Letter received by Banks from Matthew Flinders, 29 April 1801 (Series 65.15) - No. 0001

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H.M.S. Investigator - Nore

April 29. 1801

Sir Joseph

Considering that some time might be saved by getting our guns shifted immediately, I yesterday wrote a letter to the admiralty concerning them, of which the following is a copy.

Evan Nepean Esq. Admiralty Office - London

Sir

Understanding that a passport is to be obtained for His Majestys sloop under my command, and that it is now daily expected, I beg leave to represent, that the number of guns on board her, are more than will be requisite to combat with the Indians with whom we may expect to meet, in the voyage for which the Investigator has been fitted;  and also, that their number and weight prevent her from carrying the quantity of present use water which is requisite to a long passage, and to the health of the company.  The advanced state of the season for sailing making it requisite that as little time as possible should be lost. I am induced to make the representation thus early;  and having the approbation of the Right Honble Sir Joseph Banks upon the subject, I have to request, that their Lordships will be pleased to order, that ten of the twelve long six-pounders may be taken out of her;  and that in lieu, she may be supplied with six twelve-pound carronades and two more swivels;  which guns, in addition to two eighteen-pound carronades now on board, and the two remaining long sixes, I consider to be sufficient to repel the attack of any Indian with whom we are likely to meet.

As a part of the service in which we may expect to be engaged will probably be in rivers whose direction may lie east and west, or nearly so;  and where, consequently, a time-keeper convenient for taking into boats or small vessels will be of the greatest service for ascertaining their extent, I beg leave to request that a pocket time piece of Arnold or Earnshaw may be ordered for me;  no time keeper of this description being furnished to the astronomer by the Board of Longitude - I am Sir etc -

 When in town I applied at the Hydrographical room for the copies

April 30