Dec 12, 1787 Home Banks Letters Dec 19, 1787
Revised May 17 2021
Bounty at St. Helens
Dec'r. 17th. 1787
Dear Sir
I was happy to be favored with yours of the 14th. and I do my utmost to bear with this westerly wind and bad weather as there is no help for it. My orders has been a matter serious consideration to me these last two days for they enjoin me to make my passage round Cape Horn. How far I can accomplish it at the bad time I shall be there is impossible to say, for now I see no prospect of change of Wind. I have therefore determin'd to ask you Sir if it would be proper for me to apply to discretional orders either to alter my route to go round the other way or to have it pointed out what I am to do in case I fail getting round Cape Horn.
Speaking generally of the Voyage my passage to Otaheite round C. Horn will be about seven Months and the other way nine or ten, but if I fail in getting round C. Horn the difference will be much against me however I do not by any means despair of making the western passage. I have nothing but my attention & the success of the Voyage to return to you for the trouble I give you and that I faithfully promise. I remain Dear Sir with much respect
Your very obliged & affectionate Hmble Servant Nelson is very well and I have every reason to hope he will conduct himself Wm Bligh to give you every satisfaction
[In a different hand, on reverse:]
Ld Howe to whom I shewd this Letter on the 18th. Inst. agreed with me in the necessity of sending discretionary orders to Mr. Bligh & promised they should be immediately dispatchd Write to him and advised [sic] him not to give up the attempt by Cape Horn without a trial
Dec 12, 1787 Home Banks Letters Dec 19, 1787