( 24 )
Early in January 1790, the Supply again sailed for Norfolk Island with more Convicts; and in her passage left a small party on Lord How's Island, to hunt turtle; but. in fifteen days, only three were taken; so that no great advantages will at present accrue from thence.—The Island has fresh water. but no good anchoring ground. Since the deaths mentioned in a former part of this letter, one woman has suffered for a robbery; five children have died, and twenty-eight children have been born; making in all seventy-seven deaths, and eighty-seven births.
With respect to the advantages the mother-country may derive from the establishment of the Colony, it is remarked by an observer on the spot, of evident discernment and penetration. that if intended only as a receptacle for Convicts, this place stands unequalled, from the situation. extent, and nature of the country: but that, if taken in a commercial view, its importance will not appear striking. as the New Zealand hemp, of which sanguine expectations were formed, is not a native of the soil; and an adjacent island where an assurance was entertained of finding it, is without it; consequently, the scheme of being able to assist the East Indies with naval stores, in case of a war, must be rendered abortive, both from the deficiency and quality of the timber there.
FINIS.
