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best of their way to a place of safety. The tubs were slung in pairs, or in threes, and so arranged that a man might carry two or three, the sling-cord passing over his shoulders. On some occasions an active man would deposit his first load in a hedge or ditch, or under a bush, and return and get a second load ; and in general the look-out men were paid so much each tub (I believe it was five shillings ) for all they delivered at the proper and appointed place.
The following extract from a book of Custom-House Returns will serve to show the enormous extent of smuggling at the commencement of the present century. It is for the quarter ending Midsummer, 1805 . It represents, I believe, one seizure :-
| 477 Casks of Brandy | containing | 1650 | gallons. |
| 109 Casks of Rum | " | 375 | " |
| 421 Casks of Gin | " | 1460 | " |
| 8 Packages of Tea | " | 188 | pounds. |
| 173 Packages of Tobacco | " | 6432 | " |
| 2 Bags of Salt | " | 97 | " |
| 1 Lugger and Tackle. | |||
| 1 Small Boat. | |||
| Total value seized at Hastings | £2784 5 8 | ||
| Total value seized at Hastings during the quarter |
£3317 14 11 | ||
| (Signed) | J. G. SHORTER, Supervisor of Customs: | ||
