It has happened otherwise; and I am now to enter on the disagreeable task of submitting to the public, before whom I have been traduced, a relation of the manner in which the greater part of his effects hath been hitherto detained from me, and the use of those I got denied me, through my implicit confidence in false friends, and the specious arts of covetous and designing strangers.

On the arrival of Joseph Banks in London, about the middle of July, 1771, he informed me, by letter, of the death of Sydney Parkinson, my brother; acquainting me, at the same time, of his having taken possession of his effects, as the only person that could do it*; of which he was ready to give a proper account to his executors. I waited, of course, immediately on Joseph Banks; who appeared to sympathize with me on account of my brother, with whose services he seemed highly satisfied, and declared he suffered a considerable loss by his death; telling me, after a short conversation on the subject, that he was then much confused with a multiplicity of concerns, but that, as soon as his hurry of business was over, he would give me an account of my brother’s effects.

Being soon after informed, that Joseph Banks had told James Lee, of Hammersmith, that my brother had bequeathed to him, James Lee, a journal of the voyage, and some other papers, which were unfortunately lost; I took occasion to ask Joseph Banks about this circumstance, who confirmed it; telling me that he had made a search among the ship’s company for the said journal, but could not find it. At this time he also told me that he expected to get his goods up from the ship in a few days, and that, when they arrived, I should receive the things bequeathed me by my brother; among which he observed there were some curiosities he should be glad to purchase. I replied that when I should receive and be inclined to part with them, I would give him the preference.

* I am, however, since informed, that it is usual, in such cases, for the captain of the ship to take possession of the effects of the deceased, causing at the same time a regular inventory to be taken of them before two competent witnesses.

Voyaging Accounts