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Hobarttown, Van Dieman's Land.
1. October - 1808.
Dear Sir,
You have no doubt ere this heard of the Arrest of Governor Bligh by the Officers of the New South Wales Corps upon the 26 of January last, from which time until the 9 of August he had no Opportunity of conveying a Letter to me. I had however the Gratification of receiving one from him a few days since, from my Friend Col. Paterson at Port Dalrymple, to whom I had sent an Express informing him of a Ship sailing home direct for England. The governor writes in Spirits, and expresses his determination not to quit the Colony, that is, I imagine, not until His Majesty's Pleasure shall be known respecting his Arrest. He has been indignantly treated, and torn from his Government by those who should have supported him in it. He trusts you nor any of his Friends, will listen to the malignant Reports of his Enemies, and that whatever you may hear from the Rulers of the present day at Port Jackson, his Honor and Truth will nevertheless surmount their wicked representations.
Colonel Paterson is preparing to proceed to Sydney, for the purpose of assuming the Command, but this will not make any Alteration in the Governor's Situation, as he will still remain under Confinement. With all Deference
May 17
Rt Honble, Sir Joseph Banks.