; - j'ai peint je les ai peint comme tolérants, aimables, et généralement bons, tels enfin que je les ai trouvés. J'ai parlé des craints qu'on avait rélativement aux esclaves, et au port comblé; et j'ai trouvé tout lieu de croire, que tout se passera à l'avantage de l'Isle de France; excepté peut-être que toute l'importation future d'esclaves sera nécessairement défendue d'après les lois fines d'Angleterre: Il pavait, aussi, très probable, que toutes les colonies éloignées resteront aux Anglais à la paix, et que Bonaparte se propose de s'en dédommager sur les bords de la Mer Méditerranée

J'avais espéré voir il y a dix quinze jours un vaisseau venant de Bourbon, et partant ensuite pour l'Angleterre, sur lequel je pourrais retourner dans mon pays; mais j'attends j'usqu'a present mon atterte a été trompé, et cela Cela me fatigue et m'impatiente, quoique certainement je ne peux pas me plaindre de le reception que j'ai éprouvé ici. Je vois beaucoup le gouverneur Lord Caledon, et souvent le général Grey commandant in chef des troupes; et tel est le desir de savoir quelque chase des Isles Mauritius, que je pne puis pas diner chez

[Page 354]

chez moi une fois par quinze jours. Je prends de ces occasions pour tâcher de servir mes amis; et si M. de St. Susanne n'arrive pas avant mon départ, j'espère lui avoir préparé une bonne réception, ainsi qu' à sa famille, parmi les grands de cette colonie. Il est probable, ma chère dame, que votre connaissance sera recherché par quelques officiers des 72^e et 87^e regiments, à cause de la manière que vous m' avez fait parler de votre famille; mais comme je sais que vous n'aimez pas être parmi un monde nombreux, je ne vous recommande personne; seulement je vous direz pour meson amis Labauve et la famille Ravel, que le Major Leech du premier et le Major Miller du second dernier Régiment, sont parmi ceux qui j'ai trouvé le plus respectables et aimables, et ils parlent assez le Français tous les deux: le premier je me propose de présenter à mon ami Pitot

Ce que me plait le plus, à moi, dans le perspective de l'Anglification des deux isles, est 1^o que votre communication avec Mons. et Mad. Desbassayns ne sera plus interrompue par la guerre, at 2^o que je vous reverrezai mes chers amis, presque sans doute, avant deux ans, peut-être avec ma femme. Car je compte repartir d'Angletere en dix-huit mois après mon arrivée, si l'Amirouté veut poursuivre mes découvertes; et on me flatte ici que je ne trouvera pas de grande difficulté à obtener mon rang depuis l'époque de mon emprisonement à l'Isle de France

Je me recommande par vous, ma chère dame, aux souvenirs amicals des bons voisins Chazal, Chevreau, Suasse, Herbecq &c. &c. mais et à l'amitiés des familles Ravel, La Chaise, et Froberville; je me propose d'écrire à Mess. Pitot, Sauvjet, et Curtat

Ce changement dans l'isle pourrait, peut-être, ouvrir une carrière à mes jeunes amis Aristide et Marc. Si l'un ou l'autre se décide pour la marine, vous pouvez comptu sur moi comme pour les protéger comme sur un ami que fera tout que mon possible pour le protéger et l'avancer. Les grandes affaires de carrière Le commerce qui s'ouvrira de suite avec l'Inde &c. produira se placer, peut-être avec avantage employera beaucoup de vaisseaux; sur l'un desquels Aristide, ou son frère, pourrait essayer faire un essai du métier; et si cela lui convienne, alors, à mon arrivée, je lui proposerais un voyage de découverte avec moi; et se l'isle reste les isles restant aux Anglais à la paix, la marine royale lui serait ouverte, ou il l'abandonnerait selon les circonstances et son jugement. Ce n'est pas dans la marine que je leur seulement que je tacherai de leur être etre utile, je le ferai quelque soit le métier de leur choise; mais c'est dans la marine que j'aurai, probablement, le plus à ma portée.

Bientôt après mon arrivée en Angleterre, j'espère trouver reçevoir des lettres de i'Isle de France, et en attendant que je vous écrive de là, je vous prie, ma chère dame, ainsi que chaque membre de votre estimable famille, de me croire le plus sincère et affectionné de vos amis

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 355]

[Letter No. 193]

A Monsieur Curtat au Port Nord-Ouest - Isle de France

Cape Town Aug. 24. 1810

My dear Sir

We just now learn the news of the reduction of Bourbon. The long delay of this intelligence has kept me here now six weeks; there having been no vessel to be for sent to England until this news could be sent forwarded. I have passed my time as agreeably as a man impatient to reach his country and family could well do, and have enjoyed excellent health. Amongst other acquaintances which I have made is Mr. Pringle, the agent of the E. India Company, and an old friend of Mr. Carrier, of whom we have often conversed.

