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[Page 11]
spirits, has been by permits from the Governor to individuals to receive certain quantities when a Ship arrived at the market price (about 8 or 9/ Shillings pr. Gallon) and allowed to be bartered away at 20/ pr Gallon by general orders; but such various means are adopted, that the holder enhances its value from three to five pounds, and even eight pounds have been given given by unfortunate People who will not do without it.
A Sawyer will cut one hundred feet of Timber for a Bottle of Spirits, value 2/6 which he drinks in a few hours; when for the same labour he would charge two bushels of Wheat which would furnish Bread for him for two months, hence those who have got no liquor to pay their labourers with, are ruined by paying more than they can possibly afford for any kind of labour which they are compelled to hire men to execute, while those who have liquor gain an immense advantage.
At Harvest, or shortly after, those who have got Spirits go or send their agents to purchase Wheat, and frequently take from the thoughtless Settler two and there