[COYNE] THE TALBOT PAPERS 73 



cestors^ Mr Parker and several other Gentlemen also gratified the Com- 

 pany (with) many loyal and appropriate Songs. 



The most respectful attention was uniformly paid to the president, 

 when the party was dissolved the health of the president and vice pre- 

 sident was drank: and every individual returned to his family without 

 one exception to correct conduct and sobriety. It is indeed, an observa- 

 tion, which can be applied to few public dinners of the above description 

 so numerously attended. 



The above address having been presented to the Honourable Col. 

 Talbot, he was pleased to return the following answer : — ^ 



To the Inhabitants of the Talhot Settlement. 



Gentlemen — Accept my hearty thanks, in return for the flattering 

 Address which you have been pleased, so unexpectedly, to honour me 

 with. 



I am highly gratified to learn that you are not insensible of the 

 exertions I have made to advance the welfare of tliis part of the Pro- 

 vince, for which I am amply compensated by witnessing this day the 

 assemblage of so loyal and respectable a body of settlers; and I have not 

 any doubt, but that in a very few years, our country will exhibit in a 

 conspicuous degree, the superiority of our soil and labours. The surest 

 pledge we can give for its confirmation, is to preserve the continuance 

 of the admirable industry and harmony which have hitherto so happily 

 prevailed throughout the Talbot Settlement, and you may be assured that 

 there shall not be any want of attention on my part to promote, as far 

 as lies in my power, your general interest. 



You do me infinite honour, by associating my name with your infant 

 institution, wliich I most ardently trust, may be productive of social and 

 virtuous enjoyments, and never become the vehicle of calumny or party 

 intrigue. 



I entreat you individually ta receive my sincere wishes that you 

 and your families may long partake of every comfort that this life 

 affords. 



I am Gentlemen, ever, 



Your faithful friend, 



(signed.) T. T." 



1 In the original, Talbot's reply is dated Port Talbot, 10th March, 1817. 



