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[Page 4]
up my hat to him equally as I would do to the Governor, and treated me very insolently. I plainly saw that he was a conceited coxcomb, and said but little to him further than letting him know I would not pull my hat up to him. It was very well he did not whip me, for had he so done I should have bestowed my stick upon him in return, which might have caused such an affray, so as to have affrighted his horses, and made them run away, and endangered the lives of both he and the lady. I afterwards learned that he was a Capt. Kemp of the N.S. Wales corps; he had been to England and lately returned, and was newly married, and set up his curricle. I can put up with a great deal before I make any resentment, but I do not wish to put up with so much as to come under the rank of a coward; and I can plainly tell my aggressors, that when they treat me in an unbecoming manner, that it is neither the color of the cloth that they wear, nor their elevation in life that will frighten me.
Though so few as the inhabitants are in comparison to those of other countries, yet I never was in a place where there is more variance among the people. I can safely say there is no one lives more in obscurity than I do, allowing for my situation, and no one acquainted with fewer people, yet with all my reservedness I find I am unable to avoid meeting with brails, and keeping myself clear from enemies. I should not have troubled you with such an account as the present, had it not been that a retaliation was congenial to the human breast.
I am as I ever mean to be your truly humble & faithful servt
G Caley
Parramatta April 24th 1803