Meaning: The quote you provided seems to be from William Bligh, a British naval officer and colonial administrator. Bligh is best known for being the captain of the HMS Bounty, a ship that became famous due to the mutiny led by Fletcher Christian in 1789. However, the quote you provided does not seem to directly relate to Bligh's naval career or the mutiny but rather to a different context, possibly related to trade or commerce.

In this quote, Bligh mentions the prices of wine, specifically noting that "Very good wine was bought at ten pounds per pipe, the contract price; but the superior quality was fifteen pounds." This suggests that Bligh is referring to a specific transaction or trade deal involving wine, where different qualities of wine were being sold at different prices. He also mentions that "some of this was not much inferior to the best London Madeira," indicating that the wine being sold was of high quality and comparable to renowned varieties of Madeira wine from London.

The mention of "pipe" in the quote likely refers to a unit of measurement for wine. In the context of wine trade, a "pipe" traditionally refers to a large cask or barrel used for transporting and storing wine. The price per pipe would indicate the cost of a specific quantity of wine, and the variation in prices for different qualities suggests that there was a discernible difference in the value and desirability of the wine being traded.

It's worth noting that William Bligh had a diverse career beyond his naval exploits, including involvement in trade and exploration. After the events of the mutiny on the Bounty, Bligh continued his naval career and also served as the Governor of New South Wales in Australia. During his time in Australia, he was involved in various economic and trade-related activities, which could potentially provide a context for the quote about wine prices.

The mention of London Madeira in the quote is also significant. Madeira wine, particularly the variety produced in the Portuguese island of Madeira, was highly esteemed in the 18th and 19th centuries and was a popular commodity in international trade. The reference to the best London Madeira suggests that this particular type of wine was held in high regard and likely fetched a premium price in the market.

Overall, this quote from William Bligh provides insight into the trade and valuation of wine during the era in which he lived. It offers a glimpse into the pricing and quality differentials in the wine market, as well as the perceived value of wines comparable to esteemed varieties such as London Madeira. Additionally, it hints at the economic activities and commercial interests that intersected with Bligh's career, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of his life beyond his more famous naval endeavors.

In summary, the quote captures a moment in time when wine trade and commerce played a prominent role in the economy, and it reflects the discernment of quality and value in the wine market during that period. The specific details provided by the quote offer a window into the world of trade and commerce as experienced by William Bligh, providing a nuanced perspective on his broader historical context.