That This Adventurer, If Of A Persevering Character And Competent Knowledge,
Might In The Course Of Ten Years Bring Matters
Into such a train as to
render himself comfortable and independent, I think highly probable.
The superfluities of his farm
Would enable him to purchase European commodities
from the masters of ships, which will arrive on Government account,
sufficient to supply his wants. But beyond this he ought not to reckon,
for admitting that he might meet with success in raising tobacco, rice, indigo,
or vineyards (for which last I think the soil and climate admirably adapted),
the distance of a mart to vend them at, would make the expense
of transportation so excessive, as to cut off all hopes of a reasonable profit;
nor can there be consumers enough here to take them off his hands,
for so great a length of time to come, as I shall not be at the trouble
of computing.
Should then any one, induced by this account, emigrate hither, let him,
before he quits England, provide all his wearing apparel for himself, family,
and servants; his furniture, tools of every kind, and implements of husbandry
(among which a plough need not be included, as we make use of the hoe),
for he will touch at no place where they can be purchased to advantage.
If his sheep and hogs are English also, it will be better. For wines,
spirits, tobacco, sugar, coffee, tea, rice, poultry, and many other articles,
he may venture to rely on at Teneriffe or Madeira, the Brazils and
Cape of Good Hope. It will not be his interest to draw bills on his
voyage out, as the exchange of money will be found invariably against him,
and a large discount also deducted. Drafts on the place he is to touch at,
or cash (dollars if possible) will best answer his end.
To men of desperate fortune and the lowest classes of the people,
unless they can procure a passage as indented servants, similar to the custom
practised of emigrating to America, this part of the world offers
no temptation: for it can hardly be supposed, that Government will be fond
of maintaining them here until they can be settled, and without such support
they must starve.
Of the Governor's instructions and intentions relative to the disposal
of the convicts, when the term of their transportation shall be expired,
I am ignorant. They will then be free men, and at liberty, I apprehend,
either to settle in the country, or to return to Europe. The former will be
attended with some public expense; and the latter, except in particular cases,
will be difficult to accomplish, from the numberless causes which prevent
a frequent communication between England and this continent.
POSTSCRIPT
Sydney Cove, Port Jackson, New South Wales.
October 1st, 1788. Little material has occurred in this colony since
the departure of the ships for England, on the 14th July last. On the 20th
of that month His Majesty's ship Supply, Captain Ball, sailed for
Norfolk Island, and returned on the 26th August.
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