London 22d. April
1809

My dear Friend,

I did myself the pleasure to write you a short hurried Letter in February last, and I am sorry this one must be one of the same kind – as I am much limited for time – and the Packets for the Ships now under dispatch at Portsmouth for Bombay are to be closed this Evening, which precludes the possibility of my now giving you a long Letter. — Indeed you hardly deserve one of that description from me, as you have not favored me with anything like a proper letter since we parted; but I make great allowances for your situation, knowing the real goodness of your Heart, and how impossible it is for you to bestow your time on Private Correspondence. —

When I last wrote you I thought I should by this time have been halfway on my Passage to Botany Bay; but here we have ever since been detained in anxious suspense expecting every day to receive orders to Embark for that Land of Exiles! — The period of our departure, however, at length draws near, as, I believe, we shall certainly sail in 8 or 10 days hence at farthest. — The 73d. was only about 600 strong when I brought them up from Scotland in January last, but our num[b]ers are now increased to 800 men, by Draughts and Volunteers from the Militia Regiments lately; so that we shall go out a very respectable Battalion, and complete in a very good and genteel Corps of Officers; several of whom are married, which will add much to our comfort and society in our exile to the Land of Convicts! —

I am happy to inform you that I am appointed Lieut. Governor of New South Wales (– alias Botany Bay!) with the rank of Colonel in that Colony, and shall have the chief charge of it until such time as a Governor is sent out from this Country – no one going out in that Capacity at present; – Genl. Nightingall, who had been nominated Govr., having lately been obliged to resign it in consequence of bad health. –– I was at first in some hopes that they would appoint myself Governor, but I find there is no chance of their doing me that honor; so that I shall probably have all the trouble, plague, responsibility, and odium of new modelling the Government of New South Wales, and restoring order and tranquillity there; and most likely be immediately afterwards superseded by a Governor sent out from England – which, I must confess, I shall think rather hard; but, I must however be contented – and do my duty. –– We go out in two very fine ships – large – and commodious, named the Hindostan and Dromedary – both being Troop Ships. –– The latter was formerly our old Bombay friend – The Sha Kai Kusseroo and afterwards called the Howe. –– Mrs. Macquarie and myself embark on the Dromedary, as being by far the finest Ship of the two. —

I hope and trust I shall have the pleasure of hearing from you soon after my arrival at New South Wales; to which place please direct your letters for me in future; and if a good opportunity offers, I should like you to send me a couple of good Arab Horses for Mrs. Macquarie and my own riding. —

I had the pleasure of seeing your Uncle yesterday, and also your Broyr. Gordon, who is now in Town; and they are both in very good health. — Mrs. Macquarie unites with me in kindest regards [to] you & Mrs. Forbes and your dear Boys. — Adieu

Yours sincerely & affectionately

Chas. Forbes Esqr.
Bombay

Provenance
Transcript of a letter from Lachlan Macquarie to Charles Forbes (22 April 1809).
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
(ML Ref: Safe 1/53 ff.8-10; microfilm copy available at CY762).