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Dartmouth March 19th 1821 \28

Captain Scott presents his respects to Sir James Kempt and in reply to his request respecting the Blacks at Preston begs to inform him that accompanying this is a list of the different settlements; The number of families in each, with the number of souls in each family. - This list was obtained in the following manner - Their original location list was used as a master roll for the heads of the families; - when a particular Street of the settlement was was to be served, the Constable of that Street, ( who is selected as the most respectable man in it) was brought forward to certify the number in each family, and as a check on him, a very active general constable for the whole settlement was present - their statements were then compared with the list by which Government issued Provision to the Blacks - So that Captain Scott thinks this return may be confidently relied on. The number by the last muster was nine hundred and fourteen, and by the Government list at last serving nine hundred & fifty-eight
These unfortunate people, with some exceptions, appear to be unable to take care of themselves. Their huts are of poor contrivance