Copy of a letter received by Nevil Maskelyne from T. Inman, 30 December 1803 (Series 23.34) - No. 0003

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committed to my charge, I wish too, particularly to inform you that such have been the expences of living at Port Jackson, the most extravagant Place on the Face of the Earth, with the amount of my Passage thence to China, that I have been obliged far to exceed the rule you laid down for me (viz) to draw for half of my Pay & I have however, when you know the circumstances under which I am bound, you will not attribute this to any wrong motive.  In fact it has arisen from absolute necessity.

I have made during the passage such observations as I had in my Power.  We saw one or two Islands which I think have not been seen before by any European.

T. Inman

Copy of a letter from Mr. Inman to Dr. Maskelyne