Letter to Fleurieu from Laperouse at Botany Bay

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TitleLetter to Fleurieu from Laperouse at Botany BayDate7th February 1788About this objectThis letter, dated from 7 February 1788 was sent by La Perouse to Fleurieu, from Botany Bay. This letter shows a continuous exchange of information between La Perouse and his recipient, mentioning previous letters exchanged since the beginning of his journey. Fleurieu was indeed the organiser and supporter of this expedition directed by King Louis XVI, La Perouse reporting the details of his travels back to him. In this letter, La Perouse mentions the death of his second-in-command on L'Astrolabe, Monsieur de Langle, and this position being replaced by Monsieur de Clonard. La Perouse makes numerous mentions of the water quality and food, and showcases worries about scorbut. He also mentions his encounter with First Nations which led to an exchange of violent altercations, as well as his communication with the British who had settled in Port Jackson. La Perouse shows his intention of leaving Botany Bay on 15 March and sailing back to France to arrive in June 1789.Object No.88.9CreatorLa Pérouse, Jean-François de Galaup, comte de, 1741-1788Inscriptions & marksThe facsimile includes the seal of the French Marine archives. There is a correction of date with red ink, covering 1787 into 1788. It seems the Marine Archives has corrected the date, estimating there was a fault in the date in the original letter - the bottom of page 167 is annoted. Place madeBotany BaySourceLa Perouse MuseumProvenance Facsimile of the original letter which is held at the Marine Archives in ParisAcquisition date1988On displayNoTypeMuseum objectsPeople (Detailed entries)La Pe?rouse, Jean-Franc?ois de Galaup, comte de, 1741-1788Organisations (Detailed entries)La Perouse Museum (La Perouse, N.S.W.)Production notesThis letter is provided with a full english translation from Prof John DunmoreThemesEuropean arrivals

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Letter to Fleurieu from Laperouse at Botany Bay