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Indiana University Studies 
supplies were also sent in American vessels to the free port 
of Bermuda, and there sold for cash. Flour was sent in like 
manner to Cuba or Liverpool, and from these places carried 
in British vessels to the West India colonies. The result of 
this condition of trade was, according to the legislature of St. 
Christopher, that the 
United States have actually possessed themselves of all the advantages 
of the carrying trade, which (but for these restrictions) would at least 
be divided by British enterprise — the vessels of the United States alone 
bringing all our supplies, and carrying back all colonial produce that 
they are permitted or will consent to receive.^^ 
The same effect was pointed out even earlier by an American 
paper.^2 
Altho, undoubtedly, the American tonnage engaged in 
trade with the West Indies did experience an increase in this 
way, the total tonnage of the United States engaged in foreign 
trade showed no such increase, but on the contrary a slight de- 
crease. The reduced British tonnage entering American ports, 
however, exhibited a slight tendency upward. The situation 
is shown by the following figures 
American Tonnage 
British Tonnage 
Engaged in Foreign 
Years Ending December 31 
Engaged in Foreign 
Trade, Entering 
Trade, Entering 
American Ports 
American Ports 
1820 
'801,252 
765,098 
47,365 
52,976 
1821 
Consequently, it would seem to be safe to assert that had the 
effect on navigation been the only result of the American acts. 
Great Britain would probably have been content to let the 
respective navigation systems stand. 
But much greater pressure was brought to bear 
upon the British Government by the effect of the 
American acts upon prices in the British West Indies, 
both of imports and exports. The price of imports 
into these islands was greatly enhanced by double freights. 
Am. State Papers, Commerce and Navigation, II, 631. Petition of Assembly of 
Jamaica, in Niles’ Register, XXII, 56, 57. Memorial of Legislature of Antigua in St. 
Christopher Gazette; and Charibbean Courier, April 5, 1822. 
Petition in St. Christopher Gazette; and Charibbean Courier, Feb. 22, 1822. 
''-New York American (for the country), Jan. 23, 1822. 
Bates, American Navigation, 183. 
