Letter received by Banks from WilliamBligh, 9 January 1788 (Series 46.20) - No. 0001

[Page 1]

No. 18

Bounty at Tenarif  [Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands]
Jany. 9th. 1788

Dear Sir

I arrived here in Sunday after a passage of twelve days attended with very tempestuous weather. - We had a severe gale from the Channel until below Cape Finister, [Finisterre] but the Wind fair which induced me to scud too long - The Sea was extremely high and by making several breaks over us, our Boats were much stove and our stern stove in - however we soon got the better of all this, and are now perfectly in good order again. The ship behaves very well & is an excellent seaboat. My People are all healthy and well, and I have taken in some good wines which I think will be better for them in hot Climates than the Spirits. I have taken two Hhds [Hogsheads?] of the best quality for you which will be very fine on my return and equal to Madeira. Nelson is very well and is employed gathering what this place can give him