I need not, nor at this time have I time to enter into a detail of my income and prospects.

It will, I trust, be sufficient for me to say that I see a fortune growing under me to meet increasing expenses.

I only want a fair start, and my life for it, we will do well and be happy.

I will write further to-morrow, but shall most anxiously expect thy answer at 86 Fleet Street, London, on my visit on Friday; and, I trust, thy presence immediately afterwards.

I have only time to add that most anxiously I am, Most sincerely thine, MATTHEW FLINDERS." He appended a postscript which covertly alludes to the manner in which Sir Joseph Banks might be expected to regard the marriage on the eve of commencing the new voyage: "It will be much better to keep this matter entirely secret.