FL14425147

11
[indecipherable] purely for the sake of the provisions, take these children. who would otherwise perish for want of care; but were there a public building proper for the reception of these orphans, where their food could be dressed together, one third of the provisions would be quite sufficient for their support. It should be remembered that the ration issued to the orphans is not given merely for the support of the children but as a compensation to those who have the care of them; hence the above reduction could easily be made without any loss to the orphans, provided an establishment was made for them. I have taken the liberty to lay this statement before you for your information. I cannot but hope, if Government were acquainted with the real state of the children in this country [indecipherable] a burden they are to the state, while at the same time their education and morals are totally neglected - they would be induced to adopt some means to lessen the expenses on one hand, and on the other, to have the children brought up in the principles of morality [indecipherable] industry. If some private or public estate [indecipherable] is not instituted for them, they will be more abandoned than their unfortunate parents: at present they are brought up in idleness, and uncleaness, and robbery, and scattered up and down in every part of the settlement. I have had frequent consultation with Governor Hunter upon this subject. His Excellency is of opinion, if some person who had local knowledge of their situation was at home to represent their state (as this cannot be sufficiently done by letter), some redress might be obtained for them Though I am very sick of the iniquity of this country, and anxious to enjoy [indecipherable]