It was
conjectured, that this measure of registering ships was preparatory to
the establishment of duties and a custom-house.
By the _Walker_ four iron twelve pounders were received, and
information that copper coinage to the amount of L550 was in the
_Porpoise_, whose arrival might be daily looked for. The circulation
of this money would be attended with the most comfortable accommodation
to the people in their various dealings with each other; and it might be
so marked, as to prevent any inducement to take it out of the colony, if
it should ever be found convenient by government to order a silver
coinage for the use of the settlement, if it was fixed at not more than
half or two thirds of the intrinsic value of what it might pass for, so
as to render the loss considerable to any one attempting to carry it
away, it would be felt as a considerable advantage, and would effectually
prevent the forgeries to which a paper currency was liable.
With the _Walker_ came in the _Britannia_ from her last successful
cruise, having now completed her cargo of oil.
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