They have told him he did right to detain and
secure me; but their final decision is deferred to their next
despatches. These are expected very soon, and then possibly I may
be either liberated, or sent to France to be tried as a spy.
"The French captain Bergeret, who arrived from Calcutta, professes
to be much interested for me; and, since he has influence with
General de Caen, it is possible that I may obtain some little
indulgence of liberty after my countrymen are gone. [Sidenote: 1805]
Both justice and humanity ought to have obtained this at least for
me before; but it seems to be only to private favour and party
interest that any concession is made by this arbitrary general.
"Upon the supposition that the first despatches from France will
occasion my removal, I expect to be in England or in France, upon
a reasonable computation, about February or March, 1806, at which
time I anxiously hope and pray that I may find you, my best and
most powerful friend, in the possession of health and happiness,
and my country enjoying the sweets that must arise from an
honourable peace.
"Had I been permitted to go to India with the other prisoners, it
was my intention to have applied to Sir Edward Pellew for a ship
to go upon the north-west coast of New Holland, to ascertain the
existence of an entrance into an inland sea, near the Rosemary
Isles of Dampier, previously to my return to Europe, for during
the continuance of such a war as the present, I can scarcely hope
to get a ship in England to complete the _Investigator's_ voyage.
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