2024 Theses Doctoral

The Inter-Colonial Provisioning of Barbados from New York and New Jersey, 1650-1765

Kamil, Seth Ira

Provisioning was a paramount concern for the success and survival of Barbados from the earliest days of English colonization. As the island embraced the sugar boom of the 1640s, planters chose to purchase overseas supplies over allocating land for growing suitable food crops. Inter-colonial planter-merchants created trade partnerships and exchange routes in the aftermath of the English Navigation Act of 1651 and the subsequent Restoration of the monarchy.

This dissertation explores the extensive land ventures, the establishment of provisioning plantations by Barbadian migrants, as well as the merchant trade from 17th century New York and East New Jersey to the sugar island. It explains Barbadian planter’s adventure in acquiring and developing Shelter Island off Long Island Sound to produce and ship provisions to Barbados. The dissertation also outlines the Barbadian creation of ‘New Barbados’ in East New Jersey. The early 18th century saw the systematization of the English Merchant Shipping Reports.

An assessment of the provisioning trade from Ports of New York and Perth Amboy to Barbados is the central focus for understanding the importance of regional merchant activity. The inter-colonial and inter-imperial trade from the New York area demonstrates the extensive provisioning and the diverse range of recipients for grown and harvested goods. Colonial New York and New Jersey were a region separate from New England and the Middle Colonies of Pennsylvania to Maryland. The goods shipped and transshipped from the New York region were the most diverse of colonial North America and were central to the success of the English West Indian sugar plantation system.