but I do not reproach thee, knowing how extremely difficult it must have been to find
the means of conveyance. My greatest hope of receiving letters since the way of Ameri-
ca was closed, was through M^r John Exshaw at Paris, from whom I learned indirectly,
that he had written to thee and shewn a mode of conveyance for letters to him, which
he would transmit to me. But so many ships bound to this island have been taken,
that even if he should have received any from thee, they have probably been after-
wards lost.
      I have two packets of letters already in the hands of the officer who I expect
will take this, for which reason I do not write to any other person than thee, at this
time; I therefore beg thee to write to my brother, my mother-in-law &^c the heads of
what has occurred since Aug. last.
      I still remain in the same friendly family as before; but whether I have
any thing to hope upon the subject of my approaching liberty, seems to be wrapped in as
much mystery or more than ever. I endeavour to bear up as much as possible against
such a long train of continued misfortune; and I preserve my entire affection for {thee},
my best friend, and for the day when Providence shall, in its justice restore me {to thee}
and to my beloved relations and friends. God bless and preserve {thee}
          Matt^w Flinders
Jan. 16. I learn from a Gents' magazine of Jan. 1809, the death of M^rs Ann Peacock, after
having given birth to two children: I am truly sorry from this misfortune, and sympathise
in the affliction it must have occasioned. I beg thee to offer my compliments of condolence to
M^r and M^rs Franklin. — I have seen a Steele's List for July 1809, but do not yet see
the promotion of John F.; but what surprises and afflicts me more, is, that I do not find
my brother Samuel's name upon any part of that list. What can be the meaning of this?
I am lost in conjecture and apprehension — Another vessel, sailed from Bourdeaux [sic]
Oct. 8, has got in here, since the raising of the blockade by our cruizers, but I do not
yet learn any thing new by this occasion.
Jan 19. I am now obliged to close my letter; but having no more to say than to
bid thee an affectionate adieu, until another occasion of writing presents itself.
I have requested my friend captain Lynne to write to thee from the Cape, should he
learn any circumstance that bespeaks a solid hope of my approaching liberty. Do
not fail to remember me kindly to M^r and M^rs Hippins when thou writest to them.
I have again written to the Admiralty and to Sir Joseph Banks. — Adieu, thine most affectionately