Editor’s NoteEditor’s Note1341To Reginald Pole Carew17 June 1798 (Aet 50)

Hendon 17 June 1798.

For some purposes it would certainly be necessary that I should be examined vivâ voce, though not for that purpose. Colquhoun's opinion would be more apposite than mine, and nothing can be more decided than the opinion he gives in his book that the value of a felon's labour ought naturally to be positive instead of negative²— so that it is only on the principle of Patent inventions that the bargain made with me and my Brother can be a defensible one—and the Committee make out this point by reference to notorious facts -—Value of Greek Roman Russian and W. Indian Slaves—English Apprentices—and Transported Convicts who cost Government nothing under the original transportation System.

The Accounts of the Philadelphia Prison as given in a pamphlet printed within this year or two³ would confirm this. I have it somewhere. The American Minister⁴ whoever he is, if invited by the pg 45Committee in proper form for the purpose of authenticating the publication would be flattered etc.

Convicts actual number / under sentence / transported and transportable 4924 Annual expence of that number on the Colony plan—the expence increasing ad infinitum and the Security against returns diminishing

D° on the Hulk plan probably somewhat less, but the amount precarious and more likely to encrease than decrease.—the system detestable in all other respects—

It is the cold water continually thrown by these cursed lawyers that helps to keep the Treasury languid and irresolute. What the Lawyers fear, and they fear is an Opposition—A horsewhip from the Committee will I hope inspire them with opposite fears. But it would be of great use, if they could be made to know, and before the time comes for an answer to an Order such as the inclosed⁵—that, from the Parishes, assistance rather than opposition is to be expected.

Mr Moser (Joseph Moser)⁶ the acting though unpaid Queens Square Police Magistrate who is in the habit of governing the Parishes, (though with a rod not of Iron but of Sugar) undertakes for this —Colquhoun brought him to me t'other day to say so. Moser has likewise promised to help me with the Chapter—in which he has connections. My bugbears (without knowing particulars) are Ld Salisbury⁷ and Ld Grosvenor⁸—but more the latter—Salisbury wanting to sell.

pg 46The opinion I observe is dated as early as 5 March:⁹ and all my importunities have not prevailed for my being apprised of its existence. My conversation with the Treasury Board¹⁰ supposed the nonexistence of it—it looks as if it had been ante-dated.

Mr. Long's Letter¹¹ is Anglicé a shuffle, designed to keep Battersea Rise out of view. He speaks of the difficulties spoken of in the Report of the Lawyers (and which are confined to the last Tothill Fields Bill (the first that was rejected comprehending all wastes) as if they were the only difficulties that had occurred in the business.

Oh what a blessing, could I but be indulged with a reprieve till Wednesday!—But I must absolutely be examined—otherwise I lose all chance of compensation. I am altogether in the dark about the supposed last day of the sitting of the Committee.

I think I returned to you when I was last with you, the beautifully written paper containing the Return of the Convicts from the several Counties.¹² If not, pray send me word, that I may hunt it out. I return all the other Papers.

Sunday night 17 June—98