I shall leave the whole management of this momentous affair
to you, you must get him into a ship, and my friend Brown will
fit him out with all neceƒsary things. — but the moment you are
employed, the boy goes with you. — Moreover, should you be ap-
-pointed to the command of any future voyage of discovery, I have
no objection to return to England and accompany you as botanist.
    I saw the Master, M^r Aiken, of the Investigator, and he told
me some particulars relative to you — Your Draughtsman also
W____ (I forget his name) has been in Jamaica, and spent a day
or two with me, - [illegible] was also here, made post into
the Alexander, a french 74 taken by Adm^l Duckworth off
St {Domingo}. I went to see him, but found him destitute
[illegible] head or heart, however, he just inquired after
you —— The meeting between you and M^rs Flinders must
have been very effecting, do make my most friendly re-
-spects to her. — M^r Brown has long known my intention
with regard to Henry — I write to him by this conveyance,
you can also drop him a few lines —— James Brown Esq^r
N^o 6 George Street, Edinburgh I shall now have the felicity
to hear very frequently from you and when we do meet we
shall not be diƒsapointed [sic] I am certain. — There has not been
much variety in my life, I have made a few acquaintances, and
one or two valuable friends.       That you may now enjoy felicity
uninterrupted, the esteem of all good men, and the respect
of every man, is the sincere wish of, my dear Flinders,
              Your old and affectionate friend
                        James Wiles