Letter received by Banks from WilliamBligh, 6 December 1787 (Series 46.14) - No. 0001

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No12  
Bounty at Spithead
Thursday Decr. 6 1787 at
6 in the morning

Dear Sir

The Wind is now come from the Northward and shall be clear to sea in a few hours if I am so fortunate as to have it continue. -- If I am not heard of in the year [89?] I would have you conceive that from being too late in the season to get round Cape Horn. I had proceeded to the C. Good Hope, but I do not by any means wish to infer that I think it will not be in my power to get round C. Horn, on the contrary I am certain I can accomplish it -- at any rate I have no doubt to complete the Voyage to your satisfaction.

I wrote to you yesterday as thought I might be detained here much longer and acquainted you of some promotions, an account of which was sent from the Admiralty to an Officer here at this place  I have to appologize to you for this as I am perfectly happy