Considerations on the present peace, as far as it is relative to the colonies, and the African tradeVaughan, Robert
History
Considerations on the present peace, as far as it is relative to the colonies, and the African trade
Vaughan, Robert
Great Britain -- Colonies -- Commerce -- Early works to 1800; Slave trade -- Africa -- Early works to 1800
We shall conclude this pamphlet, with inserting a copy of a petition,
signed by the planters of the island of Barbadoes, in the year
1710. The reasons and observations contained therein, in our humble
opinion, fully point out, that they foresaw what has in effect since
happened; therefore we beg leave to submit it to our readers to form
their own judgment upon.
To the queen’s most excellent majesty,
The humble petition of several planters and others, inhabitants of
your majesty’s island of Barbadoes,
Sheweth,
“That the tender care and regard your majesty hath constantly had
of all your subjects, encourages your petitioners, who are deeply
concerned in the trade to Africa. The constant supply of Negroes at
moderate prices, being the chief support of this colony; whereby
we can only be enabled to preserve the staple of sugar, and other
commodities, and to afford them in greater quantities, and cheaper
than other nations; most humbly beg leave to lay before your
majesty, that for many years, while the royal African company had
the sole management of that trade, this island was duly supplied
with a sufficient number of Negroes at moderate prices, from 10
_l._ to 20 _l._ per head the highest, which was a very great
encouragement; and enabled us greatly to improve the manufacture
of this island. But for several years past, since the trade has
been laid open, the number of Negroes imported by the royal African
company, and separate traders together, have not been sufficient
to supply this island; and those which have been imported, have
been sold at extravagant prices, from 20 _l._ to 40 _l._ per head,
especially those which are tolerably good; which your petitioners
conceive to have been occasioned by the different interests of the
separate traders, each bidding upon the other; of which the natives
upon the coast taking advantage, have raised the price of their
own commodities, and sunk the price of those of Great Britain, and
this island; which is an unspeakable damage, and discouragement to
your petitioners, tends to the ruin of this trade, the lessening
your majesty’s revenue, and the navigation of Great Britain.”
“Therefore your petitioners humbly pray, that the British
interest on the coast of Africa may be preserved; and the trade
put upon such a foot, that a sufficient number of Negroes may
be had upon the coast, on moderate terms, and your petitioners
supplied at reasonable rates here.
“And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.”
Barbadoes,
Aug. 1, 1710.
“Robert Vaughan,
“Thomas Carney, _&c. &c. &c._”
_FINIS._
_ERRATA._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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