Grant went home, and cut a much better figure as a fighting officer, was
promoted commander, and died in 1838. On his way home he took a box of
King's despatches to convey to England, and when the despatch-box was
opened it was found to be empty. King, writing of this matter, said:--

"I do not blame Lieutenant Grant so much for the [Sidenote: 1802]
villainous transaction respecting the loss of my despatches as I
deprecate the infamy of those who had preconcerted the plan.
Before the vessel he went in left the colony, it was told me that
such an event would happen, and the master's conduct prior to his
leaving this fully justified the report. I would not suffer the
vessel to leave the port before a bond of £500 was given that
neither Lieutenant Grant or the despatches should be molested.
Under these circumstances and Lieutenant Grant's knowledge of the
master, he ought to have been more guarded, as I gave my positive
directions that the vessel should be seen a certain way to sea,
and the box was not given from my possession before the vessel was
under way. However, the plan was too well laid and bound with
ill-got gold to fail. Let the villain enjoy the success of his
infamy. As to any publication of Mr. Grant's, I believe nothing
new or original can arise from his pen without the aid of
auxiliary fiction."

Lieutenant Murray, of the _Porpoise_, relieved Grant in the _Lady Nelson_,
and Murray and his mate. Lieutenant Bowen, further explored Bass' Straits
and the Victorian coast, their chief achievement being the discovery of
Port Phillip.

The _Lady Nelson_ was off the heads of Port Phillip on January 5th, 1802,
but the weather was too bad to enter, and Bowen was sent to examine the