Letter received by Banks from WilliamBligh, 17 February 1788 (Series 46.21) - No. 0002

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quantity to carry me to Otaheite [Tahiti] without touching any where. — I am happy and satisfyed in my little ship and we are now fit to go round half a score of worlds – both men and officers tractable and well disposed & chearfulness & content in the countenance of every one. I am sure nothing is even more conducive to health. – I have no cause to inflict punishments for I have no offenders and every thing turns out to my most sanguine expectations - Nelson & the Gardener are very well indeed I have not had a sick person since I left England, and I hope to have the honor to give you like accounts in my returns. –

The Winds will determine what I am to do hereafter, but this I will most faithfully promise you Sir that I will complete the grand object of our voyage, and only wish to to have the fullest hope that every thing that is possible