Letter received by Banks from William Bligh, 14 August 1797 (Series 58.13) - No. 0003

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Victuallers being sent out at this time of the Year, but if it is meant to keep the Ships up in supplies, or complete them, it should be done speedily while the weather is moderate and the sea smooth - by the last of this month or first week in the next every line of Battle Ship should be completed as far as possible.

     I hear no complaints of the Ships Crews, only, that at grog serving it is found their allowance is too great.  I wish with all my heart that Government would fix a standard for the strength of liquor, and that it should be such that the Wine half pint which they have now allowed, should not have more effect than the 7/8 wch [which] they had formerly, that is, the former strength should be reduced 7/8.