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[Page 6]
I have lately employed myself in writing a journal of all my transactions since the Investigator became incapable of prosecuting the voyage, up to the present time. It will be finished in a month or two, and I then propose to transmit it to you, Sir Joseph, to be published with or without correction, to be delivered to the admiralty, to be kept till my return, or to be burnt, as you think proper. In it will be contained all the information concerning our shipwreck, my voyage in the Cumberland, and imprisonment here, which you will desire.
I enjoy tolerable health, but am much harassed with the continual disappointment of my hopes, - with the completion of my voyage being so long prolonged interrupted, and the possibility of the French sending out to examine the unexplored parts of New Holland whilst they keep me a prisoner here: I should suppose, however,that no passport would be granted them, whilst theirs remains in continual violation. Should a peace speedily arrive and their Lordships of the Admiralty wish to have the N.W. coast of Australian examined immediately, I will be ready to embark in any ship provided for the service that they may chuse to send out. My misfortun have not abated my ardour in the service of science. Whilst exploring the north and west coasts, - Timor, the Isle of France, Pulo Penang are much more convenient places to touch at for refreshments than Port Jackson: and the two last are much more capable of supplying naval or the reparations of which are often necessary. This, in the event of a sending out another Investigator here immediately after the peace, would doubtless be considered, and most probably lieut. Fowler or my brother be chosen as first lieutenant, to bring her out to me
With five or six asses to carry provisions,{and they can be procured here} expeditions might be made into the interior of Australia from the head of the Gulph of Carpentaria in 18o. and from the head of the great gulph on the south coast in 32o .until the courses should nearly meet: five hundred miles each way would most probably be sufficient, since the country does not appear to be mountainous: a view of any general chart will exemplify this. In case of being again sent to Australia I should much wish that this was a part of my instructions,- If my release should be obtained, and the admiralty be desirous that I should explore the north and west coasts immediately, the commander in chief in India might be ordered to furnish me with a vessel which might be restored after the service was completed, and I could return afterwards to England in one of the Indiaman: you will, however, most probably think, that my return to England with my books and papers is necessary before undertaking any other expedition.