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[Page 5]
prove of what Gov. Bligh had done, by taking the duty of Sandal wood, * giving the public I presume, to understand it was an imposition, or that Gov. Bligh had no right to levy it, but after all artfully leaves it to the determination of His Majesty's minister. When he had the command at Norfolk Island he was spoken of as a very severe man; but here at the present, it evidently appears he is aiming at becoming popular. But what is the use of the popularity of convicts? Gov. King can explain this better, I think, than any other man, by having had the fairest trial. In my opinion, whoever is captivated with low popularity is not a man of sound understanding. I am credibly informed that Lieut. Col. Foveaux has applied for a passage to England in the Albion, (the ship by which this letter is forwarded) but his application was rejected. How could he think of obtaining a passage in a ship, which was under the direction of one of Gov. Bligh's most intimate acquaintances? And who had suffered most considerably by the usurpation, and must have had his feelings very much hurt by Foveaux himself, in the seizure of the ship Rose. +
Having given you a specimen of part our present Governor's conduct, I shall now give you another which comes under my own immediate inspection. Though I am not over and above fond of singling myself out in such cases as a proper person, by fearing that partiality may be considered to be attached. In all such cases the character of the man, thus relating his own case, cannot be too well known, for according to its estimation, so must it impress upon the mind of others. An Irishman (a convict for life) who had been two rough journies with me, had often been applying to me for to get him as a Government man for to travel in the woods. When I proposed the journey to the cataract of barring [indecipherable], I stood in immediate want of him. Accordingly I made application to Gov. Bligh for him
* Does not a [indecipherable] traffic ought to contribute towards supporting a charitable institution?
+ As Capt. Brooks of the Rose will undoubtedly wait upon you on his immediate arrival, I forbear saying any thing respecting the seizure of the ship under his command. My last letters, which were dated July 7 - 1808 were forwarded by him, and think, setting aside the common risks of the sea, there is not the least doubt of their safe delivery, else I should have sent a copy by the present opportunity.