I now expect to sail in two or three days immediately, and shall not fail to execute your commissions for Mr. Erskine and relating to young Ossère. You will hear from me soon after my arrival, and perhaps see me in the Isle of France before two years are over. Be so good as to remember me kindly to Mr. Barbé and all our friends, and believe me to be always to you and my good Madame Curtat,

the very sincere and affectionate friend

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 194]

A Monsieur Sauvejet - Rivière des Latanniers - Isle de France

Cape Town Aug. 24. 1810

Au Cape le 24 Août

Mon cher Monsieur Sauvejet

Je ne veux pas parter d'ici sans vous donner un souvenir de mon amitié. Il est possible que l'événément prèt à arriver à votre isle vous donnerez plus d'envie de retourner in France; dans ce cas vous passerez probablement par l'Angleterre, et que là je pourrais vous être utile. Je vous renouvelle donc l'offre de toute mon assistance, soit en Angleterre, soit pour hâter votre passage en France; vous priant de me faire savoir votre arrivée a l'adresse à Londres que vous avez dejà

J'ecris plus un long à notre chère dame D'Arifat; ainsi je finirai en vous assurant, ainsi que à Madame Sauvejet et à ma bonne petite amie Noëmi, l'estim de l'estime et affection de, Mon cher Monsieur

Votre vrai serviteur et ami

Mattw. Flinders

Je me recommande par vous au souvenir amical de Madame Dumouhy, ainsi que de son aimable fille et de Dumouhy

[Page 356]

[Letter No. 195]

A Monsieur Thomy Pitot, au Port Nord-Ouest - Isle de France

Cape Town Aug. 24.1810

My dear friend

I have already written you from this place the details of my voyage to this place from your island. I have not been able to get away from this place yet, but the intelligence for which a vessel here has been kept waiting, having arrived today, I expect sail to for England in two or three days at farthest immediately. This news is the capture of Bourbon, and before this letter will reach your hands, your island will most probably be in the same predicament

This letter will, as I expect, be given to you by Major Leech of the 72nd. regiment of foot; a gentleman whom I introduce to your friendly notice, as one whose acquaintance will, I am persuaded be agreeable to you

Depend upon hearing from me by one of the first vessels that shall sail from England for your island; and as I know whatever befalls me will interest you, I shall write you not only what has may have happened but the prospects that may open themselves before me, more particularly what concerns the probability of my soon again visiting the Isle of France, which I hope and desire may take place before two years pass over

I beg to be remembered to Mr. Pitot with kindness to Mr. Pitot, Edward, and all the members of your family, of whom I often think with gratitude and affection. Pray recal me also to the recollection of Messieurs Catoire Josse &c. and believe me, my dear friend to be most sincerely and affectionately

yours

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. I hope to receive a letter from you soon after my arrival in England, to tell me the state of things after the change; and you know that if any opportunity offers of my serving you or yours, that it will give me sincere pleasure

[Letter No. 196]

A Madame Kerbalance, au Port Nord Quest - I. de France

Cape Town Aug. 24. 1810

Madame

Judging of your disposition by the kind attention I received from you in the Isle of France, you will be gratified in having captain and Mrs. Raite of the 72^e regiment introduced to your acquaintance, nor will you be less pleased in finding in Mrs. R. a an amiable countrywoman of your own

I expect to sail in a few days for England and shall not fail to execute the commission of Mr. Kerbalance with punctuality. I beg you and Mr. K. to accept the assurances of my esteem, and that you will believe me to be, Madam Dear Madam

your obliged and humble servant M.F.

[Page 357]

[Letter No. 197]

A Monsieur Monsieur Saulnier l'ainé - Négociant - Isle de France

Au Cap le 25 Août 1810

Mon cher Monsieur

En partant de l'Isle de France, vous m'avez prié de vous introduire Persuadé que vous aurez du plaisir à faire connaître connaissance avec un officier de la distinction et du merité Le Colonel Sir Edward Butler, je prends la liberté de ayant exprimer le desir de connaître une personne dont il m'a entendu parler si aussi avantageusement que votre bienveillance envers mes compatriotes dans l'infortune, m'a fait parler de vous, je prends la liberte de vous le présenter comme un officier distingué et d'un mérite reçonnu, persuadé que vôtre connaissance ne peut qu'être mutuellement agréeable et utile

J'ai passé six semaines au Cap en attendant l'arrivée d'un vaisseau avec la nouvelle de la prise de Bourbon. Actuellement que cela est venu, un cutter sera dépêché de suite et j'y trouverai un passage en pour ma patrie dont je suis absent plus de nuef ans.

