262 PETER COLLINSON [1764. 



a bit of their land, which they will never make use of? And if 

 we must not settle any more land, or any of the branches of the 

 Mississippi, pray say no more about our great British empire, while 

 we must not be a farthing the better for it. 



I should be exceedingly pleased if I could afford it, to make a 

 thorough search, not only at Pensacola, but the coast of Florida, 

 Alabama, Georgia, and the banks of the Mississippi. I make no 

 difference ivho got it, if I could but travel safely in it. * * * 



My dear friend, I am so far from taking offence 

 at thy familiar way of writing, that it gives me much pleasure. 



P. COLLINSON TO JOHN BARTRAM. 



London, March 7th, 1764. 



My dear John : 



Disaffected, ignorant people, are always supposing improbabili- 

 ties, and putting worst constructions on the best-intended schemes; 

 so do not deserve further notice. 



In thine of August 6th, there was a query Avhy some animals 

 saw clear in the night, others not. Inclosed is my friend Doctor 

 Parsons' answer, and I have added something. 



Is it reasonable to think the Indians will love us, after such a 

 cruel, unprovoked slaughter, at Lancaster, &c. ? I hope the 

 authors will be made examples of justice. 



I congratulate thee on so elegant a present, as the charming 

 autumn Gentian. The specimen is fine. 



I was in hopes to send the names of the last specimens, but I 

 cannot get them from Solander, but I hope to do it by next con- 

 veyance. 



My dear John, Providence orders all things for the best. Have 

 patience, and see how things will turn. I don't despair of thy 

 treading paradisiacal ground, and returning loaded with spoils. 

 Nothing concerns me, but that unlucky stroke on thy leg. * * 



I am thine sincerely, 



P. COLLINSON. 



Pray how goes on Moses ? William was a very 

 ingenious lad, but I am afraid made some mistakes, that I hear 

 nothing of him. 



