Another writes thus.—“But what I would more particularly represent to their lordships, is the clandestine and illegal commerce carried on between the _New England men_, and several of the British masters, especially the fishing admirals; who after they have, according to the act, qualified themselves in England for fishing ships, depart for _France_, _Spain_, or _Portugal_, where they freight with wines and brandies; which early in the year they carry directly to Newfoundland; and either dispose of to the planters, or barter with the New England-men for the produce of the plantations. By these means Newfoundland is not only supplied with these foreign European commodities, but it is become a mart, from whence other American plantations are (in fraud of his majesty’s duties) in a good measure furnished.” “As the admirals are chiefly concerned in this unfair trade, so their tyranny and oppression in the harbours, where there are none of his majesty’s ships, is not to be reckoned amongst the least causes of the decay of the fishery; those who labor in it, having learnt by experience, that the rule of their decision is their private interest, and that fishermen are not to expect any justice from them. This contributes to a scarcity of men, which occasions wages to be so extravagant, that the fish which they catch is often not sufficient to pay the servants. And the inhabitants are thereby so much discouraged, that there have not been half the number of boats employed by them as formerly.” “But whatever redress the corrupt administration of the admirals is capable of, another great disadvantage, which the fishery labors under, proceeds from the country being, during its long winter, without the least form of government or order. It is my humble opinion, that it would be of considerable service to it, if some of the inhabitants were intrusted with commissions of the peace for the administration of justice during that season[38].” Another writes—“I flattered myself that as there was no garrison here (namely at _St. John’s_) to terrify or interfere, I should find a stricter obedience to the laws and regulations that had been made for the government of the place; and that proper regard was shewn to the authority vested by law in the fishing admirals; but on the contrary I find, that through the ignorance of some, and negligence of more, for some years past, they have been so slighted, that unless the captains of the men of war are present to assist and countenance them at their courts, their meetings would be nothing but confusion, and their orders of no use, which is the reason we are obliged _to usurp_ power, which, I apprehend, does not properly belong to us, of publishing orders in our own names; to prevent, as much as we can, the threats, the rioting, and disorders, which, to the great detriment of the fishery, are generally practised in our absence.”