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Port North-West Isle of France Feb.2_ 1805
Since my imprisonment here in December 1803, I have taken the liberty, Sir Joseph, of writing you several letters from this island, and I am still obliged to date them from hence, and in a prison; the violent injustice with which I have been treated, not having undergone the least relaxation; neither am I more informed of the cause of this direct violation of national faith and the rights of humanity than at first. These repeated complaints will be distressing, if not troublesome, to my patron; and I should not dare to make them, was I not conscious of being wholly innocent of any injurious act or intention towards the French nation; and therefore know that your feelings and sense of justice will plead my excuse, and in the end be gratified in having my exertions to obtain my release, with that of the charts and books relating to the Investigators voyage.
My last letter to you, Sir Joseph , was dated Aug. 23 1804, but was not sent till Nov.4 , when a postscript was added. On Dec. 30 I dated a letter to Mr Marsden, which contained copies of two others written to General De Caen upon the expiration of the first twelve months of my imprisonment ; the one praying to be set at liberty or to be sent to France; the other to be permitted the range of someone district in this island, where the master of the Investigator and myself might take the air and exercise necessary to our health, which has been very indifferent for some time past. Neither of these letters obtained any answer or received the least attention; and since that time, a certificate from the principal physician here, who attended us, has been equally unsuccessful, except that the doctor received a reprimand for giving it. I inclose a copy of this certificate
Feb 14 1805