at least, by laying out a sum of money at the shop; she was
glad of such an opportunity to shew them that she had respec-
-table friends; and I hope Penelope will do very well yet.
      No doubt you are better acquainted with everything relating
to Susan than I am. I left her at 31 Basinghall Street
waiting M^rs Ashtons coming up to town.
      As my dear partner will add a postscript, I know of
nothing material to add, but the affectionate regards of
Samuel and myself to you. to our mother and sisters.
and rememberances to our Donington friends.
      I am my dear father, your affectionate and
          dutiful son
                Matt^w Flinders

To Miƒs Flinders at M^r Hursthouses Tidd – H.M.S. Investigator
                                    Little Nore May 10 1801
Your last long and very acceptable letter, my dearest cousin,
I found on board the Investigator about a fortnight since, on
my return from London. I will first answer it, and then talk
about my own affairs.
      You close your letter by requesting the initials of that officers
^ ^name who gave me the information that distreƒsed ^ ^you. I wish my cousin
you had not asked it, because it is improper that I should comply.
If what he said is true, he acted a proper part in telling me, and
if it is not true, it is not worth your thinking further about.
I cannot tell what affect these northern affairs ^allegations will have upon
the Swedish prizes, but I rather fear that if that power gives up
the confederacy, all the prizes belonging to that nation will be re-
turned as a part of the price. It gratifies me, and is a reaƒsurance
of captain L's affection that he wrote you so soon after the action.
I think my dear Henny it says a great deal, and may the Almighty
Power bring that soon to paƒs, that shall prevent all my ^ ^further fears and
doubts for you on this subject.
      You know my cousin that it is my custom to say what I think;
it is perhaps the best plan in the end but not always politic at the
time. Had I told you, my dear Henny, that your firm adherence
to what appears to me to be a plan ill calculated for your happineƒs
made no difference whatever in the esteem and indeed veneration I
have for you in every respect, I should have said wrong; and truly I think