ABSTRACT
A large number of merchants conversant with trade to Barbadoes, the Leeward Islands, Jamaica, and the European Continent were summoned before the board and questioned. Barbadians and others were often reported for selling sugar directly to the Dutch who took it to Europe as the product of St. Eustatius. In return the Hollanders sold directly to the British West Indians, or at St. Eustatius, European manufactures. Nathaniel Torriano chief interest lay in opposing the suggestion, proposed by many at the time, that sugar, rice, and tobacco be removed from the “enumerated list” for European ports south of Cape Finisterre. The agitation for direct trade to Europe also involved the desire that direct trade in sugar between the West Indies and Ireland might be restored. The act granted permission to ship sugar directly from the plantations to any foreign ports in Europe.
