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[Page 34]
if though he is poor, yet if he is out of debt, may consider himself a happy man, for it is a hard hearted place for a man to be indebted in.
In order to prevent thefts, misdemeanors &c, a watch is kept at the different settlements; and after the beating of the drum, or the ringing of the bell, a strict lookout is kept. A deal of these watchmen are too proud of their situations, which renders them very insolent, and often to ill treat many people, and moreover as some of the public orders are so strict, particular not allowing half a pint of liquor to be removed without a permit, is still giving them a greater power. A good police is very requisite, but every watchman ought to know his duty, and not to be suffered to exceed the bounds of it, for when that is the case they prove a nuisance, instead of a public benefit.
The peace of the Colony has been much disturbed at times. The Irish rebels have often caused great alarm, who were said to have made and concealed a deal of pikes, and that their intention was to take the colony be surprise. But all this seemed to be more talk than any thing else, but in consequence necessary precautions were taken, and a kind of militia or association were embodied.
But the greatest alarm was seemingly to be apprehended from