[Page 1]
{Copy of a letter addressed to His Excellency the captain general De Caën }
Williams Plains in the Isle of France March 9th 1806
General
The long delay of the French government of France in sending out orders relating to me, and the appearance that amidst the great occupations of the ministers, my situation may be forgotten, induce me to address your Excellency upon the subject of my long continued imprisonment.
Since the period when I was certainly informed, that the decision of my case was referred to the government of France by your Excellency. I have waited quietly, though most anxiously, for the arrival of orders that should decide my fate: I have seen vessels repeatedly arrive, and lately, officers charged with official dispatches, but these arrivals, instead of producing any change in my condition, only serve to throw further back, and almost to destroy, all hope of my situation being, at this distance any longer remembered. Under these circumstances, I trust your Excellency will consider how severely hard my case has been,and how much longer my imprisonment may continue, unless you shall at length be pleased to grant my request be sent to France.
The intentions with which I came to this colony may have been misunderstood, but I can lay my hand on my heart and aver, that I designed no injury to any nation, or government, or individual. My objects were solely to relieve the pressing necessities of my situation, and to acquire a knowledge of what means the Isle of France afforded me in aid of my future projects for the advancements of geographical and nautical knowledge, and for the benefit of these nations of miserable savages I proposed hereafter to visit. If, unfortunately, the French government should be deceived by any appearance to the contrary, and pronounce judgment against me, I must suffer the penalties of their award; but do not, Sir, in anticipation