Garden Prism.] TERRA AUSTRALIS. 
entertained of the generous reception and great assistance received 
from governor King at Port Jackson, and expressed his own regret 
at not being able to do any thing for my release. On learning 
from him that a letter still existed, written by captain Baudin to a 
member of the tribunal of appeal in Mauritius, I succeeded in obtain- 
ing an extract, of which the following is an exact translation. 
On board Le Geographe, New Holland, 
Port Jackson, the 3d December, 1804. 
After having traversed the sea in different directions for nine month's 
after leaving Timor, I came to Port Jackson to pass the winter. The scurvy 
had then made such rapid progress, that I had no more than twelve men fit 
for duty when I arrived in this colony. The succours which were lavishly 
bestowed, the affectionate and obliging cares of governor King, his unremit- 
ting conduct and proceedings beyond example, every thing in fine, has con- 
curred to make the effects of this disorder less fatal than the first (a dysentery 
contracted at Timor), although the cause was not less serious. I cannot pass 
in silence an act of humanity to which our situation gave rise. These are the 
facts. 
On osn arrival at Port Jackson, to the number of a hundred and 
seventy persons, the resources in corn were far from abundant ; a great 
inundation and the overflowing of the River Hawkesbury, having In part 
destroyed the harvest which was upon the eve of being got in, and the fol- 
lowing one being distant and uncertain, was not a fortunate circumstance 
for us. Nevertheless we were made perfectly welcome, and so soon as our 
present and future wants were known, the ration given daily to the inhabi- 
tants and the garrison was reduced one-half. The governor and the civil 
and military officers set the example of this generosity, which was imme- 
diately followed by the others. We were not only strangers, but still at war, 
for the news of the peace was not yet known. 
The original extract in my possession, is certified to be true 
by the gentleman to whom the letter was addressed. Its contents 
afiord a contrast to the proceedings of the governor of Mauritius, too 
striking to require any comment. 
Amongst the acquaintances formed whilst in the Garden Prison, 
3!39 
1804. 
August, 
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