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[Page 7]
"a loss to know in what I have given him offence. Sometime ago I heard from the natives that a soldier stationed at one of his stockyards had killed a native, and that a retaliation was going to take place. I immediately wrote a note, informing him of the affair. Shortly after I received a letter from him, expressing, that if I could make it convenient to call upon him, he had a proposal to make me, which he though I should consider as an advantageous one, and at the same time would include my present pursuit. Knowing his general character, I determined not to go near him, but wrote an answer, thanking him for his kindness. I am now fully persuaded in my own mind, that letter was intended as a bait for me, and he perceived I could not be allured. It must be from this, or from being employed by you, that causes him to throw his venom at me. It evidently appears , he had been feeling the pulse of the people, and making converts for some time, before the rash design was executed. No sooner were the Governor's papers seized, but a rage prevailed for seizing those of others, and on receiving the above information, I was apprehensive I should be so dealt with. Reflecting on what I had gone through, that if my collection was rumaged, and my papers seized, my life would be a burthen to me afterwards, I firmly believe I should have died, sooner than have submitted the outrage. To the law I will submit, because it can make restitution; but the present measures can not. In this light, I view the Usurpers to be more dangerous to society than savages.
I must comment a little upon Governor King, for this man's conduct will not let him remain undisturbed. Though I shall allow him to be a man of abilities, and possessed of a quick turn of wit and keen penetration, yet his weakness is beyond belief. When this man and Governor King disagreed, it is said, that he (Gov. King) wrote to a Capt. Tennant requesting that he (Capt. Tennant) would delay sailing a few days longer, for to take this man from the Colony, for while he remained, it really was in danger from his noxious principles. It has been also said, that Governor King sent dispatches by Lieut. Grant which contained charges against this dangerous character, but on delivery, were found to be robbed of the contents. Notwithstanding all this, on the said Mcarthur's return to the colony, he and Governor King appeared to be on the greatest intimacy, much to the surprise of the inhabitants in general. "To err is human; to forgive divine". But whether this meaning is to be understood in the present instance,I shall leave for your determination.
Governor Bligh seems to be a man whom nature has intended to be the subject of abuse, but from his misfortunes the public interest must become better known and secured. When Major Johnston went with about 300 armed men to arrest him (as he calls it) His Excellency retired, (from reasons I imagine best known to both himself) and the soldiers were for sometime over-running Government House before they found him. By concealing himself, he was called by the misguided people the greater coward and tyrant. On the illumination, the Sergeant major of the corps was spoken of, as having a transparent figure representing a soldier dragging His Excellency from under a bed. Some windows were said to have the motto of Johnston forever: Down with the tyrant, &c. Not content with burning his effigy, he was exposed by a showman to excite the laughter of the children. Numbers of new licences were added; and upon one sign I notice the representation of an Highlander"