A comparison between the British sugar colonies and New England, as they relate to the interest of Great Britain : with some observations on the state of the case of New England

In this 1732 pamphlet the writer sets out a systematic comparison between Britain’s Caribbean sugar colonies and the newer settlements of New England, weighing their relative value to the mother country. Drawing on customs records, parliamentary testimony and recent tracts, he shows that the sugar islands already supply far more raw material and absorb far greater English manufactures than New England does. The author then turns to the opposite side of the ledger, asking what might happen if the northern colonies continue to grow.

He points out that New England ship‑builders now outfit a third of the vessels that bring Caribbean sugar to England, and that its fishery rivals Britain’s both at home and in Newfoundland. Though still modest in woollen production, the region already exports cheap fleece, makes superior beaver hats, and has discovered deposits of iron, lead and copper. The pamphlet warns that if such trends persist, the economic advantage of the Caribbean may remain steady while New England’s dependence on Britain could fade, reshaping the empire’s trade balance.