He wrote upon it what he wanted his father to know, hung it on the nail, and left it there to tell its quiet story.
He got his way in the end, but not without discouragement from other quarters also.

He had an uncle in the Navy, John Flinders, to whom he wrote asking for counsel.

John's experience had not made him enamoured of his profession, and his reply was chilling.

He pointed out that there was little chance of success without powerful interest.

Promotion was slow and favouritism was rampant.