The Admiralty was liberal in its allowances.

Indeed, the equipment was left almost entirely to Banks and Flinders.

The commander "obtained permission to fit her out as I should judge necessary, without reference to the supplies usually allotted to vessels of the same class." The extent to which the Admiralty was guided by Banks is indicated in a memorandum by the Secretary, Evan Nepean, penned in April.

Banks wrote "Is my proposal for an alteration in the undertaking in the Investigator approved ?" Nepean replied "Any proposal you may make will be approved; the whole is left entirely to your decision." In addition to plentiful supplies and special provision for a large store of water, the Investigator carried an interesting assortment of "gauds, nick-nacks, trifles," to serve as presents to native peoples with whom it was desired to cultivate friendly relations.

The list included useful articles as well as glittering toys, and is a curious document as illustrating a means by which civilisation sought to tickle the barbarian into complaisance.