Letter received by Banks from WilliamBligh, 13 October 1789 (Series 46.27 - No. 0016

[Page 16]

12)

Desertions have happened more or less in every ship that has been at the Society Isles, but it has ever been on the Commanders Power to make the Cheifs return their people. -- They therefore knew such a plan could never succeed; and perhaps suggested that never so small a ship and so elligable an opportunity would offer to them again. --

Christian was the Officer on Deck, and the whole Watch being concerned except two Midshipmen who knew not what their Officer was about, it is not surprising that the business was speedily done, all the able men being concerned, and also the Greatest number, as may be seen by the following List --

18 Total --                                                                             Carry forwd 19