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Joseph Banks Esqr
Ft. St. George June 26 1781
Capt Thos Forrest wrote "A voyage to New Guinea &c" a Treatise on the Monsoons of India &c
Sir
After a most fortunate passage of 3 Ms. 26 days, I arrived safe at Anjingo, where I heard ye sad News of Baillies defeat, which no doubt at home must cause the greatest Consternation.
Hitherto, we act only on the Defensive, and have been very lucky that during the long absence of our Admiral; no Enemys Frigates have appeared off Cuddalore to disturb our hapless Grain Vessells, which have all arrived from Bengall when our Army was reduced to 2 days rice, the Country all around lying uncultivated.
Soon after my arrival here, I was sent to [indecipherable] to fetch Cash thence, for our Army at Cuddelore. On the 22d. of April I landed 60,000 £ in Gold & Silver at Cuddalore which came in good time as the Co. was much in arrears to the Officers.
And yet, I was told this Supply was only a months Expence: Our Expences being then