Je vous prie de presenter faire agréer mes hommages respectueux à Madame Saulnier, et in attendant que j'aurai le plaisir de vous revoir à l'Isle de France (ce qu' aura lieu j'espère avant deux ans) de me croire, avec estime et considération, mon cher Monsieur

Votre très humble et devoué serviteur

Mattw. Flinders

[Page 358]

[Letter No. 198]

Form of a bill drawn at the Cape of G. Hope for two years pay

6th Rate Matthew Flinders Esq. Entered the 19th. day of January 1801

£357.17 Cape of G. Hope, 15 day of July 1810

Gentlemen

Ten days after sight (of this my first bill of exchange, the first second of same tenor and date unpaid) please to pay to William Augustus Standert Esquire or Order, the sum of three hundred and fifty seven pounds seventeen shillings, being the nett personal pay due to me as Commander of His Majestys Ship the Investigator, between the thirtieth day of August 1808 and the second day of July 1810 for value received

Mattw. Flinders Approved

Mattw. Flinders Captain of Investigator

To the Commissioners of His Majestry Navy - London

[Letter No. 199]

The Rt. Honbl. Sir Jos. Banks Bt. K. B. Reeves by Abbey Lincolnsh.

Norfolk Hotel Thursday evening Oct. 25

Sir

I have the happiness to inform you of my arrival in England yesterday morning, and in town this morning. The circumstances of my release are as extraordinary as were those of my imprisonment, but they are too long for me to detail at this moment; suffice it to say that I quitted the I. of France on June 13. and the Cape on Aug. 28.

I have see saw Mr. Yorke this morning , and also the secretaries Messieurs Croker and Barrow and my old friend Pierce; and I find in every body a disposition to appreciate what I have done and what I have suffered, I first found that my promotion was dated Sept. 24 last, but I have got it put back to April 9; and moreover have the approbation of Mr. Yorke to present a memorial to the Admiralty for its being dated at the time it may be supposed I might have arrived, had not my unjust detention taken place; and if I am able to shew that my case bears no resemblance to those of officers made prisoners of war, which I never was, and that my Lord Spencer had given a promise that I should be promoted on my return, I have every reason to hope that it will be done either by the Admiralty or a decision of the Council of State. My first step

[Page 359]

will therefore be to call and pay my respects to Lord Spencer, and to learn whether he will authorise me to bring this promise forward

I am to have the honour of dining with Mr. Yorke on Monday next, and I have some hope, Sir Joseph, that I may be gratified with seeing you in town very soon, more especially as I learned immediately on my arrival that your health had become ameliorated in a surprising manner.

When I quitted Portsmouth, the Dromedary had arrived at St. Helens, and it was reported that governor Bligh was on board

I beg that my best respects may be rendered acceptable to thy good my Lady Banks, and that I have the honour to be, Sir, you will me to be Sir, with the highest consideration

Your most obliged and devoted humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 200]

Vice-admiral Sir Ed. Pellew Bart. Commander in chief, off Flushing

Norfolk Hotel Strand - Oct. 28th. 1810

Sir

I am extremely sorry that circumstances prevented me the honour of seeing you and in town, to express the sense I have entertain of your repeated efforts to procure my liberation from the Isle of France; although these their efforts success was defeated by the unaccountable and capricious conduct of the captain-general De Caen, (I hope it will not be long before I shall have the honour of expressing this presenting my respects in person; and beg that in the mean time you will do me the favour to believe that I am, with the highest respect and consideration

Sir,

your most obliged and obedient

humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. My services in the Investigator and sufferings in the I. of France have been so far taken into consideration, as that the Admiralty has been pleased to give me my rank from May 7. last

[Page 360]

[Letter No. 201]

Lt. Flinders - Jump, near Plymouth

Norfolk Hotel, Surrey St. Strand

Sunday Oct. 28. 1810

My dear Samuel

I arrived in town on Thursday morning, and as you will believe immediately sought out those who could give me information of my wife and of my brother, the two persons dearest to me in the world. My dear wife, I found in town to my great surprise and joy; - my brother I learned was upon half pay, living far in the country, and not seeking declining present employment. Amongst those from whom I received information was Willingham Franklin, who told me he thought it probable you might be in town in a day or two; and this, with my business at the admiralty, many commissions to execute, and persons to visit, prevented me from writing at the time. Yesterday I received from Standerts your letter of the 25, with the packet, yet unopened of books and papers

I have heard much of you, my dear Samuel, to give me uneasiness, but rest assured I shall form no judgement of the case, until by from the examination of the papers you have sent, all the circumstances are before me. I consider the sending of these papers as the greatest proof, of your confidence in me, and from it I augur favourably and thence had to hope, that your conduct, when viewed upon a large and impartial scale, will not appear in the tarnished the light, than it appears a better different light to that in wh. some parts of it seem to be viewed in by many.

