To THOMAS THOMPSON, Esq.,
(Captain in His Majesty’s 46th regiment), Commandant of
Newcastle, in the Colony of New South Wales, and one
of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for that Territory.
Sir,
Having, in obedience to your commands, completed the following narrative of my adventures I should deem myself wanting in gratitude, were I to omit offering, at the same time that I respectfully submit my production to your perusal, the humble tribute of my thanks, for the many favours I have received at your hands; for the indulgent treatment I have generally experienced; and more particularly for the distinguished honour you have conferred on so unworthy an object as myself, in condescending to feel an interest in the occurrences of my former life, and in permitting me to inscribe to you, the following Memoirs of it.
I beg to assure you, Sir, that, however Fate or Fortune may hereafter dispose of me, the remembrance of your goodness will never be effaced from my mind; and that in the event of my past sufferings inducing you to use your bountiful influence in my behalf, and to procure me once more the probable means of attaining a respectable rank in society, my future conduct shall be such, as to prove that you have not erred in believing me radically reformed, and deserving the honour of your patronage.
In the sincere hope that these sheets will contribute to your entertainment, and that of such friends as you may be pleased to communicate them to,
I have the honour to subscribe myself,
with the most dutiful respect,
Sir,
your obliged and grateful humble servant,
JAMES H. VAUX.
Newcastle, 30th March 1816.