Address:
Matthew Flinders Esq^r
      &c &c &c
chez Mad^me D'Arifats
        Wilhelm's Plains

Annotation: July 23. 1806 – Larkins

                              Flacq 20^th July 1806

To Matthew Flinders Esq^r
    Captain in H.M.Navy
        &c &c &c

Sir

            With the most unfeigned thanks, allow me to acknowledge
the receipt of your kind letter, which came to hand yesterday – and to express
the great obligations I am under, for your offer of condolence and assistance.
The very name of Englishman desires ceremony before it and I should have
addressed you under that happy title had I not waited the promise of
your good young and deserving friend, Enseign Baudin, to forward me
an introductory letter to you, which has now been superseded by
your kind premier epistle. The {belack} of the Laws of Nations – as well
as those of hospitality, in your instance, had made the name of Flinders
dear to his Countrymen. Nor can they, who boast and are proud of
being called Englishmen, but feel indignant at the Author of your
unjust – and illegal confinement. I should be extreemly [sic] happy had I
it in my power to afford you any information respecting the steps
which have been taken by our Government towards your liberation
as well as to gratify you by the perusal of any Gazette, Pamphlet &c
on the subject of your detention – but really, unfortunately, I have not
one of the kind. I hope and sincerely trust that in the defence of
my Ship, I did my duty – as well as my utmost endeavours to supply
the glory of those Colors, which truly will never be sullied. And very
flattering must I feel your approbation of the conduct of those com=
=posing the crew of the Warren Hastings. The interest you have
expressed for Enseign Baudin gives me the opportunity of expressing
in the liveliest terms the conduct of that young man towards me,
    and