Similarly, the following is from Sir William Young "An Historical,
Statistical, and Descriptive Account of the Island of Tobago" (1812:104).
 
Slaves keep the silversmith busy "as trinketmenders or trinket venders.
Corals and golden ornaments are the (mark) of the African, and it yet
continues with their creole descendants in Tobago.  Not a common
field-Negress is without her Earrings, and the gold must be pure....  I
should state that the sale of ordinary articles of use or fancy is not
confined to Scarborough town.  I think that a full third of the retail
trade in Tobago is carried on by mulatto hucksters, the housekeepers of
Gentlemen, who as _sleeping partners_ in the business order out their
assortment of goods which are afterwards exhibited for disposal under the
most seductive display and cirucmstances to invite and fascinate
purchasers.  And Miss Kitty, Miss Anna, and Miss (Rittas), handsomest of
blackgirls, are to be seen 'in tour` on every plantation sitting under a
tree near the mansion house with a Charaib basket before them containing an
assortment for Massa or for Negro" (emphasis in the original).
 
As an aside, I often wonder when I read this whether Sir William intended
the double entendre ;-)
 
Chris Clement