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formerly; fifty six thousand gallons of wine and spirits have been sent out of the cove since November last These regulations may be productive of some good consequences in the end. I see little prospect of any reformation amongst the prisioners at large. A present bread is very scarce, and the people suffer much from the want of it. This want must be attributed in great measure to the idleness and drunkennes of the inhabitants. They put little or no value upon their crops when harvest comes take no care of their grain and frequently part with the principal part for spirits. You, perhaps will have seen Governor Hunter since his return: his memory is dear in this settlement, notwithstanding all the odium cast upon his public character. Governor King is not more happy in his administration than Governor Hunter was. I do not expect his stay will be long; he finds much to contend with, I beg to refer you to Mr Balmain for any further information respecting this country; and remaim
Honoured sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
Samuel Marsden