.

"Dated in Halifax 23rd April, 1782.

"G. HASTINGS."

Col. Francklin procured at Halifax many articles needed for the mast
cutters, such as chains, blocks and tackle, camp supplies, etc. Flour
retailed in Halifax at this time at $11.00 per bbl., and the freight
to Fort Howe was $1.50 per bbl. Pork cost at Halifax $25.00 per bbl.
and upwards. The population on the St. John river was small, and men
and oxen were in demand both in winter and summer. The cultivation and
improvement of farms was retarded and a spirit of speculation
introduced into the country, destined ere long to bear pernicious
fruit. Francklin sent from Windsor some skilled hewers of timber.
Nevertheless the masting operations were carried on after a primitive
fashion, and Mr. Peabody was constantly obliged to write for articles
needed by his workmen. A few sentences culled from his correspondence
with Hazen & White will shed a little light on the difficulties that
attended the masting business:

"There is no prospect of the business being in one place as we
expected when Mr. Francklin was here; at present have given up
trying at St. Anns, for the Pine proves so rotten that it would
never pay the expense of cutting a road to where it grows." [Nov.
2d, 1781.]

"The men are very bad off for Bread, and people cannot work
without good food, besides it takes much time in baking Indian
cakes for them in the woods, one hand continually imploy'd. * * We
are very badly off indeed for Chalk lines, having nothing of that
kind to make use of but twine." [Jan. 21, 1782.]

"Davidson is almost done--his situation is this: no workmen, no
rum, no provision, he's nearly possesst of Pandora's Box." [Feb.
5, 1782.]

"Men's wear is much wanted, such as thick clothes, a few blankets
if you can procure them, as some men are obliged to sleep without
blankets in the camp." [Feb. 9, 1782.]

"Pork, beef and corn is very scarce and dear, the two former not
to be bought. Have engaged what wheat and Indian corn we could on
the river." [March 23d, 1782.]

"Our common laborers value their hire very high, as there is so
many mast cutting, running from place to place to get sticks for
the highest bidder." [Dec. 25, 1782.]

"Some chocolate is wanted for our Masting Camp for at present we
use Spruce Tea, which causes some murmuring." [Feb. 2, 1783.]

In order to fill the contract at the time fixed, Samuel Peabody found
it