Address:
The Rev^d Mr Tyler
    Partney near Spilsby
        Lincolnshire
For M^rs Flinders

Stamped: PORTSMOUTH

Annotated: June 1803

              Investigator in False Bay Nov. 3 1801

    I have already written thee twice, my best love, from
this place, in which I have expreƒsed the expectation of
being on our way to New Holland before this time.
Foul winds have detained us these two days, but to-
-morrow morning, and it is now nine in the evening,
we have every prospect of sailing. I shall send this
by M^r Crosley, who leaves us here on account of
his health. The youngest Bell also has left the
ship by his own application, finding as he said
that he was unfit for the service; and I have gotten
a fine young Irishman of about 17 in his lieu,
a red-hot volunteer for the service. He calls the
bishop of Meath, uncle.
    I could almost fancy that here was a regular
post, having written three times within a fortnight;
but when I look for the return of post, alas the blank
makes me sigh. Yes indeed, my love, I sigh heavily
to know thy situation in many respects; and when I