The want of temper & the way of harmony in the detachment would not have been mentioned to your Lordship, but that I thought our situation required that a clear idea was given of it. At the same time, I beg leave to assure your Lordship that with regular supplys of provisions, for which we must depend on the Mother Country for a time, I see no difficultys but what a little time & perseverance will do away. A small number of familys to be sent out would do more in cultivating the land than all the convicts under our present circumstances, for they destroy & rob in spight of every possible precaution, & punishments have no effect. They will be better when they are seperated, but I have only two people in the Colony capable of taking charge of a farm.

Lt. Collins returns on account of his very bad state of health, & I take the liberty of mentioning him to your Lordship as an officer I should not have parted with under any other consideration.

The very heavy rains we have had for some days has put a stop to all labour, & the natives find it very difficult to support themselves in this season, as few fish are caught. I hope after the ships have sailed to be able to persuade some of them to live near us and every possible means shall be used to reconcile them to us, & to render their situation more comfortable. At present I think it is inferiour to that of the beasts of the field, yet they seem intelligent & merit a better character than what will be given them by Monsieur La Perouse, from what he said to some of our officers.

I now take leave of your Lordship, with requesting the favour that Lady Sydney may be assured of my respects, & that my compliments may be made to Mr. Townshend.

Your Lordship will do me the honour of believing me with esteem & respect an obliged & most obedient

University of Wollongong   © Copyright 1999 Last Updated June 1999   email webmaster