Atlantic Trade And Slave Trade

One of the foundational theories of North American colonial history is that of salutary neglect; the idea that the enforcement of trade laws was purposefully lenient to allow for the development of the aforementioned trade networks, and to assist the flow of vital cash and materials. However, limited enforcement was not total autonomy, as there were constant interventions by the British government, currency controls, naval impressment and the confiscation of goods were regular features of Atlantic trade. Colonial and personal appeals to parliament for redress and protection were common, as well as pleas for aid in the form of credit and military power. So the question becomes, how much did colonial merchants actually do on their own? Were they