reported that ships had "brought spirits enough to deluge" (the colony). "My positive refusal to suffer the poisonous article to be landed has given much offence, although every officer has been permitted to receive what he wanted for his private accommodation." When he thought of
"the various advantages which many of the military officers have had, which I have not shown any desire or intention to wrest from them, we cannot help expressing astonishment that they should have even thought of entering into trade of any kind, except that of disposing of, to the Government, the produce of their agricultural labours." . . . . "The introduction of this destructive trade which took place since the departure of Governor Phillip, has done immense mischief," and is, "in the manner of it carried on here, highly disgraceful to men who hold a commission signed by His Majesty. I have resolved to correct, as far as I can, many such abuses. I have not assistance sufficient."
What assistance could be given by instructions from England he received. Mr. Dundas told him, "It is certainly in your power, as well as it is your duty, to prohibit, by the most positive orders, all officers of government, civil and military, from selling any spirituous liquors to the convicts and settlers." An order was sent from England (1799) that no vessel should "be allowed to land any article, or break bulk, before the return of such vessel and her cargo is filled up. This measure will be of the greatest use in preventing the importation of spirits without your license first obtained for that purpose. Tidings that officers were engaged in traffic in spirits reached England. The Duke of Portland called on Hunter (1799) for a report, and told him that King had been appointed to succeed him. The Horse Guards desired Colonel Paterson, then in England, to repair at once to Sydney that steps might be taken to crush proceedings of so "infamous a nature."
But it had become plain that the demoralization of the colony could not be arrested by Hunter. The Secretary of State (Nov. 1799) expressed disapprobation of the manner "in which the government of the settlement" was "administered in so many respects," and was "commanded to signify the king's pleasure" that Hunter should "return by the first conveyance which offers itself after the arrival of Lt.-Governor King."
Hunter was hurt at his recall, and at the manner of it. He attributed it to "an anonymous letter" from the colony,
