I have Gen^t frequent Complaints of the ruinous condition of the Gaole of the Province which will Require a large Repaire or Rather Rebuilding as soone as may be their being Continual Hazards of Escapes thro’ its present Deficiency. Gen^t of the House of Representative. you very well know there has been no money in the Treasury of the Province for neare three years past which has greatly Exposed and dishon^d the Kings Goverm^t and has been a Publick Injustice & oppression—this with the threatening Aspect abroad (I have no doubt) will lead you to make Ample Provision for what I have now mentioned as well as for all the other Exigencies of the Goverm^t. Gen^t of the Council, & House of Representatives. Upon my meeting of the Ass^m of the Mass^{ts} Bay in April last I earnestly recommended to them the passing an Order (agreeable to what had been done in this Province) for putting a stop (at present) to any process in the Law ag^t the Borderers on the disputed Lines of the two Provinces. But the Publick Prints have long Since told you it had not the desired Success. In January Last, I wrote verry fully to the Right Hon^{ble} the Lords of Trade praying them to Represent this long unhappy Dispute to his Maj^{tie} that there might be an End put to the Contention to which letter I have rec^d the Hon^r of their Lordships Answer, Saying they hope upon the return of my answer to their Letter no further delay may be occasioned to the accomplishing a matter of so much advantage to both Provinces and my answer to their Lordships Letter is Long Since gone forward and I shall rejoyce in Seeing this troublesome affaire bro^t to a happy conclusion. Gen^t In whatsoever you can project for his Maj^{ties} Hon^r & Service and for the Prosperity of his good Subjects in this Province you Shall have my hearty assistance and Consent. Jan^r 1^t 1733–4. J. BELCHER. The reply in rhyme is found to follow very closely the official and more dignified document which was presented to the Governor, and is probably a versification of the prose message done for the amusement of the writer only, and never intended for the Governor’s ear. It is endorsed “Ans^r to y^e Gov^{rs} Speech Jan^y 1733–4. Scrub Poetry.” PUNCH TO SHEARBACK