(1/4) My dear Sir,- As I read that your Nephew has met with Misfortune in Canada, I cannot but be reminded of my own unfortunate Situation. I recently made my Return from a hope-full Voyage into Arctic Waters within the Shores of Hudson's Bay, in Search of the famous and fabled Northwest Passage, wherein our Hopes were dashed, and from which I brought Nothing but Sickness and Despair. Our Charts are almost complete, yet we found no Passage, and, it pains me to report, our Sufferings were plenty.
Twelve Sailors lost their Lives in our Pursuit, and many more their Health and Fortunes, and, although I have spent the Majority of my adult Life in those Waters, I found myself, in this Instance, having given up all Hope, and willing to part with all I had in the World, to be out of them again. Upon my Return, my erstwhile Sponsor, Mr. A– D– Esq., has refused to trust my Logs and Reports, and has worked (whether with Threats or Promises I know not) to tempt my Officers from the Truth.
Mr D– has also made Attempts in Pursuit of my discredit with my Lords of the Admiralty, and the Publick. What am I to do in Response? If I remain silent, I might see my own ruined Career, and renewed Efforts towards the Discovery of a Passage, which lies not in Hudson’s Bay, if it indeed lies any-where at all. My Lords of the Admiralty are more concerned with the Unrest with France than our failed Discovery and its luckless Commander, and I fear the Loss of my publick Reputation; yet, to publish a Pamphlet in my Vindication would require Efforts and Expenses dangerous to my current Means, upon which rely my Maid and furthermore my young Daughter. I beg your Advice, Sir, as a Man of considerable Experience in Matters of State as well as of publick Opinion, and remain,- Honourable Sir,- Your most humble and obedient Servant,- Capt. C. Middleton,- late Commander of His Majesty’s Ship the Furnace, and F.R.S.
My Dear Captain Middleton–
What Strange and Calamitous Adventures you have suffered, Good Sir, and what Injustice Thereafter! You are Correct to rail at the Accusations Against your Integrity, and these Grave Conspiracies which circle Blackly About the Arctic and your Good Name! You must publish, Captain, for Sake of the Truth and the Common Good, let Alone to recoup your Reputation and defend yourself from your Powerful Detractors. This Very Letter shall begin the Campaign to purify your Name; Further Missives, if Indeed you feel you have More to say Upon the Subject, will be Most Welcome in these Pages, and Cost of their Publication assumed by Myself. Do not tremble in Face of Such Treachery, Captain, you must stand Firm! Every Reader, I am Sure, stands with you.
