prepare the Porpoise to convey him to England, I presume the copy of his letter that I inclosed on the 17th inst. will have convinced you that be has no intention of leaving this colony; and I persuade myself, that your zeal for the public service will induce you to concur with me in the adoption of such measures for the future employment of His Majesty’s ship now under your command, as the necessities of the dependent settlements may require.
“The demands you made on the 13th inst. have not as yet been complied with, because some of the articles are not in the stores; and there are points respecting others upon which I am desirous to inform myself.
“Referring to your notification of the removal of Lieutenant Ellison from the Lady Nelson, I hope an officer qualified to command her may be immediately appointed, that the colony may be no longer deprived of her services; and I beg again to repeat my request, that she maybe despatched as soon as possible to Newcastle. I have the honour, &c.
“Captain Kent, H.M.S Porpoise, &c. &c.”
Port Jackson, Sept. 19, 1808.
“Sir,– In consequence of having received a letter from you of this day’s date, I beg to inform yon, that, as I cannot have any communication with Commodore Bligh, and as it appears by your letter that he has no intention of proceeding to England at present in His Majesty’s ship under my command; that my zeal for the benefit of His Majesty’s service, induces me to comply with your request, although in the peculiar circumstances I am at present placed in. At the same time, I have to observe, that it was always my wish and study to facilitate His Majesty’s service as much as lay in my power; but while Commodore Bligh had communication with His Majesty’s ship Porpoise, I could not act otherwise than by his directions.
“I shall send an officer from His Majesty’s ship to take charge of the Lady Nelson; but should His Majesty’s ship proceed to sea on any particular duty that His Majesty’s service may require, I shall be under the necessity of recalling the officer lent, as she is not sufficiently provided with officers to carry on the duty. I am, &c.
“His Honor Lieutenant-Governor Foveaux, &c. &c.”
“This conduct, so irreconcileable either with open and avowed command, or a formal surrender of authority, placed me in the most distressing predicament. To act under orders which the person who gave them would not avow, or even commit to writing – to act under orders which the person who gave them declared to me were a violation of his word of honor, solemnly pledged, and even given under his hand, was a situation in which, I think, no other British officer was ever placed. Had it been consistent with my duty and character so to have dissembled my
