of the French in sea
warfare; and it stands as an additional tribute to his sagacity that he
at once recognised Flinders to be the right man to maintain the prowess
of British seamanship in discovery.

Three reasons made the Government the more disposed to equip an
expedition for the purpose. The first was that in June, 1800, L.G. Otto,
the representative of the French Republic in London, applied for a
passport for two discovery ships which were being despatched to the south
seas. French men of science had for many years interested themselves in
the investigation of these unknown portions of the globe. The expeditions
of Laperouse (1785 to 1788) and of Dentrecasteaux (1791 to 1796) were
evidence of their concern with the problems awaiting elucidation. The
professors of the Museum in Paris were eager that collections of minerals
and plants should be made in the southern hemisphere. The Institute of
France was led by keen men of science, one of whom, the Comte de
Fleurieu, had prepared the instructions for the two previous voyages.
They had found a warm friend to research in Louis XVI, and the fall of
the monarchy did not diminish their anxiety that France should win honour
from pursuing the enquiry. They represented to Napoleon, then First
Consul, the utility of undertaking another voyage, and his authorisation
was secured in May. A passport was granted by Earl Spencer when Otto made
the application, but there was a suspicion that the French Government was
influenced by motives of policy lying deeper than the ostensible desire
to promote discovery.

Secondly, the East India Company was concerned lest the French should
establish themselves somewhere on the coast of Australia, and, with a
base of operations there, menace the Company's trade.

Thirdly, Sir Joseph Banks, after conversations with Flinders and an
examination of his charts, saw the importance of the work remaining to be
done, and used his influence with the Admiralty to authorise a ship to be
detailed for the purpose.

Thus imperial policy, trade interests and scientific ardour combined to
procure the equipment of a new research expedition. In view of the fact
that the Admiralty became officially aware in June of the intentions of
the French, it cannot be said that they were precipitate in making their
own plans; for it was not until December 12 that they issued their
orders.

The vessel allotted for the employment was a 334-ton sloop, built in the
north