Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 2]
the notional burthen, the suspension of the Habeas corpus act &c but that is a mere trifle to what is born here. At present I shall forbear pointing out every particular, but only relate a few facts.
I have known an instance of a free man who came here in a reputable situation, receive an hundred lashes publicly, without being tried, any farther than the bare orders of a person high in authority, and afterwards sent prisoner on board His Majesty's Ship Porpoise. The man certainly had committed a fault, but not of any greater consequence than by quarrelling with another, and striking him.
Another case somewhat of a similar nature I was present when it happened. It arose from a free settler that was but newly come into the Colony, and who had parted with his sheep, which were given him by Government. The same great person in a loud passionate voice, threatened to flog him if he did not immediately return them again to Government. I grant that the man had done wrong in selling that which was given him for a parent stock, but if the scarcity of food that then existed be considered, great allowance must