With respect to your coming to town, my dear Samuel, I think, from the reasons you mention, it had better be delayed for a short time. As yet I have no other desire for your coming than the pleasure I should have in seeing you; and that pleasure, I hope and think, will be increased when I my occupations will allow me to have finished the reading of your letters and papers

My own affairs go on as yet more prosperously than I had hoped. My interview with Mr. Yorke and the secretaries was flattering, and I have received a letter stating my promotion to be dated May 7. the day that Mr. Yorke came in to the Admiralty Board. I have some faint hope it may not rest not rest

[Page 361]

there, but although the regulations of the Admiralty forbid any further retrospect: I am to dine with Mr. Yorke tomorrow, and shall then perhaps as is Mr. Barrow, and we shall then perhaps be able to see whether recourse may not be had to an order of the King in council.

Sir Joseph is to be in town about the 7th. of November, and then the subject of the publication of the voyage will probably be discussed. Messrs. Brown, Bauer, and Westall, whom I have seen, have been at work for it in their respective departments.

Excuse me writing at great length in this busy moment, and believe my me, my dear Samuel,

your affectionate brother and friend

Mattw. Flinders

P.S. I have received a letter from Mr. Purdie, relative to the batta money; which subject I shall not enter into till Sir Josephs' arrival. My present idea is, that the batta has nothing to do with any other ship than the Investigator, consequently, that Mr. Bells heirs are entitled to the latter half, should the Company be disposed to consider the voyage as concluded. Will you be good enough to say this to Mr. Purdie, and to present him with my compliments, and thanks for his congratulation on my arrival

[Letter No. 202]

The Rt. Honble. Earl Spencer K.G. St. James' Place

Norfolk Hotel Strand Nov. 2. 1810

My Lord

On my arrival in London a few days since from my long imprisonment in the Isle of France, I did myself the honour of calling at Your Lordships house to present my respects, and express my acknowledgements to the nobleman to whom I consider myself indebted for the interest he took in the Investigator's voyage of discovery, and for the my advancement to the rank of commander in that expedition. Flattering myself that the same interest had followed me through the train of misfortune which French injustice so lavishly heaped upon the end of that expedition, I thought Your Lordship might have been desirous to ask some questions on my first arrival, both with respect to my voyage and my imprisonment, and which I should have been gratified in having the occasion given me to answer. On my side, I had found at the admiralty that it might be of importance to me to be able to bring forward the promise which Your Lordship was good enough to make

[Page 362]

to make to Sir Joseph Banks for me, of post rank on my return from the voyage; I, at least, understood so much from Sir. Joseph, if my memory does not deceive me; and I did propose to request Your Lordship would allow me to advance this in a memorial which I was to present to the Admiralty, for the purpose of getting my post rank anti-dated to the time when it might reasonably be presumed I should have arrived in England, had not the French captain-general of the Isle of France violated the passport of his government in detaining me, and prolonged my imprisonment to six and a half years in defiance of an order sent out by the French marine minister

Not having had the honour The card which I left not having obtained the honour of Your Lordship's notice, either perhaps from its having been mislaid or from some other cause, I have presumed to address you by letter, to request I m Your Lordship's approbation of this promise being mentioned in the memorial which, if it meets the approbation of my friend Sir Joseph Banks, I have it in contemplation to present to the Board of Admiralty

I have the honour to be, my Lord

Your Lordships most obedient and

devoted humble servant

Mattw. Flinders

[Letter No. 203]

A Monsieur Edward Ossere - Prisoner on board the Suffolk - Plymo.

Mon cher Monsieur

Etant prisonnier a l'Isle de France, j'ai écrit à la requète de la bonne Madame Curtat, une lettre par laquelle vous deviez avoir été mis sur parole; mais à mon arrivée en Angleterre, j'apprends que vous n'avez pas pu accepter l'offre que vous a fait le Bureau, faute d'ar de moyens pour fournir à la défense nécessaire

A présent, mon cher Monsieur, vous avez un ami qui fera tout ce que lui est possbile pour vous; ainsi et je vous prie de m'indiquer la somme la plus modique qu'il vous faut que vous sera necessaire d' pour accepter votre parole, et le moyen que par lequel vous prefererez de la reçevoir. Je n'ai pas de correspondent à Plymouth, mais les négociants là ont des correspondents à Londres auxquels

[Page 363]

auxquels je pourrai remettre ce que vous croyez necessaire indispensable; observant seulement d'etre ajouté au traitement que le gouvernement donne aux aspirants, vous priant seubernent Je ne puis pas vous flatter de l'espérance d'une liberté prochaine; mais soyez persuadé, que je ne vous oublierai par lorsque' un la moment favourable arrive.

Addressez vos lettres comme suit

Captain M. Flinders

W.A. Standerts Esq.

