| Description | "My dear Sir, I am this morning favoured with yours of the 6th and am happy you are getting on so well with the Shoredues Committee. I notice what you say in regard to Mr. Marquis' comparative statement, and can very readily understand it to have been a labour of time there is no doubt he would make it complete so far as anything of the kind can be so, but you will recollect, that I said in the outset that such statements, when they came to the practical working of the new Table would be found to be little use and I am still of the same opinion when this part of the work comes to be performed, it will be gone into, and such a rate attached to it, as the nature of the commodity will hear without adhering strictly to the principle of comparative statements. Per cents etc and from the amount I see proposed to be raised this rate will be for above what I am supposing they apprehend, supposing the shipping to be taxed to the extent stated, and that the Unfreeman dues is given up, our present notes will not nearly produce it, there is then little room for reductions, which I fear will in many quarters be loudly clamoured for, and I do not will be where these reductions are counterbalanced, but which every way this is got managed I am glad to see such a liberal spirit exhibited, in point[?] of amount of revenut which in my opinion is amply sufficient for all purposes. I observe the arrangement about the saving of the Herring Boats, which perhaps is the best that could be made; I am happy to see they are getting on so successfully, it would appear we are far above any other Port on the Coast.
I have also been noticing the motions of the unemployed of late, they are rather alarming, but I trust peace and order will ultimately prevail. I fear it is about the time of lighting the shore lamps, there is no doubt you are keeping this in view. When you have another meeting of the Committee let me hear about it, and if there are any surmisings as to my return.
I regret it is now in my power to report more favourably of the state of my health. I have gained considerably there is no doubt, but not so much as could be desired. I intend to remain for this week, and as the weather is still fine I hope I will make up greatly during that time. I am very anxious to be home, but should an evi[text obscured] improvment now take place, I would however reluctantly add another week still to my protracted stay. I hope all things are going on pleasantly at the office, and that the outstanding accounts are coming in so as to enable us to commence making up our annual statement when I return. Tell Peter I will write him tomorrow- remember me to all in the office, the Sergeant in particular and believe me to be my dear Sir, yours very faithfully,
James Riddel.
If my room is not already washed out please get it done." |