H M Ship Bedford Downs
            November 1^st 1810.

My dear Sir,

    Some apology would be neceƒsary for the
abrupt manner I left you, except under the peculiar
circumstance that my departure was taken. – I felt so
Sensibly the affecting Scene of your meeting M^rs Flinders
that I could not have remained any longer in the room
under any consideration; nor could I be persuaded to
call a second time that day – though I had the strongest
desire to See M^rs Flinders before I left London. Will
you have the goodneƒs to say to M^rs F that I had only
Received her addreƒs from M^r Standert the evening before
your arrival, and had proposed to call the very morning
you reached London.

Captain Flinders's being in England seems to me even
now a mystery – had I not seen the well known
countenances I still might doubt–: after the
unjust and unexpected detention you have suffered,
all things may be reconcilable to some minds — and
persons may doubt without deserving the charge
of obstinacy —

At our meeting I was much agitated – and might perhaps
have given wrong answers to the enquiries you made
after the old Investigator's – I will endeavour to
refresh my memory – and state how they are disposed
of – Olive is Purser of the Heir Apparent prison ship
at Portsmouth – Purdie was surgeon of the Pompee –
— Inman is the Profeƒsor of the Naval College Portsmouth
a very good appointment. Mart's carpenter of the
Bellerophon – Lacey & Lincoln are dead – S Lound
mid of the Warrior – I have not heard of Bell. The
ships company were divided in China, and have been
since distributed into different ships – Walter Freeman
and Jm^s Barnet are in the Bedford, and have been most
anxious in their enquiries after Your health and
prospect of return – The old ship lies at Plymouth
cut down nearly to the waters edge; they were near
losing her during their paƒsage — in the gales off
Cape Town —

I hope M^r York received you with every attention; I understand
he patronizes merit, and being a man of science
would look favourably on your voyage –

My health which has been for the last few
months very indifferent – and if the Enemy
indicate any wish to come out – that idea must {exhibinate} under every fatigue – we lay
generally off Walcheren – but this is the Rendezvous
consequently the place where all letters must be
addreƒsed – I hope Sir you will favour me
by writing – when you have anything to {communicate}
about the voyage – or at any convenient time, {believe}
me I feel very warmly interested in your welfare
and happineƒs – and shall always be anxious to hear
of both.

Present my respects to M^rs Flinders – I should have
acknowledged the receipt of her letter from Enderby
had not a severe illneƒs prevented – With much esteem

[ends here – signature cut away]