Journal Article

The Truck System in the Cape Breton Fishery: Philip Robin and Company in Cheticamp, 1843-1852

Campbell, Robert

2015

Overview

Further research has provided more detail on the mechanics of the merchant credit system as it operated in the fisheries in Newfoundland and the Gaspe,5 but very little work has been done on the activity of merchant firms in the fishery in Cape Breton during the 19th century. [Rosemary E. Ommer]'s choice of crc is fortuitous in this regard, in that the associated firm of Philip Robin and Company (prc) was operating during this same period in Cape Breton. Consequently, this research note offers a preliminary exploration of the application of the merchant credit system in the Cape Breton fishery in the middle of the 19th century, with a particular emphasis on prc operations in Cheticamp. The short-term objectives of the research were to identify the existence of any significant differences in the financial operations between crc and prc, as well as to gain some appreciation of the relationship between the company and the Acadian people in Cheticamp. The evidence suggests that prc tolerated a much higher level of client debt than crc and that the relationship between the company and the local population was an integral component of the Acadians' determination to remain in Cheticamp. The longer-term project will entail a more thorough examination of the source material in order to more adequately substantiate these initial findings and contribute to a broader understanding of the merchant credit system and the role of merchant firms in local economic development.

• Subject: Rosmarinus