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baneful and objectionable political consequences, by leading not only our new subjects, but the Government and people of China, generally, to suppose, that we did not respect, or care for, private rights: I have, besides, shown in this letter, that such an invasion of private rights was not at all necessary for the object proposed, and I have the most incontrovertible proof of this fact in a plan of the Cantonments lying before me, laid down by the then Quarter Master General on the 13th of March last, without a single house being included in it.
Of the Slowness of which I speak, in early passage of this letter, I cannot, and need not, adduce any stronger evidence than that the Barracks for 300 men sanctioned upwards of 7 months ago, is not yet half completed, and it is only within these few days, that I had occasion to inquire, demi-officially, why there are so few people working at it. Within the period I speak of, this Colony has increased one half in size, and I have heard of no complaints either of want of workmen or building materials, so that even that apology is wanting, as well as the excuse arising from my forgetfulness.
I am very sorry to have been constrained to address this letter to Your Lordship, but my public character and Zeal and even my veracity have been, I feel, unjustly impugned, as well as an attempt made to saddle me with the neglect and faults of others. Had I remained silent, that attempt would have succeeded, and I should have had myself to thank for the loss of a portion, at least, of that which I cherish as invaluable. I had, therefore, no alternative, but to write this letter, and I must