ay that appears to me (underlined)
best suited to expedition and safety." It is probable that, if Banks
discussed the proposed alteration with the Admiralty, the more rapid run
along the south coast was insisted upon, because that was the field to
which the French expedition might be expected to apply itself with most
diligence; as, in fact, was actually the case. Governor King had also
written to Banks pointing out the importance of a southern survey, "to
see what shelter it affords in case a ship should be taken before she can
clear the land to the southward and the western entrance to the Strait."

The instructions continued that after the exploration of the south of New
Holland, the Investigator was to sail to the north-west and examine the
Gulf of Carpentaria, carefully investigating Torres Strait and the whole
of the remainder of the north-west and north-east coasts. After that, the
east coast was to be more fully explored; and when the whole programme
was finished Flinders was to return to England for further instructions.

The functions of the "scientific gentlemen" were carefully defined.
Flinders was directed to afford facilities for the naturalists to collect
specimens and the artists to make drawings. The hand of Banks is apparent
in the nice balancing of liberty of independent study with liability to
direction from the commander; and his forethought in these particulars
was probably inspired by his experience with Cook's expedition many years
before.

One other set of instructions from the Admiralty is of great importance
in view of what subsequently occurred, and had a bearing upon the
expedition as it affected political relations. Great Britain was at war
with France, and the Investigator, though on a peaceful mission, was a
sloop belonging to the British navy. Flinders wrote to the Admiralty
(July 2) soliciting instructions as to what he was to do in case he met
French vessels at sea, "for without an order to desist, the articles of
war will oblige me to act inimically to them." The directions that he
received were explicit. He was to act towards any French ship "as if the
two countries were not at war; and with respect to the ships and vessels
of other powers with which this country is at war, you are to avoid, if
possible, having any communication with them; and not to take letters or
packets other than such as you may receive from this office or the office
of his Majesty's Secretary of State." The co