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[Page 8]
bird, the shot would scarcely enter their cloaths, which gave them an opportunity of getting away clear. They had killed me several fowls, but had no time to make of with them. According to how they had proceeded, the man that I had discharged was certainly concerned, but the night was too dark to recognise either of them. Since I discharged him, he lives with a person who has a very bad character, and in such a situation as to stroll about in the night without being noticed by the watchmen. I have just been told, that the settler who is his acquaintance, is going to try to take him of the Store: And I do not doubt but what he will gain permission, though I have given his character to a magistrate. A man has just told me, that he heard him say when he was leaving me, that I had accused him of robbing me, but it was not then too late. This is the second time he has been transported from England to this place. What can be expected, when such scoundrels are not kept under a stricter correction?
It is a singular case with me, that I am so tender hearted in some instances, that I cannot bear to see a fowl killed. I have mustered all my fortitude to conquer this natural timidity, but all to no purpose. Yet what is more remarkable, I have always been fond of shooting; And if a man was to offer to rob me by violence, I would not hesitate to shoot him, which I could readily do without hurting my feelings.
August 6th 1803
I have just heard that the newspapers are to be returned when the error in Capt. Flinders's is letter to the Governor is corrected.