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[Page 36]

Sell at a much better price than those brought from England
we left Mr Burton and the family with the Plemiane at New
Zealand, they intended sailing for the Cape of Good Hope to
dispose of the Cargo. She ought to have been at the Cape three months
before us, therefore I suppose she is either taken by the Natives or
lost in the roads. We sailed from the Cape to St. Helena were we
remained 9 days, and from thence to England, were we arrived the
2nd July 1802 off Dover, when Captn W. put me ashore with the
Heribn Companys Pacquet, to proceed to London, which you may
be sure was no small treat to me, after such a long absence.

I found my friends all well, who were heartily glad to see me
again. Brs. Nobbs & Bill Puckey are all of our party I have yet
seen. My poor Dinah is well and has been anxiously
waiting my return. Perhaps in my next you may hear of our union
at the altar of the Lord, which I sincerely wish; should the finger of a
kind providence point out our way, so no more upon that subject
at present. The kind attention, and generosity of Captain Wilson
exceeds more than I could ever expect. Several excellent situations
have offered, and Captain W. will give security for my conduct
should it be required. We heard of the Preliminaries of Peace at
the Cape. but at Sea the definition, and blessed be God, in England
we have plenty, at present. The crops look full, and heavy laden
for our future support, and comfort; but the weather has been much
against it's ripening, it has rained successively for a month, with very
little intermission. The political world seems at present quietly disposed,
but the Algerians have been troublesome to different powers.
it has been reported and generally believed, that they have declared
War against the States of America. The Bay of Tunis has been blockaded
this some time past by an American Squadron.

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I am sorry to inform you, that as Dr. Hawies was driving a Chaise
with an Otaheitean with him. they unfortunately turned over, by
which accident the Dr. broke his arm, and otherwise much bruised
himself, it is expected he will recover, but he is at present dangerously
ill.

If you have received any payments on my Acct.
if you can, remit me a few pounds, but if you have disposed
of the money, don't put yourself to the least illconvenience. Tho' it
would be acceptable to me.

Please give my respectfull compliments to Mr & Mrs Marsden
and to my friends in general at Port Jackson, to whom I am so
much indebted, and I desire constantly to retain a true sense
of Gratitude, and the great obligations I am under.

If you have not settled with Mair, I hardly think he should be spared 
but do as you think proper. My kind love and affection 
to Mrs H. and the family and be assured

I am your dear friend & Bro

W. Smith

PS.

Should be glad to hear from you by every conveyance
do write 3 or 4 lines to say you are all well,
the state of the Colony, the Market JJ
WS - 

at Mr Mrs James Smith}
Luton } my address
Bedfordshire }

Dinahs love to the family.