The Board of Trade is a British government body concerned with commerce and industry, currently within the Department for Business and Trade. Its full title is The Lords of the Committee of the Privy Council appointed for the consideration of all matters relating to Trade and Foreign Plantations, but is commonly known as the Board of Trade, and formerly known as the Lords of Trade and Plantations or Lords of Trade, and it has been a committee of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. The board has gone through several evolutions, beginning with extensive involvement in colonial matters in the 17th century, to powerful regulatory functions in the Victorian Era and early 20th century. It was virtually dormant in the last third of the 20th century. In 2017, it was revitalised as an advisory board headed by the International Trade Secretary who has nominally held the title of President of the Board of Trade, and who at present is the only privy counsellor of the board, the other members of the present board filling roles as advisors.
Whitehall June 1st: 1759. To the Right honourable the Lords of the Committee of His Majesty’s most honourable Privy Council for Plantation Affairs. My Lords Pursuant to Your Lordship’s Order…
[ Williamsburg ] 26 June 1779 . Approval requested for the purchase of cloth for the army and navy. Signed by Thomas Whiting and Jacquelin Ambler. Countersigned: “In council July…
[ Williamsburg ] 29 June 1779 . There are no more than 1,450 hhds. of tobacco on hand belonging to the public and unengaged by contract. Instructions requested for procuring…
[ Williamsburg ] 30 June and 1 July 1779 . Instructions desired concerning purchase of sundry articles from Thomas Pierce, John Carter, and Richard Burnly. Signed by Whiting, Ambler, and…
[ Williamsburg ] 2 July 1779 . Making up the quantity of tobacco to 3,000 hhds. is probably all the state can afford at this time, although this quantity may…
[ Williamsburg ] 13 July 1779 . The proposals of Hunter & Co. concerning the cargo of the ship Dolphin seem exorbitant. From information respecting tobacco now owned by the…
[ Williamsburg ] 14 July 1779 . Upon consideration of the want of necessary supplies, it is proposed to offer Hunter & Co. “77 ½ for 1. for such Goods…
[ Williamsburg ] 17 July 1779 . The owners of the cargo of the Dolphin propose to let the Board of Trade have such part of it as they wish,…
[ Williamsburg ] 10 Sep. 1779 . Haywood offers 2,000 bushels of salt at £20 per bushel. Without salt it will be difficult to purchase tobacco because of the shortness…
[ Williamsburg ] 8–9 Oct. 1779 . Transmitting a requisition from the Board of War for the purchase of leather breeches for Maj. Nelson’s corps of cavalry. Signed by Ambler…
Board of Trade Octor. 8th 1779. We tho’t it prudent, before Mr. Smith’s departure, that he should inform the Board what he expected would be allowed him for his Expences…
[ Williamsburg ] 19 Oct. 1779 . Fifteen hundred additional hogsheads of tobacco have been purchased before a further rise in price, because it is feared that within a year…
[ Williamsburg ] 29 Oct. 1779 . The salary of Mr. James Warren, assistant in the agent’s office, has never been fixed. Forty pounds per annum, payable in tobacco at…
[ Williamsburg ] 3 Nov. 1779 . Submits requisitions from Board of War for shoes and for clothing for Col. Buford’s battalion at Petersburg; also a memorandum of George Purdie…
Board of Trade Novr. 6th 1779. Sir We have considered the several letters and papers received from Messrs. Pollock and Lindsey referred by your Excellency to this Board, and beg…
[ Williamsburg ] 6 Nov. 1779 . The governor has written the Board to authorize Oliver Pollock of New Orleans to draw on Penet, D’Acosta Frères to the amount of…
Board of Trade Novr. 9. 1779. Sir We had the Honor of Your Excellency’s Instructions respecting the settlement of Capt. Le Maire’s Expences. We confess ourselves at a loss to…
[ Williamsburg ] 12 Nov. 1779. In compliance with the requisition of 30 Oct. for the purchase of clothing for the Cherokee Indians, all the articles mentioned in Maj. Martin’s…
[13 November 1779] Board of Trade Novr. 13. 1779 Â Â Â The above appears to be what His Excellency in Council intends to allow Capt. Le Maire; if so…
[ Williamsburg ] 27 Nov. 1779 . Transmitting proposals of Raleigh Colston for supplying the state with salt. The present and prospective stock of tobacco does not permit payment for…
[ Williamsburg ] 1 Dec. 1779 . Requesting approval of the purchase of shoes and sugar. The articles are immediately wanted, but the prices are high. Signed by Whiting, and…
[ Williamsburg, 3? Dec. 1779 . Minute in Board of Trade Journal (Vi) under 3 Dec. 1779: “Ordered that Mr. Armisteads offer of Sundry Goods be submitted to the Executive.…
[ Williamsburg ] 7 Dec. 1779 . Transmitting offer of soap and candles, the purchase of which has been recommended by the Board of War. Signed by Whiting and Rose.…
[ Williamsburg ] 18 Dec. 1779 . The public shipyard at Cumberland should be discontinued because of the enormous cost of maintenance. The trading department has only six vessels, and…