"_ It is certain that no due Returns have yet been made for
these valuable Consignments. We are therefore much in her Debt on
that Account; and, as she is of late clamorous for the Payment of all
we owe her, and some of our Debts are of a kind not so easily
discharg'd, I am for doing however what is in our Power. It will
show our good-will as to the rest. The Felons she planted among us
have produc'd such an amazing Increase, that we are now enabled to
make ample Remittance in the same Commodity. And since the
Wheelbarrow Law is not found effectually to reform them, and many of
our Vessels are idle through her Restraints on our Trade, why should
we not employ those Vessels in transporting the Felons to Britain?
I was led into this Thought by perusing the Copy of a Petition
to Parliament, which fell lately by Accident into my Hands. It has
no Date, but I conjecture from some Circumstances, that it must have
been about the year 1767 or 68. (It seems, if presented, it had no
Effect, since the Act passed.) I imagine it may not be unacceptable
to your Readers, and therefore transcribe it for your paper; viz.
To the Honourable the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of Great
Britain, in Parliament assembled,
The PETITION of B.
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