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The Flinders papersletters and documents about the explorer Matthew Flinders (1774-1814)
 
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Letter from James Wiles to Matthew Flinders (1 of 2) (FLI01) Page 2


Your friend Franklin, I was shocked to hear, died of a broken
heart, in consequence of disappointment in busineƒs. The Mer-
-chant to whom I introduced him, met a similar fate, and died
at least 2000£ worse than nothing. As I partly hold myself
responsible for the amount of the Goods Franklin sent hither,
I shall be a considerable sufferer in this unfortunate transaction.
I intend to ship 5 to 6 wt of fine coffee to old Mr F in the
ship William, to sail in the next month. —
      I have been stationary here near 18 years, during
which time I have acquired some little property: two small
coffee plantations and 70 or 80 slaves. The public botanic
garden is now about to be given up; a large party in our
Aƒsembly have ever been decidedly against the Institution,
and they have at length prevailed — Indeed, it has been hitherto
kept alive merely by the weight and influence of my per-
-sonal friends. Had the times continued favourably, I should
have visited my native country this summer, - but you know the
despot of Europe has intirely shut colonial produce out of
the Continent, and our coffee lays in the warehouse unsale-
-able, unasked for. — Many planters must be inevitably ruined
unleƒs a speedy change of politicks take place . —
      I have by no means given up the idea of placing my son
in the navy under your patronage; he is now between 14 and 15
years of age, has hitherto been kept at school. Mr Brown, an
intimate friend of mine, under whose care the boy is, gives him
an excellent character; and Mr B is a gentleman of great work
and abilities, and I can rely on the correctneƒs of his statement. —


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Related people
De Caen, Charles Mathieu Isadore
Smith, Christopher
Franklin, Thomas
Aken (Aiken), John
Chappelle (Flinders), Ann
Wiles, James
Flinders, Matthew

Places
Ile de Bourbon

Vessels
Investigator

Related Documents
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