Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 5]
I make no doubt but the Colonial newspapers are sent to you, and of course of according to what is inserted in them, you will naturally suppose that the Colony is in a thriving, and prosperous state, but I can assure you to the contrary. I approve of a newspaper being printed here, for it will communicate many particulars that otherwise would have lain dormant, yet at the same time, in some respects it may be viewed as a cloak, or a mask.
Robberies are frequently happening, and some very daring ones indeed of late have been committed, by the villains rushing into the houses and securing the people, but not content in taking away their property, but forcing acts of violence upon the women. The settlers are the people that have suffered in this manner, indeed, by their solitude abode they are the most easy to be preyed upon. And I think one that came free into the Colony, has been thus treated. I have hinted to you before of the evil concerning letting prisoners of the Stores, or having the liberty to provide for themselves. It is well known, that many of them are of the worst of character, and too lazy to work. According to what I have already seen, a prisoner though of a bad character (indeed to you in England he would be called so, though reckoned here a good man) has more indulgence shewn him than many who come free into the country, if a comparitive degree of allowance is made. A person who comes from England to be a settler, may be considered to rank in the lowest class. He has stigma fixed upon him immediately, and from what I can