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Franklin had business, political, and family ties to a number of the islands
in the West Indies.
• Antigua: In 1748, Franklin sent Thomas Smith, a journeyman
who worked for him, to establish the first printing house in
Antigua. Smith also started the Antigua Gazette. When
Smith died in 1752, Franklin sent Benjamin Mecom to Antigua.
• Guadeloupe: Near the end of the French and Indian War, Franklin published
a pamphlet titled "The Interest of Great Britain Considered with Regard
to her Colonies and Acquisitions of Canada and Guadaloupe." Franklin
argued that Canada would be a better prize to take from the French instead
of the spice island of Guadeloupe.
• Dominica: Franklin formed a partnership with William Smith to publish the
Freeport Gazette.
• Jamaica: Franklin had a partnership with a printer in Kingston, Jamaica.
• Barbados: Franklin’s son William married Betsy Downes, who was the
daughter of a Barbados planter and plantation owner.
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