Westall to Banks, January 31 1804
Sir,
As my returning to England direct for the purpose of executing the sketches that were saved from the Porpoise must appear absolutely necessary, I shall lay before you the principal reasons that have induced me to take India in my route home.
I am sorry to say the voyage to New Holland has not answered my expectations in any one way; for though I did not expect there was much to be got in New Holland, I should have been fully recompensed for being so long on that barren coast by the richness of the South Sea Islands which, on leaving England, I had reason to suppose we should have wintered at, instead of Port Jackson. I was not aware the voyage was confined to New Holland only; had I known this, I most certainly would not have engaged in a hazardous voyage where I could have little opportunity of employing my pencil with any advantage to myself or my employers.
I mentioned these circumstances to Mr. Lance, any my desire of going to Ceylon, a country where I could scarcely fail of success, for the rich and picturesque appearance of that island, every part affording infinite variety, must produce many subjects to a painter extremely valuable. And as no painter has yet been there, what I should acquire would be perfectly new and probably interesting, from the island being one of the richest in India, and lately acquired.
Mr. Lance said that as I had so few sketches of New Holland, there could be no necessity for my returning immediately to England; that I had now an opportunity of going to India which I ought by no means to lose; and if I did go he said he would undertake (as he was very intimate) to make my excuses to you. I cannot enough acknowledge the attention that gentleman has shown me since my arrival in China (which increases my obligations to you, for I believe Mr. Lance has been attentive to me merely because I was by you appointed). What I have seen of the country about Canton I am entirely indebted to him for; he has given me letters from Mr. Drummond and the Committee to the Governors of Ceylon, Penang, Madriz, and Bombay; and in short it is entirely by his advice and direction that I did not immediately return with the sketches, which, before I had seen him, I had fully determined.
These, sir, are the principal reasons that have determined me to remain some time longer from England; knowing that it will be very much more to my advantage (though against my inclination, for I would rather return) going to Ceylon and the countries that the East India Company have lately acquired, than to return with subjects which, when executed, can neither afford pleasure from exhibiting the face of a beautiful country, nor curiosity from their singularity: New Holland in its general appearance differing little from the northern parts of England.
I have now, sir, nothing more to add except that, if I thought you would be displeased that I do not return with the drawings that are remaining, I would most certainly relinquish my design of going to India, as I am bound by duty as well as inclination to fulfil in every respect my engagements with yourself and the Lords of the Admiralty.