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Trustees combat rum smuggling in Georgia

Source: An Account shewing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia #176

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From 1741 AN ACCOUNT, SHEWING THE PROGRESS OF THE COLONY OF GEORGIA IN AMERICA, FROM IT'S FIRST ESTABLISHMENT.
[Edited for readability by Amy]

From the 9th June 1734, to the 9th June 1735

Trustees sent beer and wine to discourage rum use, and wrote an Act to prohibit smuggling
The Trustees receiving frequent reports from the Colony of the pernicious Effects of Drinking Rum and other Spirituous Liquors, by not only creating Disorders amongst the Indians (who had been plentifully supplied with it by the Traders) but also Destroying many of the English, and throwing the People into various Distempers, prepared an Act, entitled, An Act to prevent the Importation and Use of Rum and Brandies in the Province of Georgia, or any kind of Spirits or Strong Waters Whatsoever. At the same time, they endeavored to supply the Stores with Strong Beer from England, Molasses for Brewing Beer, and with Madeira Wines, which the People might purchase at reasonable Rates, and which would be more refreshing and wholesome for them. The Magistrates of the Town of Savannah were likewise empowered to grant Licenses to private Persons for Retailing Beer, Ale, &c. And the Trustees have great Reason to believe that the remarkable Healthiness of Ebenezer in the Northern Part, and Frederica in the Southern Part of Georgia, is very much owing to the Prohibition of the Use of Rum: For in those Part where Rum in defiance of the Act has been introduced, the People have not in general been so Healthy and Vigorous.