SETTLEMENTS ON THE DEMERARY, k.C. 69 



As to the custom-house, I despah' of reduchig its exorbitant 

 charges, as the officers who have the conducting of it, reign 

 lords paramount there, uncontrouled by either governor, or 

 council. The charges of clearing a vessel are enormous ; for 

 British ships loaded and bound to England, from sixty to se- 

 venty pounds, in proportion to their tonnage and cargo. 

 To Americans and neutrals the charges are in the same pro- 

 portion doubled ; independently of the duty, they pay 2|- per 

 cent, on one, and 5 per cent, on the other. The comptrol- 

 lers and collectors of his Majesty's customs in these colonies 

 are in very lucrative situations, capable of making large 

 fortunes in a short time. But the burden on commerce greatly 

 transcends, I fear, the profits of the revenue : so that a com- 

 mutation of all custom-duties for a tax on the estimated rent of 

 the cultivated land would probably be found, both to the state 

 and the subject, a profitable change. 



The vendue-mastcr's appointment is also very lucrative. This 

 is an office under government, similar to an auctioneer ; 

 there being but one allowed, and authorised, which makes 

 the place so very valuable. The percentage on sales according 

 to law is not more than 5 per cent, but the additional or in- 

 cidental expenses make it ten. The principal people who at- 

 tend these sales are Dutchmen, and the bottle of gin and glass 

 are handed about so briskly, that the fumes mount into 

 their heads, and give their tongues such volubility, that they 



