I would beg with great deference
to observe that although, as a general rule,
Civil Officers may not be entitled to Houses or
Lodgings at the Public Expense, yet in this
Colony several instances have occurred in which residences, or
an allowance instead thereof, have been provided, and
Document marked A
shows that a Free residence was specially granted to the Marine Magistrate instead of an addition to his salary.
Document B relieves Lieutenant Pedder from the Duties of Marine Magistrate; and Document C shows that when so relieved from those Duties and they were transferred to the Chief Magistrate's office the right to a rent-free residence ceased. And with the resumption of the Marine Magistrate's Duties, Document D shows that when Lieutenant Pedder resumed the Duties of that
of Marine Magistrate, the right to a rent-free residence again recurred and was allowed; this being the case it manifestly follows that my predecessor
Lieutenant Pedder enjoyed free residence, not merely as a matter of favour, liable at any
time to be withdrawn,
but as a distinct equivalent for
the performance of a particular duty, and
moreover enjoyed that benefit for the long
period of nearly nine years,
as I found on
my arrival in the Colony
it was a settled appendage
of the office, and
I have myself enjoyed it for the first eight months of my
Service here.
I would, with all respect, submit that I am fully entitled to it, as of right, as much as I am to any
other part of my Salary.
"My Letters Patent expressly confirm my title to all the "Rights, Profits, Privileges
and Advantages appertaining to my office."
I beg to enclose the Documents marked respectively A, B, C, D, before referred to, and have the honour to be
Your
most obedient,
humble Servant,
Harbor Master and Marine Magistrate