May the 13th. 1787
5 oClock in the Morning The Sirius made the Signal for the whole fleet to get under Way, O gracious god Send that we may put in to Plymout or Torbay in our Way down Channell that I may See my dear and fond affectioned Alicia and our Sweet Son before I leave them for this long long absents - Oh almighty god hier my prayer and grant me this request - Satt down and wrot a few lines to my Tender Betsey, and sent them by the pilot to put into the Post office, what makes me so happy this day is it because that I am in hoppes the fleet will put in to Plymt. - Oh my fond heart lay still for you may be dispointed I trust in god I will not Monday the 14
Oh my God all my hoppes are over of Seeing my beloved wife and Son - Plymt. Sound in Sight - Oh croul wind why will you not change and grant my fond heart the longing wish, the Pylades in sight also - oh that I could Send this letter on board of her for my Beloved woman and bid her a long Adui now I must goe without knowing how my dear Boy is may his great God protect him and preserve for his fond father and Beloved mother, oh how hard is my fate of not being able to See [the]m and been so near them - dear happy spot adieu wher all my treausure is on earth dear stocke adieu the 15 abreast of Falmouth and a great number of fishing Boats in Sight - I wish that on[e] of them would come in board of use that I might send a letter on shore by her to my Betsey but I find it is in Vain to Botany Bay I must
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