supplied from another market. The arrival of neutral
ships with merchandize would also tend to prevent the too
frequent monopolies which take place in this quarter, of the
nature of which and their mischievous effects upon the general
prosperity of the colony, I have spoken in a former part of this
chapter; and I feel a great regret that circumstances at this
moment prevent me from enlarging upon so destructive a subject,
and exposing the very root of so pernicious an evil, which has
latterly been fostered by those whom nothing more than suspicion
could ever have attached to, but by recent events; and I am
anxious that a full exposition of the plans which had been
adopted to facilitate the rapid rise of a mercenary and powerful
few, to the serious injury and almost inevitable downfal of the
country, will be held up to the public view of every impartial
man; by which means the grand promoters of so nefarious a
practice will bring upon their own heads that disgrace,
dishonour, and infamy, which their vile projects had formed for
others to bear the burthen of. It has been truly said, that by
means of those ships a great quantity of spirits have been
introduced into the settlement of Port Jackson, and on this plea
the prohibition of their sales, it is said, has taken place, but
which I do not strictly believe: However, the landing of those
noxious cargoes might easily be prevented; or they might be
suffered to be brought on shore, and lodged in one of his
majesty's store-houses, under a bond, so that, whenever the
vessel was about to sail from the port, she might receive it
again, having some trusty and vigilant person placed on board, to
see that no smuggling transactions were carried on, and where he
should be ordered to remain until the ship quits the Heads. By
these means, which would be no expense to the crown, the dry
goods, etc. which had been brought to the market, might be
readily disposed of, without any risk being incurred of the
introduction of too much of that maddening liquor, generally
brought by these vessels, to be distributed amongst the
inhabitants of the colony.

It must be obvious to every man of reason, that the early days
of a colony require as much attention and assistance as human
infancy, and that a course of improper and unskilful treatment at
the outset must undoubtedly lay the foundation of future
imbecility and ultimate destruction. Much evil has already been
done in the settlement, but it