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No. 16.
Bounty at St. Hellens
Decr 17th 1787
Dear Sir
I was happy to be favored with yours of the 14th and I do my utmost to bear with this Westerly wind and bad weather as there is no help for it. My orders has been a matter [of] serious consideration to me these last two days for they enjoin me to make my passage round Cape Horn . - How far I can accomplish it, at the bad time I shall be there is impossible to say, for now I see no prospect of change of Wind. I have therefore determin'd to ask you Sir if it would be proper for me to apply for discretional orders either to alter my route to go round the other way or to have it pointed out what I am to do in case I fail getting round Cape Horn.
Speaking generally of the Voyage my passage to Ohaheite round C. Horn will be about seven months and the other way nine or ten, but if I fail in getting round C. Horn the difference will be much against me: however I do not by any means despair of making the western passage. I have nothing but my attention & the success of the Voyage to return to you for the trouble I give you and that I faithfully promise - I remain Dear Sir with much respect
Your very obliged
& Affectionate Hnble Servant
Wm Bligh
Nelson is very well and I have every reason to hope he will conduct himself to give you every satisfaction