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[Page 9]
again my papers, and I think you will find them pretty correct. I grant the language may be rather harsh; but that has nothing to do with the veracity. I believe I still am of a different opinion from what you may hear from any other person, viz. that the progress of the colony is not to be attributed from any wise measures of its government; but merely from accident, by the increase of population. Governor Bligh certainly did a deal of good towards securing private property by reprieving very few when sentenced for death. If a felon is sent hither with an halter round his neck, and still continues his former course of life, he ought not to expect mercy a second time. Reprieving such offenders is not mercy, but an intrusion on the rights of the community. This sort of error Governor King too often fell into: and could further tell him, that some emancipated or freed convicts, whom he had been the making of could not give him a good word after all; but probably this he has experienced contrary to his expectation, when too late.
It was generally said, that it was Governor Bligh's intention to take all the wheat he possibly could into the stores, and give a liberal price. This would have been productive of a good effect, had it been executed and continued for some time in force. In short, he could not fail in seeing the fatal rock on which his predecessor had been wrecked. When I have been writing to you, I have always said too little, by fearing that you would think I had said too much, and put the matter beyond belief. I own this sort of writing is not agreeable to my mind, and is forced upon me. Though I live the life of an hermit yet, I am well possessed of that information which belongs to the general interest of the colony. But for to represent the conduct of several certain individuals, I have not the opportunity of gaining all the requisite information that is wanting, neither have I taken any advantage to obtain it. Should I ever write to him who has disturbed the peace of the colony, I give you my word, I will not neglect to tell him of his faults. He who is now the Judge Advocate* also merits a letter from me, not for his good qualifications or his abilities; but for the manner in which he abuses his commission as a captain, and being destitute of compos mentis. However, a letter to all the officers and monied men, who have distinguished themselves of late, could not be amiss: it is this influence I mean, for otherwise I consider them like carrion crows, scarce worth the shot
My last letter to you was dated April 14-1808. I am doubtful of your receiving it, but I have risked it as a venture. The present one I am in some hopes of going safe, yet it may be intercepted, and I may be exposed to the rage of party bigotry. To be silent, is cowardice: To write, a duty I owe the legislature of my country. It will appear strange to you to think that one man has overturned the government of the colony. It will appear more so, when I say that about two years ago he was very unpopular; and at the present is detested by the inhabitants
* This is the man whom I happened to pass without taking off my hat. The manner in which he insulted me I informed you of purposely as a specimen of the wisdom of the age.