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Archival description
GB 0096 AL 367 · Collection · 1840-1845

Papers of David Cranstoun, 1840-1845, comprise three letters to Robert Sutton and Lydia Sutton, East Bilney, near East Dereham, Norfolk. Correspondence mentions the sugar crops, molasses, and the state of the water supply. The final letter (dated 1845) includes the following: '... We hailed the intelligence of the ministers plan of reducing the duty on sugar with much satisfaction in hopes it will materially benifit [sic] us. There are however some who are skeptical on this head concieving [sic] the British West Indies will not benifit to the extent anticipated, in consquence of the great reduction which has also taken place in foreign sugars, the latter being grown and manufactured at a much cheaper rate than ours - we must however patiently wait the result ... Within the last week we have had an arrival of twelve sturdy Irish labourers, they seem quite pleased with their employment and are working well - these are the description of people we want, for it is said that in Ireland they scarcely ever taste butchers meat - their principal support being potatoes and butter milk - not so with those from England - they are accustomed to better living and seem to feel the want of their beer which they have been used to, and which they cannot obtain here but at a dear rate ...'. All items are autograph, with signatures. Franked, sealed and stamped with the dates: 14 March 1840, 21 May 1842, 11 April 1845.

Cranstoun , David , fl 1840-1845
Ashley, John
GB 0096 MS 279 · [1745-1747]

Manuscript volume containing a memorandum by John Ashley, [1745-1747], headed 'A Proposal to support the British Nation against the ambitious views of France. Humbly offered to the consideration of the Right Honourable Henry Pelham', and suggesting the substitution of a capitation tax on sugar and salt for duties on the products of West Indian plantations as a means of undermining French commercial competitiveness.

Ashley , John , d 1751 , Barbados planter
Articles on tea and sugar
GB 0096 MS 883 · 18th century

Copies of articles written in the 18th century:

  1. 'The Natural History of Tea', beginning: 'Tea, which throws some people into vapours, affects their complexion...'. The article cites as authorities 'Dr. Waldsmith' [Johannes Waldschmid?], and 'Dr. Hermenane', and refers to directions for making tea 'on pp.123, 124, and 161 on the first volume of this magazine'.
  2. 'Historical and Medical Observations on Sugar', beginning: 'Sugar was originally the product of the East Indies'.
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