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Province of Nova Scotia
Halifax [word?]

Samuel Lewis of Halifax in the County of Halifax Mariner Master of the Brigantine Maria being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was Employed by the Commissioners to Refrain to Sable Island to Remove the cargo and passengers saved from the Brig Lancaster wrecked on Said Island, that he was detained there four days, that he dined one day with Mr. Darby, the Superindendant and saw no porter at table, that he was constantly occupied loading the Maria but whenever he had an opportunity of seeing Mr Darby he was actively employed in Removing the materials of the Lancaster, and was perfectly fatigued ad worn down by his continued Exertions - The Deponent previous to leaving the Island was requested by the said Joseph Darby two examine two casks of whisky, to ascertain whether they were in a fit state to be Removed That Deponent accompanied the said Darby tasted the whisky and found that it was mixed with salt water and was perfectly nauseous