Letter received by Banks from William Bligh, 14 July 1805 (Series 58.34) - No. 0003

[Page 3]

Governor Philip was regularly commissioned to the Sirius with three Lieutenants under him and Captain Hunter's Commission run thus -

"J. H. hereby appointed second Captain of H.M. Ship with the Rank of Post Captain with power to command her in the absence of the principal Captain subject nevertheless to the Controul [control] & to such orders and directions as he may from time to time receive from the said principal Captain for the Regulation of his proceedings."

Governor Philip was only 5 Years a Post Captain, and Hunter made Post at the time. 

I am 15 Years Post, and within the hundred of oldest Captains on the List. 

W.B.