Letter received by Banks from William Bligh, 14 July 1805 (Series 58.34) - No. 0001

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Durham Place Lambeth
July 14th 1805

My Dear Sir

I have seen Mr. Chapman who informed me that Lord Castlereagh attends the office and that in the beginning of the Week you can see him - His Lordship saw several gentlemen while I was there. What I am anxious to obtain from the Admiralty is, that the Commission I am to have may be such as to prevent losing my Rank for the time being according to the seniority I hold on the list of Captains, which is readily done, by the Ship to which I am to be appointed being registered as a Post Ship like a Yatch [ketch].

I have no objection to go out, if it is so ordered, in a safe Merchant Ship;  but I have to request that the Cabbin [cabin] and its appartments [apartments] may be to myself and made airy as I may direct, (without which I cannot go through a hot Climate). and that I may have that respect shewn [shown] in my equipment which is due to my situation and the good of the Colony. 

July 14

July 14