Copy of correspondence of William Bligh with Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Foveaux, and with Captain William Kent, 30 July - 3 September 1808 (Series 40.132) - No. 0008

[Page 8]

(Copy)

Government-House, Sydney,
4th August 1808

Sir

     I have received your letter of this day Stating that you have no objection to my proceeding to England in His Majesty's Ship Porpoise; but it must be clearly understood by me, that I am to consider myself bound by the conditions to which I acceded previous to your arrival, on obtaining Major Johnston's consent to embark in that vessel, and that upon any other terms you are determined not to permit me to leave the Colony while the command rests with you.

     In reply thereto, I inform you that I will not enter into any conditions whatever, except returning to England immediately, in the command of his Majesty's Ship Porpoise bearing my broad pendant, which it is at the peril of any one to tarnish, or deprive me of.

Major