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[Page 14]
[like]ly to be disappointed, I must endeavour to purchase some, but according to my mode of payment it will become very dear. I shall avoid bringing your name in question if possible, while the public affairs remain in the present state.
I could have furnished you with considerable more information respecting the state of public affairs, but I think I have said sufficient for to sense your attention. You will be hearing of it continually from all quarters for some time. It must grieve and mortify you. As some of my writing, might in some instance be construed, as prognosticating what would happen, it became the more indubitably necessary for me to come forward, and to deliver my opinion agreeable to what I have hinted in the beginning of my letter. When I was first told of what had happened, I was for some time before I could credit it, thinking that no man would have the temerity to set aside His Majesty's representative. I viewed it in as criminal light then as I do now excepting that every time I reflect upon it, the absurdity appears greater. I cannot conceive how so many should espouse the cause whom I considered to be by far better versed read in military tactics and government affairs, than what I am. I only ask these simple questions: is an Admiral or a General amenable for his conduct to a Captain? a Bishop to a parson? &c. In my opinion, if an high power is amenable to a low power, there is an end to all legal authority. But though the military law is so severe, does it mean, that an inferior officer should obey the commanding officer in an illegal act? I mean such as is rendered obvious to every man's understanding. I am at a loss to know what plea they will make. The common report has been, that Governor Bligh had done enough to hang twenty Governors; yet we hear nothing that he is charged with that exceeds a trifle as worthy of notice. If his accusers are in possession of any serious charges, why suffer so many trifling ones to be circulated , which almost every body thinks but little of. They are certainly out of their depth, and like those who cannot swim, endeavouring to save themselves by keeping their hands above water.
I remain Sir,
your most faithful
and obedient humble servant
George Caley
PS. On reading the public letter to a gentleman, a friend of Governor Bligh, he expressed a strong desire for His Excellency to see it and I condescended for to favor him with a copy thinking it might tend to keep up his spirits. I also copied other parts which related to the same subject. As I have taken this liberty with a letter meant to you, I considered it my duty to inform you of it, and to point out the parts which are copies. This I have done by marking them off with red.