Tobacco in Colonial Virginia / "The Sovereign Remedy"

The booklet traces the arrival and cultivation of tobacco in early Virginia, recounting how settlers encountered native varieties and later introduced milder Spanish seed through experimental planting. It follows the crop's rapid commercialization, shipments to England, and expansion into a staple export. The summary explains economic factors behind tobacco's dominance—compatibility with local soil and climate, high yield per acre and per laborer, and efficient shipping—along with its role in creating a colonial market for English goods. Administrative mechanisms for trade are outlined, including inspection systems and legislation governing warehouses and storage.