Defying Empire: Thomas M. Truxes

'Defying Empire: Trading with the Enemy in Colonial New York: This enthralling book is the first to uncover the story of New York City merchants who engaged in forbidden trade with the enemy before and during the Seven Years' War (also known as the French and Indian War). Ignoring British prohibitions designed to end North America's wartime trade with the French, New York's merchant elite conducted a thriving business in the French West Indies, insisting that their behaviour was protected by long practice and British commercial law. But the government in London viewed it as treachery, and its subsequent efforts to discipline North American commerce inflamed the colonists.Through fast-moving events and unforgettable characters, historian Thomas Truxes brings eighteenth-century New York and the Atlantic world to life. There are spies, street riots, exotic settings, informers, courtroom dramas, interdictions on the high seas, ruthless businessmen, political intrigues, and more. The author traces each phase of the city's trade with the enemy and details the frustrations that affected both British officials and independent-minded New Yorkers. The first book to focus on New York City during the Seven Years' War, "Defying Empire" reveals the important role the city played in hastening the colonies' march toward revolution.'

Having just read George Washingtons Secret Navy this one sounds quite interesting as well. I've added it to my wish list.

Authors site. Available via Amazon UK here and Amazon.com here

This book has been nominated for the 2009 Parkman Prize by the Society of American Historians so must be good

Just finished reading this and found it fascinating. The poliitcal, merchantile and legal elite of NYC were extensively involved in maritime trade with the French during the Seven Years War through "neutral" ports in the West Indies. The participants were very creative in their methods for evading Acts of Parliament, everything from "flag trucing" (trading disguised as prisoners of war exchanges), to phony "seizures" by friendly privateers. Attempts to get supress the trade an prosecute violators did not have much success until very near the end of the war.

Fertile ground for a HNF novelist to explore!