Letter received by Banks from WilliamBligh, 17 February 1788 (Series 46.21) - No. 0001

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No.19

Bounty at Sea Feby 17th. 1788
Lat- 18º:41'So. Longd: 31º:20'W

Dear Sir

I have just fallen in with the British Queen of London a Whale Fisher bound to the Cape of Good Hope an opportunity that gives me much pleasure as I can inform you of our proceedings thus far.  It was the 10th. Jany. [January] that I left Tenariff [Tenerife, Canary Is]  I then wrote to you and sailed with a fine SE wind. On the 25th. in the latd 4º00'N I got becalm'd which continued with light airs untill the 8th. inst. when I cross'd  the Line [Equator] in 22º ½ Wt. with a fine SE Trade which has continued ever since.

The calm as usual was attended with heavy rains & very sultry weather however by constant drying & cleaning ship we kept perfectly in health as we are to turn all circumstances to our advantage all our empty casks were filled with rain water and I have now a very sufficient