inform all owners that not more than 500 gallons of spirits would be allowed to be landed from any vessel. An American vessel arrived in 1801 with 13,000 gallons of spirits, and King did not allow a drop to be landed. Between the 28th Sept. 1800 and 31st Dec. 1801 he had sent away more than 32,000 gallons of spirits and 22,000 gallons of wine, and that which was landed by permission was sold at prices fixed by himself, and ranging from four shillings to ten shillings a gallon. These prices coming after the recovery, in the Court of Sydney, of one hundred and sixty shillings a gallon in Governor Hunter's time, and confirmed by him on appeal, abated the lust of importers. The captain of the American vessel asked King to give him a certificate that the importation was forbidden, and King wrote to the United States Minister in London (through the Secretary of State), hoping that his letter might prevent Americans from risking their property; "the penalty of landing which, without my permit in writing, is forfeiture of ship and cargo." Lord Hobart, who then controlled the department, replied:—
"I very much approve of the steps you have taken to lessen the evils arising from the enormous quantity of spirits imported into the colony, and you may depend upon my firm support in every legal and justifiable exertion you may continue to make in furtherance of this very essential object. The dismissal of the American vessel will operate more powerfully than any measure to prevent the resort of others so laden; and the most strict instructions will be given to all masters of vessels from this country and from Ireland in accordance with your suggestions, which I have not failed to communicate to the Commissioners of Transport."
King had written also (March 1801) to the Commissioners, and they replied (31st Dec. 1801):—
"It is much to be lamented that such vast quantities of spirits have been clandestinely imported into New South Wales contrary to the spirit and tenour of our charter parties; but we trust that your endeavours co-operating with our own, will in future greatly discourage if not entirely prevent a traffic so pernicious to the health and morals of the people under your government."
The Chance, with letters of marque, was in the South Seas, and King acquainted her commander (24th April 1801) that any prize he might take would receive refreshments necessary, but if containing more than 1000 gallons of spirits would "not be suffered to come into the cove or have her cargo condemned." He wrote also to all British Consuls in America (March 1802), with "the approbation of
