Copy of a letter received by William Paterson from William Bligh, 8 August 1808 (Series 40.123) - No. 0001

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Government House, Sydney, 8th August 1808.

Sir

Lieutenant Colonel Foveaux having informed me that he intends sending a Colonial Vessel to Port Dalrymple, I embrace it as the first opportunity I have had to inform you that on the 26th January last Major Johnston together with his officers and New South Wales Corps under his command, invited by Mr McArthur, Bayley and others did without any correspondence put me in confinement within the premises of Government House where I remain at this moment. A committee seized all my letter books, book of appeal, my Commission appointing me Captain General and Governor in Chief, my Vice Admirals Commission, my instructions under the Sign Manual together with those from my Lord Castlereagh, Principal Senior Secretary of State for the colonies, all my papers, many of which were private, and the

To
Lieutenant Governor Paterson at Port Dalrymple