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[Page 3]
remaining past no way doubtful. Every person was in the most perfect health, to establish which I had taken the greatest pains, and bore a most anxious care through the whole course of the voyage.
I even rejected carrying stock for my own use, and throwing away the hen coops and every convenience. I roofed a place over the quarter deck and filled it with plants which I looked at with delight every day of my life.
I can only conjecture that the pirates (among whom is poor Nelson's first mate) have ideally assured themselves of a more happy life among the Otaheiteans than they could possibly have in England, which joined to some female connections has most likely been the leading [cause] of the whole business.
If I had been equipped with more officers and marines the piracy could never have happened.
I arrived here on the 1st instant and sollicited the Governor General to be allowed a passage in the first ship that sailed for Europe, but he has told me that he could not possibly send us all in one ship, and has consented, as granting me a favor, to be allowed to go in the packet, for the Physician General has represented my life in danger if I remained here.
I am Dear Sir, with great respect,
Your most obliged Hmble servant
Wm.Bligh
To Sir Josh. Banks Bart