Cliffords Inn Fleet Street

London

et croyez moi être très sincèrement, votre serviteur et ami

Mattw. Flinders

M. et Mad. Curtat se portaient bien au milieu mois de Juin dernier

[Letter No. 204]

W James Wiles Esq. Liguanea - Jamaica

16 King St. Soho - Nov. 7. 1810

My dear and old friend

I am arrived in England after an absence of near nine years and a half; six and a half of which have been passed at the Isle of France as a prisoner. I obtained my liberation from thence in June last; not from not in consequence of a fresh order of the French government having arrived to set me at liberty, nor from the occurrence of any remarkable event; but from a simple application for it, made by the desire of my Lord Minto, such an application as had been before made by the Marquis Wellesley, Sir Edward Pellew and some others distinguished persons without effect. On quitting the island and going on board commodore Rowley, who commanded before it, I learned the projected attack on Bourbon which took place successfully a month afterwards; and before you will have received this letter, Mauritius will, I think, have undergone the same change of masters; and general De Caen, from tyrannizing over Englishmen, will have become subject to their power

[Page 364]

There is an infinity of details respecting these occurrences and the extraordinary detention I was made to undergo, which would, I am sure, be interesting to my friend Wiles, but neither the space of a letter however long, nor the time I can spare from my public and private occupations so soon after my arrival, will would be sufficient to give any tolerable idea of them; I th will therefore only observe that the time and manner of my liberation and besides, there is every probability that both they, and the account of my voyage of discovery, will be made public so soon as they can be prepared. I will therefore only observe at present, that the time and manner of my liberation are as extraordinary, to the full, as were those of my imprisonment; and leaving that part of the subject I will proceed on to inform you, that on my arrival in London (Oct. 25) I found that that Mr. Yorke, the first Lord of the Admiralty, had given me promotion so soon as he heard of my liberation, and that on my seeing him he had the consideration to antidate my commission to the day (May 7. 1810) that he came into office, and consented to my presenting a memorial for a further retrospect, more retrospective date which can only be done take place by an order of the King in Council. I have indeed been highly pleased and flattered to find a general disposition to appreciate my services in the Investigator, and to compensate the misfortunes which French injustice so lavishly heaped upon me: the greatest recompense that suffer I had the unexpected happiness to find Mrs. Flinders come up to town in expectation of my arrival, the intelligence of my being at the Cape of Good Hope having reached England before me. Amongst my friends and relations I find many sad changes. Our friend Smith of Pulo Penang is no more, and Mr. Franklin the friend of my early youth has paid the same awful debt. I know that he has some affairs remaining to be settled in your island, and I am requested by his brother to beg of you to state as much of their circumstances present situation as you are able, and to give your opinion of the best modes of proceeding to procure obtain a settlement: the family are indeed much in want of every thing that is due to them

Sir Joseph Banks, from whom I have received such a letter as you, who know the kind interest he takes in my voyage, would readily suppose, comes to town tomorrow; and I hope to have the pleasure of seeing him on the following morning. So soon as he will have a little leisure, the subject of the publication of my voyage

[Page 365]

Mr. Wiles

of my voyage will probably be entered upon. The original plan was, that all my charts and accounts, and those of the men of science, should be put into the hands of some literary man, to be employed by the admiralty to write the account from our documents; and this plan I should suppose Sir J. would still wish to be pursued; but I find an opinion prevailing at the admiralty that it would be better done by me; so how that I know not yet what plan will be adopted.

Thus much, my dear friend of myself. I wish now to talk of you. Both at the Cape and in England, the accounts I have heard of your situation in general were gratifying; but I should much rather have preferred finding you in our native country with a handsome competence; and to have renewed with you those ties of intimacy that formerly united us, and upon which I have often and do still reflect with pleasure; but I hope the day of their renewal may yet be looked for, and before any great length of time shall elapse.

You used to talk of your son entering the service under my care and patronage. If such is still your intention, get him into a ship so soon as you can, and when I am employed I will undertake the personal care of him; and in all cases, endeavour to push him forward as fast as his own merit and my influence will enable me: more I cannot yet say, except to beg of you, in concluding this letter, to believe that with the same sincerity as when we parted 17 years ago, I am my dear Wiles

Your very affectionate friend

Mattw. Flinders

To Capt. W. Major - 2^nd. West India Regiment - Guadaloupe

[Letter No. 205]

Mr. Charles Hursthouse, Tydd St. Mary's near Wisbeach Cambridgeshire

16 King St. Soho - London Nov. 7. 1810

My dear Sir

The pressure of business both public and private incur incident upon my long absence my first arrival after a long absence, must plead my excuse for not having written to inform you of the event. You would have early information of it from my uncle who would have been with you when he received my wifes' letter and my postscript; and I have learned from my mother-in-law the state of your family including your mother in law and sister, from which I received much pleasure.

