Copy of a letter received by Joseph Short from William Bligh, 9 April 1806 (Series 40.052) - No. 0001

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Lady Sinclair at Sea
9th April 1806

Sir

         I have received your Letter of yesterdays date, requesting my opinion and advice how to act with respect to the Lady Sinclair, the Ship I am in, parting company from His Majestys Ship Porpoise and proceeding to Port Jackson according to Mr. Jackson the Master's desire; also assuring accommodation in your power if I approved of her parting Company.

         In reply to the first part I have to inform you, that if I find any absolute necessity to part from the Porpoise I shall give directions accordingly; and refer you for your proceedings to the Order by which you command the Porpoise in my absence; to your secret orders wherein you are directed to proceed with this Ship; and to your Order of the 11th December by which you are enjoined to direct everything within the Ship; but to consider yourself under my orders with respect to the Course you are to steer and the Ports at which you are to touch.  With