Copy of a letter received by Philip Gidley King from Campbell & Co., 17 November 1804 (Series 66.08) - No. 0001

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(Copy)          

Calcutta 17th. Novemr. 1804

Sir

The inclosed addressed to your Excellency from Captn. M. Flinders of His Majesty's Navy we received under cover from him on the 13th Inst, and as his sufferings are great and that it may be in your power to alleviate the distress of so meritorious an Officer as well as that the Packet may contain matter of much consequence to your Excellency we think it our duty to give it all possible dispatch, and have therefore come to the determination of ordering the Brig Eagle Captn Haddy to proceed with it so soon as she has landed her Cargo at Columbo which will only at this Season be a detention of a few days and we hope you will receive it safe.  The greatest part of the Cargo was on freight for that Port and was on board before we received Captn. Flinders's packet otherways we would have dispatched her direct for Port Jackson.  Should your Excellency have occasion to employ the Eagle after her arrival as a Cartel to the Isle of France on account of the severe treatment Captn Flinders has met with from that Government she is much at your Excellency's service on as moderate terms as your Excellency and our Robert Campbell of Sydney may agree for.

We have the honor to be
&c &c

(sign'd) Campbell & Co.

His Excelley [Excellency] Governor King
&c &c

Augt. 20