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[Page 2]
think I mean to dictate far from it, but if it meets your approbation I give you my Word & Honor as an Officer that I shall feel myself happy in meeting your Wishes, if on the contrary our Letters goes to the Admiralty it most likely will be decided by a Court Martial, when I shall as far as the Laws of the Naval Service authorizes me insist on meeting any Accuser face to face when I trust my proceedings will appear to my Judges as founded on the strict rules of the Naval Service, and in support of His Majesty's Ship having a Convoy under her charge; be certain Sir if I can with Honor and Comfort to myself and Family, it is my Wish to give up the Command of this Ship at Port Jackson.
I beg to observe when I found it requisite to send in express to Sir David Baird, I also found it necessary to appoint Agents to answer any expences that might occur in case the Prize or any part of her Cargo was condemned, and Messrs. Robertson & Hopley being strongly recommended I wrote them on the occasion.
I beg to conclude Sir by saying that as any further proceedings rests with you, I have to request your answer, as the Packet for St Helena I understand will only wait two days in False Bay.
I have the Honor to be Sir
Your most obedient Servant
Joseph Short
Captn. Willm. Bligh
of His Majesty's Ship Porpoise
Attested Wm Bligh