“We found the upper works of the schooner constantly leaky, and the pumps became so much worn by constant use as to be rendered unserviceable, and made it absolutely necessary to put in at this island to get the schooner caulked and the pumps refitted before attempting the passage round the Cape of Good Hope.  I also considered that, in case of a new war, I had no passports from the Dutch, as well as that by putting in here I should be able to ascertain how far the French settlements in this neighbourhood might answer your purpose of supplying Port Jackson with cattle.  Having no chart or instructions relating to Mauritius, I came round the south end of the island, and followed a small vessel that I wanted to speak into a little harbour there” (Baye du Cap), “and, to my surprise, found that the French were again at war with our nation.  After being detained one day I got a pilot, and came round to Port N.W.” (Port Louis) “on December 16th last.  I waited upon the captain-general, and, after being kept two hours in the street, had an audience, but it was to be told that I was an imposter, the improbability of Captain Flinders coming in so small a vessel being thought so great as to discredit my passport and commission.  Finally, Mr. Atkin, formerly master of the Investigator, and me were brought ashore as prisoners at 2 o’clock in the morning, all my books and papers were taken away, and a sentinel with fix’t bayonet was placed in the room where we lodged.  After undergoing an examination next day, I thought circumstances were going in my favour, but in three days an order was issued to put my seamen on board the prison-ship, the vessel’s stores in the arsenal, and the schooner to be laid up.  As for Mr. Atkin and me, we continued in the house of our confinement, but with this difference, that the sentinal was placed without side of our room, and I was permitted to have my servant, and afterwards obtained my printed books and some unfinished charts upon which to employ myself.

[Illustration:  GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PORT JACKSON.  From a drawing by W. Westall, A.R.A., in the possession of the Royal Colonial Institute.  Photographed by permission of the Council. To face p. 198.]

“I expostulated with General de Caen upon this uncommon and very harsh treatment, but could obtain no satisfaction or public information than that I had deviated from the voyage for which the passport had been granted by touching at the Isle of France, and that my uncommon voyage from Port Jackson to this place was more calculated for the particular interests of Great Britain than for those of my voyage of discovery.  In fine, I was considered and treated as a spy, and given to understand that my letters gave great offence.

“I became very ill in this confinement, the scurvy breaking out in my legs and feet.  A surgeon was sent to attend me, but altho’ he represented the necessity of taking exercise, yet