r by successful
humanity. The munificence of the crown, alone prevented a larger
subscription by the people; he had, however, the warm and unanimous
expression of public gratitude.

The character of his mission was supported by his conduct. He went
unarmed, and if the natives approached him at all, they were devoid of
fear and therefore of ferocity. He plunged into the heart of the forest,
assumed the habits of a wanderer, and continued his absence for months
together. He shared the danger of his allies, and confided in their
affection: he encouraged their sports, and so far as could a white man,
without debasement, he became one among them. Hitherto the English had
dealt treacherously, and rarely approached their camps, but to oppress,
to mock, or to destroy them. They now discovered, that all were not
enemies, and kindness was felt more powerfully by contrast. It is said
by Backhouse, that Robinson acted under a sense of religious duty; by
Mann, that he was a fatalist or predestinarian: he was calumniated by
the base and the envious: the ascendancy he acquired over the natives,
the Christian philosopher can easily comprehend. The effect of "good
will to men," is peace on earth. Moral courage, united with generosity,
often overpowers the suspicion and hostility, of even the most
barbarous. The coward dies, while the man of bold spirit dissipates the
clouds of distrust, and wakens in others the confidence he himself
cherishes. Nor is it necessary for the writer to observe, that Divine
Providence gives back often, the "hazard of their lives," to the
resolute in right, or that an omnipotent protector attends the footsteps
of the merciful.

Thus, in their harassing life, parents and children had been divided,
and families had been broken up in melancholy confusion: indeed, they
had ceased to be tribes, and became what they were called--mobs of
natives, composed often of hereditary enemies. Infanticide and distress,
rapid flight, and all the casualties of a protracted conflict,
threatened them with speedy destruction. Had not Robinson appeared, the
last savage, hopeless of peace or safety, would have perished with his
weapon in his hand. It was a great deliverance to this colony, as well
as to the native. From the Windmill-hill at Launceston, whence a wide
and beautiful country is visible, the spectator could discern the site
of twenty aboriginal murders--settlers, servants, and infants; the aged
and the kind had fallen,