Copy of a letter received by Matthew Flinders from Banks, June 1801 (Series 65.26) - No. 0001

[Page 1]

Dear Sir

I have at last had a long conversation with Mr Nepean on the subject of the charges brought against you & have pleaded your cause I hope effectively. The Questions that remain not quite cleard up are why was not the head going when the Ship went ashore, & why was there not an officer in charge of the Quarter Deck at the time the Prisoner escaped. You tell me that the man was not deliverd into your charge as a Prisoner if this is so I advise you to state the Fact to the Board who will call upon the Port Admiral for an explanation.

I have proposd to the Admiralty to give you leave to touch at Madera for Wines & they have consented. I conclude you will Sail in a very few days you wait now merely for the adjustment of the manner of filling up Blanks in the Pasport which cannot take many hours whensoever it is set about.

Respecting the division of the Batta Money allowd by the India Company my advice is that the Voyage be considerd for the purpose as a four years Voyage in which point of view the usual allowances will stand as follows

for the Cabbin £150 x 4              - - £600

for the Gun Room £80 x 4            - - 320

Miner & Gardener £10 a year each  - 20

                                                     ______

                                                        1000

in this case the surplus £242 will be indeed little