Letter received by Banks from William Bligh, 16 - 25 December 1792 (Series 50.21) - No. 0013

[Page 13]

with such pains & trouble.

I have forgot to mention to you that the cause of my not going to Madagasscar was, I did not want water, and as it would have been a loss of time & the heat would have rendered the Plants less fit to go round the Cape, the Botanists requested I would not stop untill I came to St. Helena. -

All the Plants have benefitted since I came in here - six of the Breadfruit are small Trees 6 feet high which I hope will give fruit in three or four Years.

I had great hopes of receiving letters at this Place, but am very much disappointed. At Jamaica I hope to hear that you are in good health. I think I shall be there about the time this letter is delivered to you by Capt. Elphinstone of the Atalanta who is arrived here from India.

My health is very much improved by the exercise I have had here and my head ach[sic] entirely gone. -

Of the Plants of this Island we have