To Thomas Wride Date: LONDON, December 11, I787. DEAR TOMMY, Distilled liquors have their use, but are infinitely overbalanced by the abuse of them; therefore, were it in my power, I would banish them out of the world. It is no wonder that young man should be ruined who connected himself with that execrable bill trade. In London I expel every one out of our Society who has anything to do with it. Whoever endorses a bill (that is, promises to pay) for more than he is worth is either a fool or a knave See letters of Nov. 6, 1781, and June 7, I788. I am, dear Tommy, Your affectionate brother.