That This Caution Was Not
Attended With All The Good Effects Which Were Hoped From It, I Have Only
To Lament; That It Operated In Some Cases Is Indisputable; Nor Will A Candid
And Humane Mind Fail To Consider And Allow For The Situation These Unfortunate
Beings So Peculiarly Stood In.
While they were on board ship, the two sexes
had been kept most rigorously apart; but, when landed, their separation
became impracticable, and would have been, perhaps, wrong.
Licentiousness
was the unavoidable consequence, and their old habits of depravity
were beginning to recur. What was to be attempted? To prevent their
intercourse was impossible; and to palliate its evils only remained. Marriage
was recommended, and such advantages held out to those who aimed at
reformation, as have greatly contributed to the tranquillity of the settlement.
On the Sunday after our landing divine service was performed under
a great tree, by the Rev. Mr. Johnson, Chaplain of the Settlement,
in the presence of the troops and convicts, whose behaviour on the occasion
was equally regular and attentive. In the course of our passage
this had been repeated every Sunday, while the ships were in port;
and in addition to it, Mr. Johnson had furnished them with books, at once
tending to promote instruction and piety.
The Indians for a little while after our arrival paid us frequent visits,
but in a few days they were observed to be more shy of our company.
From what cause their distaste: arose we never could trace, as we had made it
our study, on these occasions, to treat them with kindness, and load them
with presents.
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