Prominent Rhode Island Slave Trader Receives Overdue Payment, Learns Cost Of Shipping Slaves From Jamaica

BENJAMIN FRY was well-known merchant and slave trader, along with his brother Samuel, from Newport, Rhode Island, one of the principal slave trading hubs in America. In this 3 pp, 7 ¾ x 12, the firm Bailey & Bogart writes to BENJAMIN FRY, New York, Nov. 28th, 1799, regarding a dispute over freight charges for merchandise carried aboard his Brig. Favorite. The firm expresses disappointment over the delay of Joseph Rose not paying the freight charges in a timely manner. In discussing freight charges, the firm mentions the cost of shipping slaves. “Your Favorite could have a freight for Jamaica, prices of which are about the same as when you were here in June, except for slaves, for which 45 to 50 dollars per has been offered, to receive Rum at Jamaica at the cash price.” Rum was frequently used as a currency in the slave trade. “We received your favor of the 12th covering your charter party & called on Mr. Rose stating to him that his contract was not complied with relative to the [Brig] Favorites not bringing back our half the freight she could carry. He replied it was very foreign to what Capt. Carter told him on his arrival here (or when he came to town) as he then said he supposed the Brig was 2/3 loaded at Curacao & that he could not think of settling the return freight in any other way but as the bills lading expressed. We told him this proposition was very different from what your ideas were & you had given us instructions to the contrary. We endeavored to reason the business but all would not convince him but what the Brig was 2/3 loaded home & he was not willing to submit that business to any indifferent persons. “To refuse we know would procrastinate a settlement & thought it best to adopt the least evil he finally paid the freight as per statement at foot and bills lading inclosed. You will herewith receive the balance due you being 1122. 23 draft in Bank notes and change which we should have sent by Capt. Caloun & also wrote you, but Mr. Rose disappointed us in paying the money until it was too late. However, we hope it will arrive in season to answer your purposes. We have also returned you the charter party. Mr. Rose would not adhere to what Capt. Jones said respecting the Favorite’s carrying the number of Hides you mentioned, but said it must be a mistake, as we have done what we thought would be most advantageous for your interest, presume you will be satisfied. Your Favorite could have a freight for Jamaica, prices of which are about the same as when you were here in June except slaves for which 45 [to] 50 per has been offered to receive rum at Jamaica at the cash price. You will please to acknowledge the receipt of the remittance. We should calculate more on a freight to Jamaica than any other Island at present for your Brig thought it is probably a freight could be obtained to St. Thomas or some of the windward Islands. …