Address:
M^rs Flinders
      Partney near Spilsby
            Lincolnshire

Annotation: No 36         Sep^r 19^th 1808

                          Isle of France April 13 1808

    I wrote thee my dearest love two months by a friend going to Ame-
rica, and I now write thee again by a similar opportunity. No change
whatever has taken place in my situation since that time, and it is
evident that none will in consequence of the order which arrived here
in July last. I informed thee that I had written in October to the
marine minister of France, but whether another order will be sent
out is very uncertain; nor have I yet learned what steps Sir Edward
Pellew proposes to take on learning the obstinacy of general De Caën
to keep me, or what are his sentiments upon it, but by the return
of a French cartel from Calcutta, I expect to receive much infor-
mation.
      My friends have dissuaded me from throwing up my pa-
role, and insist that I ought to consider myself free to all intents and
purposes without that, since the order of the French government to set
me at liberty has been communicated. In short, my love, I have
nothing certain to tell thee, except that my affection for thee, for my
friends, and my country remain, and ever will, unalterably the same.
      I continue to pursue the studies which have relation to
my voyage, with the intention of rendering it as useful as possible;
I enjoy good health, generally, and am happy in the good and kind
family where my fortunate stars first placed me on being liberated
from prison, as also in the favourable opinion and compassionating [sic]