Letter received by Banks from Matthew Flinders, 10 May 1801 (Series 65.17) - No. 0002

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concerning the guns and pocket chronometer;  or have I received any intelligence concerning the articles of trade and barter, or the stationary and additional books.

I am now ordered to hold myself in readiness, if called upon, to attend a trial in the Admiralty Court, about the 19th next, which does not look as if we were to sail very early.

I most sincerely hope, as I believe does every individual on board, that our passport may soon arrive;  and that we may be able to begin a voyage in the success of which we are so much interested.

The only thing that remains undone in our outfit, besides what is above mentioned, is, that I have not been able to find a master.  I have written to Portsmouth and circulated the knowledge of our wants as wide as I could;  but our fleets being almost all at sea, it has hitherto been without effect. The addition of pay granted by the Navy Board makes the Investigator equal to a first rate in point of emolument;  and in case of success, I should hope she would be superior to most in making interest.  These advantages certainly give us some claim to one of the best officers in the service;  but I shall most probably be under the necessity of requesting the Navy Board to appoint some one whose character