Letter received by Banks from William Paterson, ca August 1803 (Series 27.28) - No. 0003

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and Twelve Rank & File.  I sailed three days before the latter but being so much crowded & lumbered, with two Boats, and six months provisions besides the necessary Stores;  the Vessel made so bad weather that after several attempts to cross Bass's Straits we at last found it necessary to return to this Port, with most of the Men in bad health, owing to the want of air; and the Sea constantly washing over her Deck.  Had I persevered, and in time accomplished what I so much wished for, the Guard I had (from the Surgeons Report) would have been unfit for any duty.  The Vessel with the Subaltern & twelve proved so leaky, that they were obliged to put into Twofold Bay to repair and after being out nearly a month returned.

          In consequence of our disasters, the Governor being anxious for their safety, dispatched the same Vessel I had been in, with a Letter to the Officer commanding the Party;  stating that if he was at Port Dalrymple, he might either return to Port Jackson or remain, should he consider himself and the Detachment perfectly comfortable & secure.  The person who had charge of the Letter; fell in with them in Bass's Straits, and