152
I could not foresee that some similar step should be now impossible. Ardent
minds are subject to moments of ebullition, and ^ ^{it was probably in one of these} I judge it was in such a sent-
ment that you ^ ^{adopted such a measure} took such steps, and penned the letter which I received yes-
terday.
      I will not longer dwell upon this unpleasant subject, but requesting you
to enlighten my mind where you see that I am wrong, conclude with my best wishes
for your speedy deliverance from the embarrassing circumstances in which your
house unfortunately finds itself with this extraordinary government.
        your most affectionate and sincere friend
            Matt^w Flinders
______________________________________________________________

Mr Charles Desbassayns – Riviàre des pluise, pràs de S^t Denis – Bourbon
                        Tamarinds June 12 1808
My dear Charles
dated             It was with the greatest pleasure I received your letter
of the 5^th and 11 of May, on the 23 following. Every article in it, your
abominable cold excepted, was a new subject of satisfaction. I find
you have obtained an interest beyond what I expected for the sum
^ ^{of which} you have the had the goodness to take the management for me; but I
acknowledge, that this circumstance does not give me so much pleasure as
the good security upon which the principal is placed. I beg of you afresh, to
set for me as you would for yourself, and consequently you will not require
for me what you are not in the habit if doing for what yourself, or what the
customs of the island do not allow. With respect to the expenses of manage-
ment, it is most prudent for me to leave that also to your sole discretion,

^ ^{with the request that you will be just towards yourself;} and I shall leave directions to allow all such as you, or any one for you,
may shew authority for, in deduction of the interest that may have arisen.
      I think my dear Charles there is now no longer any necessity for our
letters to be filled with this subject; I would occupy as little of your time
valuable time as possible, and little I would have devoted to friend-
ship, and to subjects of literature which interest us both. Make ^ ^it not there-
fore any point of obligation to write to me regularly, or to answer every letter
that you may receive; my pride on one hand, and my confidence in your
friendship on the other, will prevent me from thinking you can neglect me;
and besides, I am not naturally of that unquiet class that think a few days de-
lay ^ ^{or weeks, delay according to circumstances} in answering an ordinary letter to be an unpardonable fault. I know
Since the correspondence between our good Madame D'Ari-
fat and her daughter has become regular, ^ ^{I have known} how unceasingly you are occupied,
but at