Merchants and the Military in Eighteenth-Century Britain

Investigates the contract sector of the British Army during the long eighteenth century. This book argues that this group of financiers, private merchants, businessmen and farmers represented a vital interest group which was at the nexus of the fiscal-military structure. It draws on papers from the War Office, the Treasury and the Audit Office. Introduction; Chapter 1 The Supply System of the British Army from the Seventeenth Century; Chapter 2 The Growth of Army Contracting; Chapter 3 Procedures and Patronage; Chapter 4 Administration of Encampment Contracts in England, 1740—62; Chapter 5 Performance of Encampment Contracts; Chapter 6 A Domestic Contractor: John Willan; Chapter 7 Domestic Supply and Contracting in Scotland, 1746—62; Chapter 8 Profit and Wealth; conclusion Conclusion;