One of my present occupations preparatory to visiting Lincolnshire, is to

[Page 366]

take all the prev steps necessary to the transferring of the my property in the three per cents consolidated, wh to my own name from those that of your fathers and Mr. Franklins, in which it was Mr. Walker bought in it and in & in which it now stands. For this purpose it is necessary for me to prove your fathers death, after which Mr. a bank power of attorney from Mr. Franklin to Mr. Walker will be sufficient to accomplish the purpose. -

The form of proof required is this - 1^st an literal extract from the parish register relating to his interment - 2^nd a certificate from the minister of the parish, subjoined, that the above is a true extract to its truth and 3^rd an affidavit from you, that the above mentioned J. H. deceased, was the person concerned with Mr. Willingham Franklin in a joint stock of £500 Navy three per cent annuities consolidated. Inclosed is the way in which the whole should be made upon a half sheet of paper

If I am able to get my business sufficiently advanced, I shall be able to set off with Mrs. Flinders for Lincolnshire in about a fortnight, to visit all our friends; and the sooner you will be able to transmit me the extract, certificate, and affidavit, the sooner I shall be able to go down. I am sorry to give you so much trouble, but find I cannot get on without. I beg my best respects to Mrs. and Miss Hursthouse, who I understand are at Wisbeach. In this Mrs. F. joins me, as also in the assurances which I beg of affection and esteem which I beg you to receive from my dear Sir,

your friend and cousin

Mattw. Flinders

Extract from the register kept in the parish Church of .............................
"..........................................................................
".............................................................................

This is to certify that the above is a true and literal extract from

.................................Vicar (or Curate)

I Charles Hursthouse of the parish of Tidd St. Marys near Wisbeach in Cambridgeshire, farmer, do hereby voluntarily make oath, that the above mentioned John Hursthouse deceased, mentioned in the above extract from the parish register of .......................is the same who was concerned in a joint stock of five hundred pounds in the three per cent annuities consolidated, with Willingham Franklin of Mavis Enderby Linconshire, farmer

Sworn before me this.......day C...........H..............son( and

of ..........1810 executor if so) of John

................... Hursthouse above Magistrate Justice of the peace mentioned

for ...............

Addington, Henry, Viscount Sidmouth (1757-1844), English statesman.

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.

Alexander I (1777-1825), Emperor of Russia.

Arifat, André, d', son of Madame d'Arifat.

Arifat, Delphine, d', eldest daughter of Madame d'Arifat.

Arifat, Madame, d', owned the plantation (Le Refuge) at Wilhems Plains in the interior of Mauritius where Flinders lived for the last five years of his captivity.

Arifat, Sophie, d', second daughter of Madame d'Arifat.

Arifat, Lise, d', youngest daughter of Madame d'Arifat, married Flinders' friend Charles Desbassayns.

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.

Barclay, Colonel, British Consul in New York.

Barrow, Sir John (1764-1848), second secretary to the Admiralty, 1804-1845.

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, Charles (d.1854), French naval officer, sailed 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 Sydney and met him again on Mauritius. In 1808 he lost an arm in an action against a British vessel.

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.

Bauer, Ferdinand (1760-1826), botanical artist, sailed on the Investigator and returned to England in 1805 with over 2000 drawings of plants and animals.

Bentinck, Lord William (1774-1839), 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.

Bertie, Sir Albermarle (1755-1824), naval officer, commander-in-chief at the Cape of Good Hope, 1808-1810. He commanded the capture of Mauritius in 1810.

Bickham, Martin, American merchant on Mauritius.

Bligh, William (1754-1817), naval officer, commanded the 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. He later became governor of New South Wales.

Boand, Johann, a Swiss merchant on Mauritius who befriended Flinders.

Board of Longitude: established in 1714 to encourage and reward the invention of an accurate method of determining longitude.

Bonaparte see Napoleon.

Bonner, Charles, Flinders' friend.

Bougainville, Louis-Antoine de (1729-1811) completed the first French circumnavigation of the world, 1766-1769.

Bourbon: an island in the Indian Ocean, now called Réunion.

Brereton, R.P.F., midshipman on HMS Seaflower, captured by the French in 1808 and brought to Mauritius.

Brown, Robert (1773-1858), botanist, sailed on the Investigator and returned to England in 1805 with over 3000 species of plants. He became librarian to the Linnean Society and to Sir Joseph Banks.

Caledon, Du Pré Alexander, Earl of (1777-1839), governor of Cape of Good Hope.

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.

Cap-Martin, Mr., French naval officer, sailed on the Geographe with Nicolas Baudin and later settled in Mauritius.

Cartel: a ship employed in the exchange or ransom of prisoners.

