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on board, it would be improper for me to leave her.
I had thoughts of writing a public letter to the Admiralty relative to manning the ship with volunteers; but since you, Sir Joseph, have entered upon that point, I feared, that by so doing that plan might be marred instead of forwarded.
Your last, Sir Joseph, of the 31st answers my letter of the 28th, but I do not observe anything that refers to various matters contained in a previous letter of the 26th. I do not know whether this was intentional, or whether that letter had not been received.
Your kindness prevents me from apologising further for thus troubling you; I shall therefore only say, that with the highest respect,
I am, Sir Joseph,
Your obliged, humble servant
Matthw Flinders
Should it be judged necessary, I will forward the lists of the instruments &c immediately; with a few comments upon them.
Rt Hon Sir Joseph Banks