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[Bligh appears to be referring to his report previous Document]
Cape Good Hope Dec. 16 1789
Dear Sir
On my arrival here I found a French Ship ready to sail, but unfortunately I was not so well pre-pared for such an opportunity, because being in a packet myself I conceived it was needless. The delays however of a Dutch Navigation induces me to believe you will receive this account before I arrive, & therefore am anxious to send it to you just as it is. In this you will see Sir the misfortunes of a man who pledges his honor to you, could not the forseen or guarded against, whose conduct will bear the test of the minutest inquiry and who only regrets that you should see him so unsuccessfull. But altho I have failed in the completion of my undertaking, I had accomplished most assuredly, the most difficult part of it. My sufferings have been very great but through the whole, that no dishonor could be reflected on your recommendation I have endeavor'd to make the remaining part of my voyage of some avail - even in my distressed situation, I went in search of Figee [Fiji] Isld & discovered them, or a number of others through which I sailed, and have made decent survey of them with respect to their situation. I have also done the same in the Coast of New Holland from the lat. 13º South, & passed to the north of Capt Cook through the Prince of Wales's Islands in latd about 10º 30' S I was fearful having no arms to go near to New Guinea, otherwise I would have determined how far Endeavor Straights was an elligible pass