Copy of a lettter received by, William Windham, Secretary of State, from William Bligh, 30 May 1806 (Series 40.061) - No. 0002

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Sir David Baird Commander in Chief, and as I understand he sends by this opportunity English Translations of what they contain, I have sent Notarial Copies of the originals in Dutch to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.  It appears that French Troops were intended to be sent here and to Batavia.  On their arrival the utmost unanimity is recommended and most earnest requests that no jealousy takes place because the preference is given to the French in Rank and Command, all French Officers being to command the Dutch, even when their Commissions bear the same date, both in Sea and Land Expeditions.  "Which the Fatherland has a right to expect and, demand from them as brave Warriors and Men of Honor and Valour." 

I regret that in my Voyage hither I have already been interrupted in a satisfactory correspondence with my Lord Castlereagh, and been obliged to transmit an account of great misconduct in Captain Short who Commands the Porpoise under me, and by this conveyance I send duplicates to shew cause for my requesting His Lordship's support