Letters and Orders', being copy of a letter received by Joseph Short from William Bligh, 13 January 1806 (Series 40.028) - No. 0001

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 (Copy)                

Lady Sinclair Spithead
13th January 1806

Sir

          In consequence of your message to me by Lieutenant Putland, requesting me to appoint some Rendezvous to enable you to  fill up the Convoy. Instructions for the Merchant Ships in case they should part company I beg to inform you I cannot interfere with the Convoy until we are out of the control of the Commander under whose protection we are.  His Rendezvous must be ours;  but after that and your secret Orders are opened and myself thoroughly informed thereon then I shall have power and authority to direct the Ships how to proceed and we can judge of what is proper to be done.  Any proceedings of mine under which you act will fully exonerate you from any censure from my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty or others, and meet their approbation.

I am Sir
Your most obedient humble servt. 

Wm Bligh

On His M's Service

To Joseph Short Esqr.
Comman of H.M. Ship Porpoise