Copy of a letter received by Matthew Flinders from Banks, 18 June 1805 (Series 65.35) - No. 0002

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I entertain sanguine hopes of a favorable answer when he shall return to Paris from the markd & Laudable attention his imperial Majesty has always shewn to Scientific men as far as I know your friends here are well.

Mrs Flinders I heard of very lately as full of anxiety for your Return as possible I have heard many times from her on the subject and always done my utmost  to quiet her mind & sooth her apprehensions.

All your Letters to me & to the admiralty have I believe been safely received your Last containing the last sheet of your Chart I forwarded to the Hydrographic Office at the admiralty as you desird

We have had a succession of first Lords of the Admiralty since Ld  Spencer no one of them favourable to the pursuit of discovery & none less than the Present Ld Barham  Late Mr Charles Middleton as he however is 84 years old either his mind or his body must soon became incapable of any exertion whatever.

I have no news to tell you relative to discovery Mr Baudin's voyage has not yet been published. I do not hear that his countrymen are well satisfied with his proceedings. Capt Bligh has lately been nominated Governor of New South Wales.