as usual. We staid [sic] in town till the following Sunday (this day fortnight)
and came on board the Investigator next day; and here we have
remained ever since, a few walks on shore, and a day spent
over on the Eƒsex side of the Thames, excepted. My dear partner
has pretty well gotten the better of her sea qualms and begins
to reconcile herself to her new life.
      I think I have every prospect of happineƒs before me, but the
interval of All seperations during the time of my employment
on discovery, will make chasms in it, but the prospect of the future
great advantages to result from them must buoy up our
minds to bear them with fortitude.
      You know that my attachment consisted as much of esteem
and friendship as of what the world calls love, if not more so.
My love now increases every day, and my esteem and friendship
for her too become greater. I begin to feel, that with the affection
and esteem of my dear wife, I could absent be callous to that
of almost all the rest of the world. I prize her ^ ^too for perhaps
what no man else would; she is of double value to me from
not being a beauty. It is too dangerous an experiment for
a sailor to marry a beautiful woman whom he must be
obliged to leave frequently; and if captain L. thinks as
I do, and has not a wonderful opinion indeed of the conduct of
her he loves, somebody would stand a very poor chance of
getting married. I don't name no names.
      I shall be in weekly expectation after this letter, of receiving
one of congratulation on my felicity, from Tidd. I wish it
could so happen, that you and M^rs F. could meet and become
acquainted. Your sentiments are so congenial, and your disposi-
-tions so fitted for friendship, that I am sure you would soon be-
come inseperable; except by me, and I should certainly be coming
between you sometimes. When I say, I would that ^,^you were acquainted,
I forgot that I am getting jealous of her attachment to several
female friends. Now were you to come in the way, you would
absorb so much that I should not be able to bear it, but
yet I think I should love you, and continue to be
      your most affectionate cousin and sincere
            friend
      Matt^w Flinders

You must by no means forget my kindest regards to the
very kind and sensible family with whom you reside, for
every one of whom ^{individual of which} I have a great respect. When you write
to Spalding remember me most kindly and dutifully to
your good father and mother.