CHAPTER 25. THE ORDER OF RELEASE.

Influences to secure release. The order of release. Receipt of the despatch. Decaen's reply. Flinders a dangerous man. Reason for Decaen's refusal. State of Ile-de-France. Project for escape. Flinders' reasons for declining.

Blockade of Ile-de-France. Decaen at the end of his tether. Release of Flinders. Return to England. The plagiarism charge. Flinders' papers. Work of Peron and Freycinet.

Flinders in London. Prolonged and severe work. His illness. Death of Flinders. His last words. Treatment of his widow by the Admiralty.

Personality. Portraits. Flinders' commanding look. Geniality. Conversational powers. Gentleness. Kindness to wounded French officer. Advice to young officers. An eager student. The husband.

Technical writings. The marine barometer. Variations in the compass. Praise of other navigators. Love for his work.