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[Page 3]
to France; therefore I hope, that in time something may be done this way should earlier methods fail. The admirals letter is necessary a cautious one; the following is a copy of it
Le coutre admiral Linois, commandant de la Legion d'honnuer et des forces navales de l'Empire Francaise dans les mers á l'ist
du Cap du Bonne Esperance.
À Monsieur Fleurieu, grand officer de la Legion d'honneur et Conseiller d'Etat
Monsieur
Le Capitaine Flinders, que je ne connois que de reputation in á fait inviter de vous prier d'accuciller avec interét la lettre qu'it a l'honneur de vous a drefser pour vous peindre la situation facheuse oú il se trouve, et solliciter que par votre recommandation ou mettre enfin un terme á sa detention. Je ne puis et ne veux me permettre aucum réflexion sur les motifs qui détermine le chef de cette Colonie, d'arrêter ce navigateur dans une carriérun voyage dangereux, penible, et dont la publicité devait exciter la reconnoussance de toutes les nations maritimes. A ce titre, Monsieur, je ne puis douter que le capitaine Flinders, ne vous inspirera l'intéret que l'on deit á l'homme suffrant, et á celui qui marche sur les traces des illustres marins dont vous nous avez d'ecrit les travaux dúne maniere aussi brillante qu agréable et instructive.
C'est toujours avec emprefsement qui je saisir l'occasion de me rappeler à votre souvenir et de vous renouveller les hommages respectueux avec la quels.
J'ai Chonneur d'être, Monsuer
votre très humble et très obeisant seriteur
Linois
[Translation of the French]
[Admiral Linois, commander of the Legion of Honor and naval forces of the French Empire in the seas at the East
Cape of Good Hope.
To Mr. Fleurieu, Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor and State Councillor
Monsieur
d'accuciller
Captain Flinders, whom I know only from reputation, has been invited to beg you to accucill[?] with interest the letter that you have the honor to describe to you the grim situation in which he finds himself, and to solicit that by your recommendation or finally put an end to his detention. I can not and will not permit myself to reflect on the motives which determines the leader of this colony, to stop this navigator in a dangerous and painful journey, the publicity of which ought to excite the gratitude of all the maritime nations. As such, Sir, I can not doubt that Captain Flinders will not inspire you with the interest that we owe to the humble man, and to those who follow in the footsteps. Illustrious sailors whose work you have written to us in a manner as brilliant as it is pleasant and instructive.
It is always with imprint that I take the opportunity to remember your memory and to renew the respectful homage with which
I have the honor to be, Monsieur your very humble and very obedient servant
Linois
Mr Aken will lay a train of correspondence for me, by way of America; from which, if there should be no certain prospect of my immediate release. I may receive letters. Might I beg of you, Sir Joseph, to favour me with a few lines; it would be a certificate that I was not wholly forgotten by those whose remembrance I am most anxious to cherish, and therefore be a very good satisfaction in this tedious confinement to
your most obliged and faithful Servant
Mattw Flinders