Letter received by Banks from William Bligh, 17 December 1791 (Series 50.17) - No. 0001

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Table Bay 17th Decr 1791 Cape of Good Hope

My Dear Sir

I am happy to have certain conveynce to write to you. Captain Hunter is arrived from Batavia in a Dutch Brig which he has hire to take him & part of his officers & crew home at the rate of 300£ per Month. This Brig had supplied Port Jackson with provisions & they sailed in her from thence for Batavia on the 27th March, where they did not arrive untill the 27th Septr a space of six months, having taken their Route by the East of New Guinea through St Georges Channel. - They arrived here yesterday, but a strong SE wind prevents their getting up onto the road, and I am detained my Boats being away to her assistance she is so bad a sailer. - They give unfavorable accounts of Port Jackson with respect to the soil & its produce but all might be remedied if Government would send them cattle & they could make manure. Two or three lofty ships should be sent with only men sufficient to Navigate them & I am confident that by filling them with a number of good cows & Bulls and stocking the settlement at once, things would go on with less expence. It appears to me to be of the most consequence at present, & until it is done, there will be eternal discontent and little returns. At any Rate every ship should be obliged to carry six from this place, it would take but a small proportion of Room from the Convicts, & it is better to deduct the stowage of provisions for Water or without danger

May 9 1792