Historical political instability of the island, page 32
These passages overtly appeal to the spirit of British mercantilism. Much justification for the expansion of the British Empire was predicated on the need to grow trade and wealth, and Young’s references to gateway trading-posts such as the Orinoco River appeal to these expansionist sentiments.[page 32]
--The ‘Reply’ is obvious, to those acquainted with the History
of Tobago:- “Its advantages from Nature and situation, are
well known;- but too,- it is known,- that the island has
by Treaties, been surrenderd to France, successively in 1783
and in 1802:- what has happened, is again feard;- and under
presumed uncertainty of the Tenure, Great Capitalists will
not risque their fortunes in a Bank, which may soon &
suddenly pass, from the Power which protects,- to the Power which
confiscates.’—These apprehensions should no longer operate;
-I think, Great Britain will not in the wisdom of its
Councils, again give up Tabago to France;- and, why I
think so, will appear from the facts and statements, which
I shall have to exhibit, in the course of this essay.
Having so premised, I resume the subject of a Trade
with the Spanish main.
The Banks of the Oronooko, to a very considerable distance
from the sea, exhibit a low and marshy Savannah on Each
side, occasionally and in parts flooded by its waters. on these
extensive levels, numerous Herds of Cattle, Horses, and Mules,
constitute the chief, or only, wealth of the People,- or rather
of Their Priests;- who in fact, unite to that of their sacred
In this exhibition
- Background information
- Gallery and transcription
- Introducing the Essay
- Natural resources of the island
- Tobago's relative position
- The Commercial & political importance of the island of Tobago
- The Commercial & political importance of the island, continued
- Port of enterprize and command, page 29
- Orinoco River, page 30
- Appeal to British merchants, page 31
- Historical political instability of the island, page 32
- The reach of the Orinoco River, page 33
- Potential trade agreements with Spain, page 34
- Further trade routes with South America, page 35
- Establishing the port of Courland, page 36
- Prospects of national advantage, page 37
- Conclusions
- Military significance of Man o' war Bay, page 38
- Further significances, page 39
- Military consensus, page 40
- French intentions for the island, page 41
- Suitability as a port for ships of war, page 42
- Relative safety of the island, page 43
- The necessity to prepare for conflict, page 44
- Revelations of an inside source, page 45
- Fas est, et ab hoste doceri, page 46
- Select bibliography