Graham launched into his explanation. "Campbell and Banks together own plantations and run a Mercantile house in Jamaica. The businesses trade in slaves, sugar, rum and molasses as well as other goods to West Africa. They buy and sell, import and export, and thereby control both the means and the methods. Campbell is the high profile business man whereas Banks plays a more secretive role. I believe the commercial expression is sleeping partner. I cannot readily establish how and when they came together but their interests are both mutual and profitable. Their mercantile company owns and leases ships that sail the usual West African, Jamaican and Liverpool triangle."          Even though Howe was cleaning his nails with his letter opener he listened intently.         Graham continued talking as he paced over and gazed out the window....

(Illustration – Captain William Bligh at 33yrs)
         "Some time ago Banks realised that by feeding the Jamaican slaves breadfruit instead of the costly imported grain he could substantially reduce the cost of production of sugar, molasses and rum. He had witnessed the breadfruit's popularity in Tahiti and thought its introduction to Jamaica would be enormously profitable, a cheap and reliable food source for over half a million slaves. If successful it could cripple the foreign competition and make the fortunes for himself, Campbell and the other English planters. The French, Spanish and Dutch interests in the Indies would be unable to compete and be at a great disadvantage.
         Howe interrupted without looking up. "So they saw the opportunity to have the Admiralty finance the venture – better than using their own resources I suppose."
         "Yes, the cover of an expeditionary voyage it was perfect. for a voyage whose primary purpose was to purchase and transport bread-fruit to Jamaica. Although called a voyage of discovery, of scientific research, it was essentially a commercial venture. Banks enlisted the support of the King to whom he recommended Campbell's man Bligh. I have no doubt Bank's argued the national and patriotic benefits of the project and how England could benefit at he expense of the Europeans and Americans. A better grip on the European sugar market would also financially hurt the Dutch, French and the Spanish and their interests in the new world. Banks may have offered the King a financial interest? With his son's gambling debts who knows?
         Howe rubbed his chin thoughtfully remembering the constant grumbling for more funds to support the royal household. "Mmm, 'tis possible I suppose."
         Graham continued dryly, "as part of their plan Campbell and Banks in turn promised to supply the Naval Board with rum at a reduced price if the mission succeeded."
         Howe nodded, aware every how London and Liverpool merchant sought entry to the rum market.
         "But it was vitally important the whole project be kept secret if they were to gain the advantage over the foreign producers, or anyone else," added Graham.
         "And presumably for Campbell to disguise his interests and Banks to explain the scientific usefulness of the venture. Very clever," Howe smiled.
         "With the added advantage the need for less slaves from West Africa. The King and Wilberforce and his anti-slavers would welcome any hint the government was abandoning slavery."

(Illustration – Slavers returning to port in the West Indies 1770)

         Howe, like Pitt, cared little for Wilberforce and had no strong feelings for or against slavery. He waved the argument away and asked, "if it was to appear purely as a voyage of discovery and exploration, scientific in nature, then why all the preparations? Why the pots, watering systems and all the rest?"
         "Many people were suspicious but no one had any idea of the real purpose apart from the random selection of specimens. You may recall the delayed departure times? They were mostly caused by certain merchants smelling a rat and trying to find out the real reason for the voyage. From past experience they knew about Bank's commercial successes and they thought once again he was up to something. Some even attempted to put spies on board. The only ones who knew the real purpose of the voyage were the Admiralty, Banks, Campbell and presumably Bligh."
         "Go on."
         "Well Mr Pitt is not a naval man—and certainly not practical in that sense—however his attitude to money is as mean spirited and suspicious as your own." Graham could not resist the backhanded compliment. "As a consequence, the meagre budget allowed for the expedition denied Bligh the class of vessel and the marines normally required for such a journey. The mission therefore was flawed from the very start. After the mutiny nothing much changed except that the real reason for the voyage could no longer be such a secret. When Bligh returned home, after his mutiny, the interested parties all made sure they concealed their participation and connection and everything. A new attempt became urgent."
         Howe said, "and because of this new court martial even more secrecy?"
         "Reputations are now at stake. Bank's, Campbell's, Bligh's, and if the King is linked there will be outrage."
         Howe face froze in a grimace and looked up sharply "Of course none of this can be used in Heywood's application. Your orders are to make every effort to free Heywood without involving the King, the Admiralty, or bring disgrace on the Navy."
         Graham shrugged. "Mmm, but you asked me about the voyage. The voyage concerned money, slaves, rum, sugar and the chance of huge profits under a cloak of strategic nationalism. I make no comment on my brief"
         "So you believe Sir Joseph Banks was the facilitator, the main instigator?" Howe tapped his fingers.
         "Yes, his loyalties lie with his protege and fellow scientist Bligh and with his business partner and Bligh's uncle-in-law Campbell. I will not even attempt to unravel Campbell's other commercial interests but as you know he is involved in the tender and management of the hulks and in convict transportation to mention but two."
         Howe's fingertips tapped harder, "Again none of this can be disclosed."
 

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