since his confinement was illegal, as contrary to the order which
had been published on the subject.

Another cause of expense, comprising the 6th in this
enumeration, arose out of the number of orphan children in the
settlement, who were allowed full ration and clothing at the
charge of government. This evil has, however, experienced a very
natural reduction, from the judicious measures adopted by
Governor Hunter, who laid the foundation of a fund for the
benefit of these orphans; the consequence of which has been, the
completion of a school for the education and maintenance of
female children of that description, and which is now supported
by various imposts upon merchandize, and other taxations or fines
for certain offences against the general orders. The children
embraced by this charity are not simply the offspring of deceased
parents, but such other children, also, as have been left
unprovided for, by the desertion of those whose duty it was to
foster them, or from the circumstance of their being found to be
worthless and profligate characters, or by their having betrayed
a carelessness and indifference as to the moral improvement of
their children; where such a disposition displayed itself, the
offspring were taken from them, and their subsequent progress was
made the care of this institution, which provided for their
support and improvement; and I am happy to say, that there is
every appearance of a great good arising from this foundation, by
rescuing from infamy and shame, and bringing up to a life of
virtue and industry, a number of fine young girls, whom it is
earnestly hoped will strive to repay the paternal care that has
been taken of them in their juvenile days, by a strict adherence
to every pure inclination as they rise in age, and a grateful