Letter received by Banks from WilliamBligh, 20 June 1788 (Series 46.24) - No. 0001

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No. 22

Bounty in False Bay
Cape Good Hope 20th June 1788

Dear Sir

This is the third letter I have wrote to you since here, The two former ones, one by a Dutch Ship & the other by a French Packet to Havre de Grace Capt Sebire, were fully on the cause of my being at this place, but as the conveyance in foreigh Ships is very uncertain, I shall just mention, that I bore away for this place, having met with very temprtuous weather off Cape Horn with constant contrary winds, after attempting to make my passage that way, for thirty Days. I left it on the 22 April & arrived here the 24th May.- I fully thought of sailing the 20th [June] but the ship requiring much caulking & refitting I find it impracticable, owing to very unfavorable weather before the 26th - Every assistance has been given to Nelson & his assistant. they have been with Mr Mason and most of the specimens & some seeds that he has collected, will be left with him.- Yesterday sailed from hence the Dublin East Indiaman wth the 77 Regt Coll. Balfour, for Bengal. They were here about a week to complete their