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[Page 2]
anticipation of this judgment, deprive me of the best years of my life, ruin my hopes of advancement and of acquiring reputation by my labours;- do not keep me to an unlimited time from my family, who for years have been looking for my return to arrange their affairs, and to console them for the loss of a Father! Think only, General, that it is possible my intentions might have been innocent, as I have averred; what I have already suffered will excite your regret; you will hasten to send me where, if I am found innocent, a few days would be sufficient to restore me to my family and the continuance of my peaceful employment; and if guilty, where a speedy punishment would at least put an end to the anxiety and suspence, the expectations and disappointments, with which my mind as been tortured for the last twenty-seven months,
Justice speedily administered, is an act of mercy, even to the guilty; but how much more to the innocent. If ever, in the careless of prosperity, I thought slightly of this adage my experience within the two last years has most fully convinced me of its truth and importance. I would not at this moment that my most inveterate enemy should acquire the same conviction at such a price.
The permission you granted me to leave the Maison Despeaux has led me to think, that your Excellency does not regard my unfortunate position in this island with indifference; and makes me hope, that to abridge the term of my suffering would give you pleasure; I do not, therefore doubt, but that you will comply with this my earnest request to be sent to France, even though it should be at the expence of making some change in your arrangements.
I have the honour to be
Your Excellencys most obdt and hble servant
Mattw Flinders