Letter received by Banks from Nathaniel Portlock, 1 September 1791 (Series 51.01) - No. 0001

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His Majestys Ship Providence off Teneriff  Sep 1st: 1791

Sir

I am desird by Captain Bligh to acquaint you that yesterday Evening after he had closd his [Packett?] his fever returned in a very Violent degree and that nothing but  a dead calm prevented the Providence and Assistant from proceeding to sea the last Evening - Captain Bligh had orderd me to remain aboard the Providence untill she gets to sea and I am now happy to Acquaint you that he is much recovered and pronounced out of danger by his surgeon, although a considerable degree of pain still remains in his head but the surgeon is of opinion that the sea air will soon restore Captain Blighs health, we are at