Letter received by Banks from Matthew Flinders, 1 July 1807 (Series 65.43) - No. 0002

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There is a literary society formed in this island, called the Society of Emulation.  Their acting committee some time since wrote a letter to the National Institute of Paris, pressing forcibly upon its leading members my unjust sufferings, and praying them in the name of humanity and the sciences to use their utmost efforts to obtain for me an honourable release, or at least that I should be sent to France for examination.  A copy of this letter will probably have been shewn you, Sir Joseph, by governor King, to whom I enclosed a copy of it.  In acknowledgement of their kindness, I have written to the Society a letter of ten pages, describing [indecipherable] Reef, and giving my opinion upon the loss of the much regretted La Perouse.  I have received a flattering letter of thanks from the secretary, and a request to continue my correspondence.

On March 23 last, I wrote a letter to governor Bligh at Port Jackson, giving him a comparison between my observations and his in Torres' Strait, and enclosing a paper, which describes the manner of preparing maize for the table in the Isle of France. I thought this would be useful to his colonists, and I hope the letter will convince His Excellency of the respect I entertain for his talents and services in nautical science;  and perhaps he will see the injustice of [indecipherable] me with an unfavourable eye.

Three charts of the north coast of Australia upon large scales, - the second volume of my log book, completed as far as I had materials, - and a general account of the Investigator's voyage up to the commencement of my serving at Cape Leuwen, are the papers I have addressed to the admiralty, with an accompanying letter.  I shall also write to Mr. Dalrymple upon the subject.  All the other books and papers I have ordered to remain with my agent, Mr. W.A. Standert of Norfolk Street, until my return:  But if death, or eternal imprisonment should prevent my arrival, the Endeavours' log book, which you had the goodness to lend me, will be found there.