Letter received by Banks from LordSelkirk, 14 September 1787 (Series 45.11) - No. 0002

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& both were refused by Sandwish [Lord Sandwich] to be made Lieuts, & it happend  that both of them were made Acting Lieutenants by Keith Stewart, & afterwards confirmed, not with Sandwiches good will.  Hows interest on his return from America, could not prevail on Sandwich to make Hunter a Lieutt .I have wrote to Keith Stewart wishing him to help his friend Bligh, if he can, with Howe.  I got some of these particulars from an Officer of the Navy who happens to be here just now on a visit ; who tells me that this Establishment of Blighs Vessel is that of a Cutter, & says it is highly improper for so long a Voyage; only 24 - Able Seamen, & 21 - of all others, without a Lieutenant, or any Marines, with only a Surgeon without a Surgeons Mate, which arises from its being considerd [considered] as a Cutter, whereas in a Sloop of War they have besides Lieut & a Surgeon & his Mate, who they be but on Channel Service, where if a Surgeon dies, they can have help at every Port: but if Blighs Surgeon meets with any accident they must want all Medical assistance God knows how long.  This is the good of adhering without judgement to the Etiquette of an Establishment, without following the common sense of what is requisite for