| Citation |
NYEP(D.752.042
30 Oct 1752:21,22 (289)
London. . . July 9. It is impossible for a person, who has
the welfare of his country at heart, not to rejoice when he
reads of the many thousand foreigners that are sent annually
to our plantations; where, by the moderate exercise of their
industry, they gain immediately a comfortable subsistance,
and become in process of time, both rich and happy. But
this satisfaction receives so small alloy from the sight of
miserable multitudes here, who, if there ever were objects
of compassion, are unquestionably such, and, in that light,
ought to merit our most serious consideration. Our work-
houses overflow, our Bridewells are too few, our Newgates
are crowded, 'till the very scent of our malefactors become
pestilential. Why should we not think of sending the better
sort of distressed poor to Georgia and Nova-Scotia? Not
chain'd and fetter'd like Negroes; but, in consequence of
their own free choice, at the publick charge. If any
tolerable terms, with suitable encouragement, were proposed,
thousands would accept them. A few useless places
suppressed, would furnish the expence; or, if those be
sacred, a small duty on tickets to masquerades, operas,
play-houses, wells, gardens, &c. would do as well; not only
in supplying an adequate fund for this publick service, but
by making these places change their names and do some good.
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