Letter received by Banks from William Bligh, 7 February 1807 (Series 40.071) - No. 0005

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sufficiency for the consumption of the Persons under Government;  but such a distressed state have I found the Colony in, that we are obliged to get grain how we can for present use, and at a high price, having not above 1200 Bushels at Government Farm;  which must be reserved to the last. At present I am sorry to observe that the little wheat which is brought to market sells from 20/ to 24/ pr Bushl;  but which I hope when the Settlers generally begin to thresh, and the Maize Harvest comes in, will be reduced to the price which we have offered; and according to a promise they have made, we shall be better supplied. 

The Derwent & Port Dalrymple were likewise without grain but as I expect their Harvest will be now in their wants are for the present relieved, and we are preparing to send them the farther supplies I have in my power to do, and which could not be Done before, because we had not a grain of Wheat to