Chaptal, Jean Antoine (1756-1832), French statesman and chemist.

Chazal, Toussaint Antoine de (1770-), friend and neighbour of Flinders on Mauritius. He painted Flinders' portrait.

Collins, David (1756-1810), deputy-judge-advocate of the first settlement at Sydney in 1788 and lieutenant-governor of Tasmania, 1804-1810.

Company, The: East India Company.

Cook, James (1728-1799), 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.

Croker, John Wilson (1780-1857), first secretary to the Admiralty, 1809- 1830.

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.

Curtat, Antoine, a friend of Flinders on Mauritius.

Dale, Alfred, midshipman on HMS Dedaigneuse, captured by the French 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.

Decaën, Charles Mathieu Isidore, Comte de (1769-1832), captain-general (governor) of the Ile de France (Mauritius).

Desbassayns, Charles, one of Flinders' closest friends during his imprisonment on Mauritius. He married Lise d'Arifat.

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.

Exshaw, John, an Irishman with relatives on Mauritius where he lived part- time.

Flacq: a small defensive settlement on the north-east coast of Mauritius.

Fleurieu, Charles Pierre Claret, Comte de (1738-1810), geographer, hydrographer and administrator. He 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, daughter of Flinders' uncle, John. She married John Newbald.

Flinders, John, Flinders' uncle.

Flinders, Samuel (1782-1834), Flinders' younger brother and second lieutenant of the Investigator.

Flinders, Susanna, Flinders' younger sister. She married a draper, George Pearson.

Forfait, Pierre Alexandre, French Minister of the Marine and Colonies.

Fowler, Robert, first lieutenant on the Investigator.

Fox, Charles James (1749-1806), English statesman, opposed the war with France.

Franklin, James (d.1834), Flinders' cousin by marriage and brother of Sir John Franklin. He 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 Flinders' cousin by marriage, served as midshipman on the Investigator and 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.

Freycinet, Henri de, French naval officer, sailed with Nicolas Baudin on his voyage to survey the Australian coast, 1800-1804.

Froberville, Felix, Madame d'Arifat's cousin and a friend of Flinders on Mauritius.

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.

Grant, James (1772-1833), naval officer, surveyed Bass Strait in the Lady Nelson in 1801.

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.

Hamelin, Jacques-Felix-Emanuel (1768-1839), French naval officer commanded the Naturaliste during Nicolas Baudin's voyage to survey the Australian coast, 1800- 1804

Haüy, René (1743-1822), French mineralogist, discovered the geometric law of crystallization.

Haydn, Franz Joseph (1732-1809), Austrian composer.

H.E.I.: Honourable East India Company.

Henry, Captain (later Major) and his wife were prisoners with Flinders in the Maison Despaux on Mauritius.

Hope, Hugh, commissary of prisoners on the British cartel Harriet, arrived in Mauritius in December 1809 with French prisoners for exchange.

Hunter, John (1737-1821), naval officer, came out to Sydney in the First Fleet in 1788 and again in 1795 with Flinders in HMS Reliance to take up the governorship of New South Wales.

Hursthouse, Charles, a friend of Flinders and son of John Hursthouse.

Hursthouse, John, a friend of Flinders' father and an executor of his will.

Ile de France or Isle of France: an island in the Indian Ocean, now called Mauritius.

Investigator: Flinders was given command of the Investigator in 1801 to undertake a voyage to survey the Australian coastline.

Jamieson, John (1766?-1850), Superintendant of Government Stock in New South Wales.

Jussieu, Antoine-Laurent (1748-1836), French botanist.

Kellermann, Madame, wife of François Kellermann, a marshal of France.

King, Anna Josepha (1765-1844), wife of Governor Philip Gidley King.

King, Philip Gidley (1758-1808), came out to Sydney in the First Fleet and was governor of New South Wales, 1800-1806.

Labauve, Mr., eldest son of Madame d'Arifat.

Lalande, Joseph-Jérôme de (1732-1807), French astronomer.

Laplace, Pierre Simon, Marquis de (1749-1827), French mathematician and astronomer, published widely on molecular physics, electricity and magnetism.

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.

Lewis, Henry, seaman on the Investigator, imprisoned on Mauritius with Flinders.

Linois, Charles Alexandre Léon Durand de (1761-1820), French naval officer, appointed commander of the Indian Ocean Fleet in 1802.

Lord, Simeon (1771-1840), merchant, arrived in Sydney as a convict in 1791. After obtaining his freedom he built up a successful mercantile business with interests in trading, retailing, sealing, timber and the land.

Lound, Sherrard, son of Flinders' old schoolmaster, Job Lound, and a midshipman on the Investigator.

Macartney, Lieutenant, English prisoner of war on Mauritius. He was released in 1807.

