FREE TOWN, SIERRA LEONE

June 5, 1793.

My dear Madam,

I finished my last by hinting that I had once more enlisted under the banners of Hymen, but made no apology for my hastiness; or, in other words, for deviating from the usual custom of twelve months widowhood. To be plain, I did not make any, because I thought it unnecessary. Narrow minds may censure me, and perhaps the powerful influence of habit might operate against me in your opinion, before you reflected upon my situation, or well digested the many circumstances which plead in my favour; but, having done this, I am mistaken indeed if your heart is not too expanded to sully me with reproach afterwards. My own conscience acquits me from having acted wrong; next to that, I wish for the approbation of my friends, and after them, the charitable construction of the world. I know you wish me happy, and no woman can be more so than I am at present, with every expectation of a continuance.

I must now proceed to give you a summary view of occurrences since the fifteenth of February.

The first thing I shall mention is the universal discontent which has prevailed among the Settlers ever since the altercation they had with Mr Dawes and the Surveyor on the 7th of February, and it must be confessed by every candid person, their murmurs are not excited without cause.

To give you an idea of what their complaints are, I shall state the outlines of a petition which they intend sending to the Court of Directors by two Deputies elected about the middle of March, who, for want of an opportunity, have not sailed, but are just on the eve of embarking in the Amy, for England. I have not only seen the petition, but have a copy of it verbatim.

It first of all states, “That the Petitioners are sensible of, and thankful for, the good intended by sending them from Nova Scotia to this country, and in return assure the Directors, they are well inclined to assist the Company's views, all in their power.