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[Page 9]
has by degrees dwindled amongst them to little or nothing, It must indeed be allowed that the prodigality of Disposition which prevails amongst the bulk of our Colonists is favourable to every Species of Defection, and that without a proper Stimulus to Exertion little good is to be expected from them. but this is only to be obtained by placing Men in Authority over them whose Situations can command Respect and to whom the people can look up with Confidence for Support for it often happens that the fate of these Men's Concerns hinges on a single word of advice timeously given, which they do not feel desirous to apply for to their transient temporary Commanders on whose Judgements they have no reliance, so that to use their own expression they lose all heart and are as ready to abandon Industry as they would be to pursue it if properly managed. - Colonial Commandants of Districts properly selected - would in a very short time correct these grievances, and put a period to the Misfortunes arising from them, which if not obviated must be ruinous in their consequences to the Settlement, as these officers would most unquestionably feel warmly interested in promoting the Success of the Settlement they would naturally take pleasure in correcting the wanderings of the idle and dissolute by holding forth to them the advantages deriveable from Reformation and Industry, They would endeavour to beguile them into habits of order and economy and by watching the bent of their faculties would thereby reap all the advantages which could be expected from their exertions. - Thus would the Settlers be contented to live at home and enjoy the fruits