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 (1732-181), astronomer royal, established the `Nautical Almanac', invented the prismatic micrometer and made many important observations.

Mazzinghi, Joseph (1765-1844), English composer of Corsican origin.

Milius, Pierre Bernard (1773-1829), French naval officer, lieutenant of the Naturaliste during Nicolas Baudin's voyage to survey the Australian coast, 1800-1804. Minto, Sir Gilbert Elliot, Earl of (1751-1814), governor-general of India, 1807- 1813.

Moira, Francis Rawdon-Hastings, Earl of (1754-1825), soldier and statesman.

Monistrol, Colonel Louis Auguste, aide-de-camp to General Decaën, governor of Mauritius.

Napoleon I or 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.

Osborn, John, naval officer, commander of a British naval squadron blockading Mauritius.

Owen, William Fitzwilliam (1774-1857), naval officer, commander of the brig Seaflower which was captured by the French in 1808. Owen was imprisoned on 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 (1757-1833), admiral and commander-in-chief in the East Indies, 1804-1808.

Peron, François (1775-1810), French naturalist, sailed with Nicolas Baudin on his voyage to survey the Australian coast, 1801-1804. After his return to France he was commissioned to write the official history of the voyage.

Piastre: a name for the Spanish piece of eight, or dollar.

Piémontaise: French frigate, captured the East Indiaman Warren Hastings in 1806 but was itself taken by an English vessel the following year.

Pitot, Edward, brother of Flinders' friend Thomas Pitot.

Pitot, Frederic, son of Flinders' friend Thomas Pitot.

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.

Port North-West: harbour on the north-west coast of Mauritius (in French Port Nord Ouest), previously called Port Louis and later Port Napoleon.

Poudre d'Or: a small defensive settlement on the north-east coast of Mauritius.

Purdie, Robert, surgeon's mate on the Investigator.

Ramsden, John, naval officer, commander of the British cartel Harriet, arrived in Mauritius in December 1809 with French prisoners for exchange.

Refuge, Le: the plantation owned by Madame d'Arifat in the interior of Mauritius where Flinders spent the last five years of his captivity.

Richardson, Captain, English prisoner of war on Mauritius, returned to India on a French cartel in December 1807.

Robertson, Walter H., a surgeon on the Bengal establishment who was a fellow prisoner with Flinders on Mauritius.

Seymour, - ,midshipman on HMS Dedaigneuse, captured by the French and imprisoned on Mauritius with Flinders. He was released in July 1805 in an exchange of prisoners of war.

Sidmouth, Viscount see Addington, Henry

Smith, Christopher, botanist, sailed with Flinders in the Providence on William Bligh's second breadfruit voyage, 1791-1793.

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.

Steibelt, Daniel (1765-1823), German composer and pianist.

Stock, A., commissary of prisoners on the cartel Marquis Wellesley.

Strachan, Richard John, Sir (1760-1828), naval officer, commanded the unsuccessful attack on the island of Walcheren.

Sykes, James, a naval agent in London.

Talleyrand-Périgord, Charles Maurice de, Prince of Benevento (1754-1838), French foreign minister under Napoleon.

Tamarin: a village in south-west Mauritius.

Thistle, John, master of the Investigator, drowned with seven members of the crew when the ship's cutter was upset in Spencers Gulf, South Australia.

Timon, Mr, surgeon of HMS Seaflower, captured by the French in 1808 and brought to Mauritius where he met Flinders.

Troubridge, Sir Edward (d. 1852), naval officer, put into Mauritius in June 1807 in HMS Greyhound under a flag of truce to deliver documents to General Decaen concerning Flinders' release.

Troubridge, Sir Thomas (1758?-1807), naval officer, served in several significant actions under Lord Nelson. 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, Ann Flinders' half sister.

Tyler, Mrs, Flinders' mother-in-law.

Tyler, Reverend William, Flinders' step father-in-law.

Vacoas: a town in west central Mauritius.

Vashon, James (1742-1827), naval officer (later admiral) under whom Flinders' cousin, John Flinders, served in the 1780s.

Warren Hastings: an East Indiaman captured by the French frigate, La Piémontaise in June 1806 and taken to Mauritius.

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 (1781-1850), landscape artist, sailed with Flinders on the Investigator.

Whitewood, John, master's mate on the Investigator.

Wiles, James, botanist, sailed with Flinders on the Providence on William Bligh's second breadfruit voyage, 1791-93. He later settled in Jamaica from where he maintained a correspondence with Flinders.

Wilhems Plains: an area in the interior of Mauritius where Flinders lived for the last five years of his captivity.

Wood, John, seaman on the Investigator, imprisoned on Mauritius with Flinders.

Yorke, Charles Philip (1764-1834), first lord of the Admiralty, 1810-1811.