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H.M.S. Investigator at the Nore
May 24. 1801
I am much indebted to you, Sir Joseph, for the information contained in your letter of the 21st.
It is true that I had an intention of taking Mrs Flinders to Port Jackson, to remain there until I should have completed the purpose of the voyage, and to have then brought her home again in the ship; and I trust, that the service would not have suffered in the least by such a step. The Admiralty have most probably conceived, that I intended to keep her on board during the voyage, but this was far from my intention.
As some vindication of the step I was about to take, I may be permitted to observe, that until it was intended to apply for a passport, I not only did not take the step, but did not intend it; which is perhaps a greater attention to that article of the Naval Instructions than very many commanders have paid to it. If their Lordships understood this matter in its light, I should hope that they would have shown the same indulgence to me, as to Lt Kent of the Buffalo, and many others who have not had the plea of a passport.
If their Lordships sentiments should continue the