Women and Business News: The Black Family

The Black family were wine merchants of Bordeaux. In the letters exchanged between Margaret Black and her brother-in-law, Robert, we learn that Margaret regularly updated Robert with business information concerning crops, shipments, and any political circumstances which might impact the continuation of their trade.

In this letter dated 15 November 1738, Margaret confirmed shipment of Robert’s latest order. Margaret’s letters indicate a thorough understanding of the mechanics of the wine trade, a sophisticated level of technical knowledge, and a level of expertise and confidence with the quotidian operation of the family business.