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[Page 2]
commander of a voyage in discovery whose labour is calculated for the good of all nations, should be kept a prisoner without something greatly wrong on his part; and since no crime is charged against me, it is currently reported here that I have not the requisite papers to prove my identity.
I hope, Sir Joseph, that even from the charts which I have sent home you will think we did as much as the lateness of the season with which we first came upon the coast and the early rottenness of the Investigator could well allow; and I think our labour will not lose on a comparison with what was done by the Géographe and Naturaliste. No part of the unfortunate circumstances that have since occurred, can, I believe, be attributed to my neglects or mistakes; and therefore I am not without hope, that when the Admiralty know I am suffering an unjust imprisonment, they will think me worthy to be put upon the post captains list. My age now exceeds the time at which we judge in the navy a man ought to have taken his station there who is to arrive at anything eminent. It would soften the dark shade with which my reflections in this confinement cannot but be overspread, to know, that I was promoted to the list where my rank would be progressive. It is to you only, Sir Joseph, that I can address myself upon this subject. I have had ample testimonies of your power, and of the strength of your mind in resisting the malicious insinuations of those who are pleased to be my enemies; nor do I further doubt your willingness to give me assistance, than that I fear you do not yet think me worthy of it. But I will be! If I do not prove myself worthy of your patronage, Sir Joseph, let me be thrown out of the society of all good men. I have too much ambition to rest in the unnoticed middle order of mankind, and since neither birth or fortune have favoured me, my actions shall speak to the world. In the regular service of the navy there are too many competitors for fame; I have therefore