public works,
on
finding that I had some education as Surveyor and Draughtsman, invited me to join the Land Department, and, early the following year, I threw up a good situation in a Commercial way to enter the Land Office. Thence, in June 1842, we removed to the Office of the Superintendent of Trade, and in November, still retaining office as Mr. Caine's clerk, I was gazetted as the Land Officer's clerk.
In 1843, Dr. Alexander & Gordon were appointed to the Office (S. afterwards gazetted Surveyor General), I being appointed as his Assistant, and serving until I was prostrated by Bowel fever, resulting from severe labor both indoor and out. In 1844, on the passing of Ordinance No. 8 for Registry of Deeds, I received the appointment of Registrar and Keeper of the Crown Leases and Records, at a salary of $150 a month and quarters. I had also to act as Assistant in the Treasury in the computation and verification of requisitions on lease-holders for rents. I was placed on the rolls of the Supreme Court as an Attorney to act, under the Attorney General's instructions, in important cases connected with the Mortgage money, Land Revenue, &c. I also, with Mr. Pott, assessed all the property (none exempt) in the Colony for house taxation, and collected the first year's Police rates; in short, I performed for Government a series of intricate and important duties, such as under the better organization of the present day, it is hard to conceive being performed by one person.
Perhaps, Sir, you will say, what is the object of this dissertation? It is simply this: to serve as a contrast to the manner in which I have since been treated.
In 1847, Major Caine having succeeded...