19 July 1869 Glenorchy My dear Donald The want of time and paper prevented me from writing you my views about the defence of the country up to now. The news I have always held is this. England has been playing fast and loose with us. As to a certain extent we have been doing with her, and England, knowing we are poor and striving to make a home for ourselves as colonists & well [k]nowing we have not the wealth and riches produce of India to pay her for man...ing her soldiers in this Island,