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LETTER EIGHT
47

is not improbable that I may get hold of something better. The country is the best place for making money, A man of good common sense and active habits, if he can but save a little to begin with, may get rich there in no time. I have no doubt of James getting on. I think he will have a better chance than I shall; at any rate at first. But persons going to a strange country, where everyone is taught only to take care of himself, and going there friendless and without money, must expect to meet with difficulties, and to suffer privations and hardships. If I do not meet with such I shall indeed be disappointed.

Do not be at the expense of sending the two books, or anything else that we can do without, as instead of being able to send you any money for what you have already done for us, I find from a calculation which I have made that I shall be £4 short, unless something unforeseen turns out in getting the tools, which I ought by no means to omit taking with me. I shall be sure to go from England penniless, but I have some hope of getting something to do on the ship, at which I may earn a pound or two during our voyage, and if I can do so, it may be of the greatest use to us when we arrive at Sydney. I