 In the same year, Stokes also formed a partnership in land and commission agents with Dubois Aggett, however in 1840 Aggett maimed himself while attempting suicide, and Stokes severed the partnership.1840 also saw the market for Albion Brewery's beer fall away due to a sluggish economy.It did not escape Stokes' attention that duties were levied on imported spirits, but not on those produced locally.