spirits issued to parties on command; a custom which has been
esteemed proper and necessary in cases where such parties have
been employed in particular services for the public benefit, and
in no other cases have they been issued during the
administrations of governors Phillip and Hunter. These services
were of various descriptions, parties being frequently detached
in pursuit of those who had absconded, either into the woods, or
had carried off boats, and endeavoured to escape over the ocean;
others were oftentimes employed in excursions into the interior,
to obtain a more perfect and comprehensive acquaintance with the
nature and productions of the country; others again were sent, at
times, to reconnoitre the herds of wild cattle, to remark their
progress, and see that no attempts were made to destroy such an
useful resource; the inspection of the various settlements also
occupied some detachments; small divisions were dispatched to
cruize and survey the coast; and the crews of colonial vessels,
which were engaged in going to and from the Hawkesbury, as well
as to the more distant settlements, were in the habit of
receiving these extra supplies, as they had no other means of
increasing their common allowance, when such augmentation was
necessary: Certain customary rations were also given to the
settlers while they were employed in making and repairing the
different roads which led to the settlements, and at which
periods they received allowances in proportion to the number of
days during which their services were required. It had also been
usual to give one pint of spirits weekly to each of the clerks
employed in the offices of the governor, secretary, commissary,
and judge advocate; a similar portion was also issued to the
constables of the crown and the overseers; and also to such
constables of districts as were chosen out of the inhabitants who