Considerations on the present peace, as far as it is relative to the colonies, and the African trade

by Robert Vaughan; Thomas Carney

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.