be contrived, to be given at the discretion
of the governor, as well to the Canadian gentlemen who merited most of
the government, as to the English officers of a certain rank, and such
other English as purchased estates, and settled in the country? and, to
give it additional lustre, the governor, for the time being, be always
head of the order?

'Tis possible something of the same kind all over America might be
also of service; the passions of mankind are nearly the same every
where: at least I never yet saw the soil or climate, where vanity did
not grow; and till all mankind become philosophers, it is by their
passions they must be governed.

The common people, by whom I mean the peasantry, have been great
gainers here by the change of masters; their property is more secure,
their independence greater, their profits much more than doubled: it is
not them therefore whom it is necessary to gain.

The noblesse, on the contrary, have been in a great degree undone:
they have lost their employs, their rank, their consideration, and many
of them their fortunes.

It is therefore equally consonant to good policy and to humanity
that they should be considered, and in the way most acceptable to them;
the rich conciliated by little honorary distinctions, those who are
otherwise by sharing in all lucrative employs; and all of them by
bearing a part in the legislature of their country.

The great objects here seem to be to heal those wounds, which past
unhappy disputes have left still in some degree open; to unite the
French and English, the civil and military, in one firm body; to raise
a revenue, to encourage agriculture, and especially the growth of hemp
and flax; and find a staple, for the improvement of a commerce, which
at present labors under a thousand disadvantages.

But I shall say little on this or any political subject relating to
Canada, for a reason which, whilst I am in this colony, it would look
like flattery to give: let it suffice to say, that, humanly speaking,
it is impossible that the inhabitants of this province should be
otherwise than happy.

I have the honor to be,
My Lord, &c.
William Fermor.

LETTER 139.

To Mrs. Temple, Pall Mall.

Silleri, May 20.

I confess the fact, my dear; I am, thanks to papa, amazingly
learned, and all that, for a young lady of twenty-two: yet you will
allow I am not the worse; no creature breathing would ever find it out:
envy itself