42 HISTORY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. " Island of Saint John, 5th November. 17SG. " Mr Lord ,— Lieutenant - Governor Fanning arrived here yesterday, and by him [ have been honored by your lordship's letter of the thirtieth June, saying that many representations have been made to the King of improper proceedings in the exercise of the powers with which I have been vested, and that it is His Majesty's pleasure that I should repair to England as soon as may be, to give an account of my conduct; also com¬ manding me to deliver to Lieutenant - Governor Fanning such papers and documents as may be necessary to enable him to carry on the public service during my absence. ■ - "I have received His Majesty's commands with the utmost veneration and respect, and nothing gives me so much pain as when I have it -not in my power to carry them into immediate execution. " Such papers and documents as appear in the least neces¬ sary towards carrying on the present service shall be delivered without loss of time; but there are unsurmountable reasons why I cannot this winter quit this island. The season is too far advanced to leave a possibility of arranging my little matters so as to prevent total ruin in my absence. Besides, my lord, if the charges are such as I have alread}' answered, my ipse dixit will add but little weight to my defence, and I have no further proof to offer. If there have been any new charges sent from hence, the evidence to disprove them cannot be had in England ; therefore, my going home without them would only prove a useless trouble to your lordship and to myself. It is an un¬ speakable grief of heart to me that I am under the necessity so long of lying under the appearance of having proved unworthy of my station. All my labors for thirty years have been in •search of reputation, and I have gained it everywhere but where most I wished. Be assured, my lord, it will be my pride and glory if I can restore confidence among the council of my royal master. I hope and trust 3rour lordship will feel my situation as I do myself, and that in justice you will order me copies of my crimes, so as to have them by the first of spring; and be assured that I shall, as soon after the receipt of them as possible, with every anxious and eager hope, pay instant obe¬ dience to the royal mandate.