Copy of letter received by Elizabeth Bligh from Banks, 24 December 1808 (Series 42.06) - No. 0001

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Soho Square
Decr 24, 1808

My dear Madam

I do not know that any Person has been actually appointed here Governor of N.S.W. but I fear we must not flatter ourselves too much with the hope of my Friend & your Husband being permitted to retain it.  Experience has hitherto shewn at least such is the opinion of Government, that after such a Convulsion has taken place as caused the late Revolution at Sydney, no restord Governor whoever he may be can govern a reinstated Colony either with comfort to himself or advantage to his Employers.

What is the final determination of Government on the subject, if they have yet made up their minds on the matter I do not know but I do know that nothing hitherto brought to light has created the least prejudice against your Husband.  I can therefore entertain no doubt that the fullest justice will be done to him & a proper punishment inflicted on the perpetrators of the abominable Revolution which has caused so much evil, you probably know that it is understood by Government that he is on his return to this Country in the Rose.

Another circumstance appears rather obvious even to a common observer, which is that the Command of a Colony the whole Administration of which is intrusted to the Military should rather be intrusted to a Soldier than to a Sailor.  The present unfortunate affair has proved that Soldiers do not like to pay the obedience they owe to a Sailor, tho it is probable they would not have refusd it to an Officer of their own Cloth.

If the Governor does return home he may however I am confident not only hope but trust that he will bring back with him that excellent Character