Revised May 17 2021
Bounty at Spithead
Dec'r. 19th. 1787
Dear Sir
I beg leave to return you many thanks for the effectual manner you have taken to get me discretionary orders. Lord Hood most friendly sent them to me about 12 O'Clock and desired to see me to know if I was in want of any thing. He is a well wisher to our Voyage, and I assure you Sir I will do all that is possible for a Man to do to get round Cape Horn. We must certainly have some easterly Winds soon and I expect the full of the Moon will be the longest I shall stay here. I am perfectly confident of every degree of success and to give you an account of it will be the greatest blessing I ever knew.
I am Dear Sir with much gratitude & respect your obliged & affectionate
Hmbl Servant
Wm Bligh