NEWPORT TRIANGLE SLAVE TRADE.


RUSSELL, NATHANIEL. Autograph Letter Signed ("Nathl Russell"). 1 p, 4to, Charleston, May 1, 1768, to Samuel and William Vernon enclosing a letter to Samuel (not present), with integral autograph address leaf, some creasing and toning.The Vernon brothers, Samuel and William, were instrumental in the colonial era "triangle trade," buying slaves from Africa with rum from New England, selling the slaves in the West Indies for molasses, then delivering the molasses back to New England to be turned into rum, which then went back to Africa to buy slaves. They also were the first Newport merchants to sell slaves directly to the southern colonies. Russell was a prominent Charleston merchant who worked closely with the Vernon brothers. His home on Meeting Street is listed on the National Historic Register, and for many years was the headquarters of the Historic Charleston Foundation.