Page:History of New South Wales from the records, Volume 1.djvu/63

SKETCH. Uii stantly consnlted by his Majesty's ministers through all the changes there have been in the department which directs it relative to the more important concerns of the colonists. At present King the Governor is tired of his station and well he may be so he has carried into effect a reform of great extent which militated much with the interest of the Soldiers and settlers there he is consequently disliked and much opposed and has asked leave to return. in conversation I was this day asked if I knew a man proper to be sent out in his stead one who has integrity unimpeached a mind capable of providing its own resources in difficulties without leening on others for advice firm in discipline civil in deportment and not subject to whimper and whine when severity of discipline is wanted to meet [emergencies]. I immediately answered as this man must be chosen from among the post-captains I know of no one but Captain Bligh who will suit but whether it will meet his views is another question. I can therefore if you chuse it place you in the government of the new colony with an income of X2,000 a year and with the whole of the Government power and stores at your disposal so that I do not see how it is possible for you to spend XI, 000 in truth King who is now- there receives only £1,000 with some deductions and yet lives like a prince and I believe saves some money but I could not undertake to recommend any one unless £2,000 clear was given as I think that a man who undertakes so great a trust as the management of an important colony should be certain of living well and laying up a provision for his family. I apprehend that you are about 55 years old if so you have by the tables an expectation of 15 years' life and in a climate like that which is the best I know a still better expectation but in 15 years £1,000 a year will at compound interest of 5 per cent, have produced more than £30,000 and in case you should not like to spend your life there you will have a fair claim on your return to a pension of £1,000 a year. besides if your family goes, out with you as I conclude they would your daughters will have a better chance of marrying suitably there than they can have here for as the colony grows richer every year and something of trade seems to improve I can have no doubt but that in a few years there will be men there very Capable of supporting wives in a creditable manner and very desirous of taking them from a respectable and good family. Digitized by Google