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(76

May it please your Excellency

        In consequence of your desire to be informed of what Situation might be found for the accomodation (sic) of such of the people of Colour (lately arrived from the United States) as might be desirous of Settling in the Township of Preston, I have made full enquiry on the Subject and have the satisfaction to assure your Excellency — that from the tracts of Land which have reverted to the Crown by a regular Course of Escheat and a disposition on the part of proprietors of adjoining Lands I shall be able with your approbation to place two hundred Families in one connected Settlement favorable for Cultivation & only six and a half mile (sic) distant from the Dartmouth Ferry and one mile and a half from Cole Harbour and 7,3/4 miles from Halifax — Many of these people have viewed these Lands and appear well pleased and satisfied with its (sic) quality & situation and all appear desirous to become immediate Setlers (sic) & to clear part of their Lots & to build Huts for their families to shelter them from the inclemency of the approaching Winter. — the Situation has many advantages peculiarly favorable to those poor people, and if no improper means are resorted to, to discourage the attempt they will I am confident with a little assistance be able to support themselves and afford a considerable supply of greens and Vegetables for this Market — Its proximity to the Capital which affords a ready sale for all the Vegetables Poultry &c they may raise — the quantities of Fish such as