Aug 6, 1787 Home Banks Letters Sep 21, 1787
Revised May 17 2021
No. 4 Broad Street St. Georges East
Sept'r. 15'th. 1787
Sir.
I am sorry I cannot say our progress in equipment has gone on so rapidly as I expected, the detension has been owing to a great struggle to get the masts and yards shortned a circumstance I am happy I perservered in. Capt. Cook's supplies are a president [precedent] the different boards are governed by, and I shall not give them any trouble unless in essential points. They continue to be very obliging in the yard but have not yet finished their work. I hope to be ready by the last day of the month. Our good Friend the comptroller notwithstanding his disinterested Plans for the good of the Service, has been [?] & let out of his System, for he has appointed a Master who has not been above six months out of employ, but I see no objection to him. The Doctor has a good character.
I have been honored with a visit from Sir Geo. Yonge who was particularly inquisitive & anxious about my proceedings & orders. As I never heard you mention S'r. George I have avoided answering any direct questions. What he aims at particularly is my carrying plants to Madrass, because he says he has informed Lord Cornwallis he should get a ship to bring them, to which I took the liberty to say I thought the plan not elligible for me to carry them there. He then wished some might be left in Java from whence they might be taken to Madrass by any Vessel they would send for them.
I was yesterday with a Mr. Stephens who presented to me a letter from Doctor Blane, the purport of which was, he begged leave to recommend a Mr. Lochead as a Botanical & Medical Gentleman who wish'd to go the Voyage with a view to prosecute natural knowledge. I had just before received a letter from my very kind friend Lord Selkirk, and also one from Doctor Blane respecting him. requesting I would back the application and say such a person was necessary. Thus the matter stood when Mr. Stephens told me that Lord Howe seem'd to have no objection to his going if I could find room for him. I told Mr. Stephens ingenously my affectionate respect for Lord Selkirk and that I begged if the matter hinged with me, my refusal, (asserting for a reason a want of room) might not be given as one from the Board that he could not be permitted to go. I am desired to attend Lord Howe on Tuesday & should be happy if it could be possible for me to hear from you by that time. I shall object to his going as I conceive Sir if you had thought that any person was necessary but those you had recommended you would have fixed that matter before you left Town, and now being out of the way I am not willing that any alteration should take place without your approbation.
I hope I am acting as you could with me for believe me Sir I am with great respect
Your very obliged and Affectionate Hmble Servant Wm Bligh
Aug 6, 1787 Home Banks Letters Sep 21, 1787