Temporary record

Varied collection of correspondence and accounts between members of the Leckie family, who operated a large-scale dry goods business in England, the West Indies, and America. There are many details on the nature of an ambitious mercantile business and matters affecting it during this period, such as political disruptions, formation of connections with American planters, insurance of cargoes, depradations of privateers on shipping, the suitability of certain kinds of goods for specific markets, the types of materials bought and sold, and international competition and responses to it. The letters also reveal family relations and their repercussions on the business. One particularly interesting letter describes Washington, D.C., as it is being constructed in 1802 and includes William Leckie's views on the American social and political scene and the ominous "Negro problem."

M-2934

Subjects

Commerce--History
Commercial correspondence
Leckie family
Leckie, Alex
Leckie, George
Leckie, William
Merchant ships
Merchants--Great Britain
Merchants--United States
Merchants--West Indies, British
Privateering--West Indies
Washington, D.C.--Description
White House (Washington, D.C.)
West Indies--History

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