18 Jan y 1803 + (8 Art 1

N o 12. ib. p. 19. September 1797. "As the Masters

were " seldom refused permission to ship such as

were free" .. From this passage it follows that at this time likewise

though these were but few instances, yet there were some

in which such permission was

refused.

N o 13 ib. p. 45. August 1797.

Sailed the Britannia and the Ganges "The Commander "of the

latter was permitted to take on board

several Convicts "that had become free."

N o 14. p. 125. September 1798. Sailed the Barwell for

China. The Commander was allowed to on board

about 50 "persons who had completed their period of transportation."

N o 15. p. 57. October 1797. "Decreasing daily as did

the "number of working men in the employ of government, yet"

[at this time it is stated that "the Governor could not refuse granting certificates to

such "convicts as had served their respective terms of transportation;

"and no less than 128 men were at this time certified

"by him to be free. Most of these people had no "other view in

obtaining this certificate than the enabling

"them when an opportunity offered to quit the

settlement, in "following their own pursuits untill

that time should arrive." Could not refuse?

— why so? We had without any difficulty refused on the former

occasions, mentioned N os 1,3,4,5,7,10 what was

there to prevent him now? From it should seem that by this time

some legal some scruples had arisen in some breast or other

either in the Colony or at home: and from thence it was, in

the first place that the grant of the certificate was

at or about the expiration of each man's term regarded

as in some measure obligatory; in the next place that the effect of

such certificate when obtained was to confer on the individual

the liberty of departure; a prima facie liberty at any rate,

though

probably subject at all times to revocation by special

order. at any time.

N o 16. p. 298. August 1800. " Several certificates were "granted this month,

to persons who had served their terms of transportation."