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[Page 2]
I acknowledge my vanity in hoping to rise in your estimation upon the perusal of my labours, for I do value your good opinion very highly and have tried to deserve it, throughout the voyage it has been no small stimulus to my exertions in almost every instance, that the execution of such a particular thing would be agreeable to Sir Joseph Banks, such a thing must not be left in such an imperfect state, for Sir Joseph will be told that his protégé has not the ability and industry he is willing to think.
My emulation reached even further, for when I considered that I had the honour of being born in the same county as Sir Isaac Newton and Sir Joseph Banks, I determined at least not to be altogether unworthy of it; and though I could never hope to to approach near to their wide-spread and immortal fame, I struggled to keep in the path that led towards it. Blame not my presumption, Sir Joseph, the attempt will make me more worthy of your consideration, however far my ambition may fall short of its aim, and I sigh to think how far it must fall short.
I have desired Mr. Aken to call with this letter himself in Soho Square, that he may satisfy your inquiries concerning my situation; and should you be in the country he will wait in town as long as four or five weeks to receive your commands, or wait upon you in the country if you desire it.
I cannot doubt, Sir Joseph, but that some attempts have been made to obtain my release from the French government, and probably all that were likely to be attended with success; but I am wholly a stranger to what has been, or is likely to be done; except that it has been wispered to me, that General De Caen has received the copy of a letter from Lord Hawkesbury and the answer of Mr Talleyrand concerning my imprisonment, but what the contents was was not added. This violent animosity between the nations on account of the invasion, has I fear been a great preventative to communications, and will still be so.
About two months since, I wrote a long letter, or rather application to Mr Fleurieu at Paris, praying his intercession with the government that I might be sent to France, and an examination made into the circumstances. Of this letter, I forwarded a copy to the Admiralty about the same time, and shall probably be able to send a duplicate by this conveyance. The French naval commander in chief here, admiral Linois, wrote at the same time a letter to Mr Fleurieu, recommending my unpleasant situation to his notice; and another French gentleman here, who is pleased to be my friend, wrote to Bougainville, Lalande, Chaptal, and Dupuy, pressing their influence for my release or removal to France.