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[Page 21]
merely for punishment (for if that was the case I should be silent) but that they are expected to do something towards their maintainence, as well as extirpated from the mother country as pests, and that it might create a reform in their principles. Upon such views I shall pass my opinion. Their characters and principles shew that they are to be kept at a distance and not to be treated with too lenient measures; yet I must own that there ought to be distinctions made among them. I would give them plenty of good food, furnish them with warm comfortable lodgings, and keep them well cloathed. Let them have good tools to work with. But not allow them so much spare time, except upon conditions. And I would make them do plenty of work. But not to be kept at it more than 4 or 5 hours without having some refreshment. I have long ago known, that good hard work was to be done cheaper by good living, than by bad. The hardship that would arise, from such proceedings, would be much easier born than by the present. They are guilty of selling their slops and provisions, hard strict measures have been taken to put a stop to it, but all to no purpose. When I found this was the case I would not punish them by confinement, flogging &c. but make them work the