Annotation:
        No 19
June 18 1805 from Sir Edward
Pellew, in answer to mine
to Vice-ad Rainier


Rec^d May 6 1806

H M Ship Culloden Madras
Roads 18 June 1805

Sir,

      Your letter to Vice Adml
Rainier did not reach its' destination
until his final departure from
this Coast, in consequence of which
it was forwarded to me at Bombay.

      The Circumstances of your
Situation have impreƒsed themselves
most strongly on my attention, and
I feel every disposition to alleviate
Your anxiety without I fear the
Means of affording You any present
relief from your very unpleasant
Situation.

      I apprehend the Orders
of His Majesty's Ministers relative
                                        to
To
Captain Flinders
late Commander of H M Sloop
      Investigator

to Prisoners of War taken in the East
Indies, do not permit of their
Exchange in this Country, and that
whenever your release on parole can
be obtained it will be requisite for
You to proceed to Europe to accomplish
Your Exchange, unleƒs in the Event of
a Ceƒsation of Hostilities between
the two Nations of which there
appears no present prospect.

      I however indulge a
confident expectation that from the
liberality recently exhibited by His
Excellency the Most Noble the
Governor General towards Captain
Bergeret and his followers, General
De Caen will be induced to shew
a mutual accommodation to the
British Prisoners at the Isle of
France,

France, and that from the earnest
Representations I have made to
the French Government at that
Settlement on the same Subject,
aided by the Measures which may
be taken by Commodore Osborn in
fulfilment of my Instructions in
relation thereto, will obtain for
Yourself, and those of His Majesty's
Navy, who are now suffering under
Captivity, such an alleviation of
Your Condition, as I most cordially
hope may result from that
Negotiation.

      I have transmitted your
letter to the Admiralty, that steps
may forthwith be taken for your
release at home, by effecting your
Exchange for an Officer of equivalent
Rank,

Rank, under an impreƒsion that
at least it may ensure Your return
to Europe on parole, if that should
be a neceƒsary preliminary to your
final liberation.

      I have the honour to be
          Sir
      Your very obed^t Servant

    [Pellew's signature has been cut away]