cheeks is certainly gone, and his hair is very white; but I believe
at his arrival in England he would soon regain his former good
appearance and health.? His friends is more numerous than
ever, and corresponds by letters often to him; he wrote a very long
letter to ^ ^the Society of Emulation containing some discoveries made
          it is several pages in length; and M^r Tho. Pitot was to write
a letter by order of the gentlemen for thanks upon the same thing;
and every one who is acquainted with Capt F. is wishful to do him
service. – Some time before I left the Island had not
captain Flinders been upon his parole of honour, he could
along with myself got away in an American ship; the captⁿ
was acquainted of his intention, agreed upon it, and the most of
his valuable papers was in town ready to put on board the veƒsel.
I saw the captain of the veƒsel myself and he said "I will go out
"with only three topsails bent to get captain Flinders out of
"this island and from amongst the French thieves –
    Perhaps captain Flinders informed you of all his plans, I
had only one thing to report as well as C. F.^s that was the governor
would not alter his parole any thing, and in a few days we were
oblidged [sic] to return back to our (Refuge) Plains Williams to our
great regret.
    I have still something more, madam, to inform you
the ship I came from Virginia in was boarded by an English lieuten-
-ant and he informed me that there was a very strong force gone against
the Isle of France to take poƒseƒsion of it; if it was the case I told him they

would certainly succeed for the inhabitants was very discontent.
with their present government.
Excuse, Madam for my
intrusion. I am, your obdt
Hmble servant
John Elder