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Oct 28 1808
Sir
Though I was pretty copious in my last letter, yet I did not give you so full an account as I could have wished. Lieut. Col. Foveaux having arrived after it was written, and having had the command for some time previous to the ship (Rose) sailing by which it was forwarded, together with the ship being detained by him, caused me to be silent for that time in not writing a supplementary letter to send by the said ship. But before I enter upon Lieut. Col. Foveaux' conduct, I shall relate what may be considered worthy of notice, that passed between me and Gov. Bligh, on my first seeing him after the command was wrested from him, as near as I can. And the short interview I had with Major Johnston.
Hearing that Gov Bligh would shortly be sent to England, I thought it a favourable opportunity for to return with him. I got a gentleman to introduce me to Major Johnston, (never having spoken to him before, nor since) purposely to know how I stood since a change had taken place; and to procure some wood for packing cases. He gave me to understand that every thing respecting me was to remain as usual, and immediately gave orders for the wood I wanted (but which I never received, but not from any blame to be attached to him.) As Gov. King told me that he should leave the papers concerning me with Gov. Bligh, I pointed this out to him, (Major Johnston) but I perceived he was unacquainted with them, yet seemed satisfied with what I had said. My next business was to see Gov. Bligh, concerning what I had in view. Meeting him in the hall (expressing as he went into the parlour) you see how they have served me, they might as well have done the same by the King of England. Having shut the door, he desired me to sit down in a corner of the room, (where I perceived the Sentinels could not see me). He began his discourse (which was mostly whispered) by wishing me to write to you. Not knowing whether he was fully acquainted with my disposition, I answered -- I was no partisan in the present business, nor a servile slave to any man, and that I stood independent. He replied, I conceive myself independent also. But said, he was afraid to write, that he was kept in ignorance, that he did not know what they meant to do with him, and lamentingly wished that he was now with Sir Joseph Banks. I told him that as for writing by present ships, (one entirely under McArthur's direction, and the Captains of the other I do not doubt greatly influenced by him). I conceived of but little use, for I was strongly persuaded in my own mind the letters would be intercepted: and gave him my opinion on respecting the character of McArthur, and what would be the consequence of what