English presence in the Brazilian Empire: Edward Johnston & Co. and the exports trade, 1842-1852

Abstract:

This study aimed at analyzing the organization and the exporting activity of the British trade firm, Edward Johnston & Co. in Brazil, from 1842 to 1852. When arriving in Rio de Janeiro, in 1821, Edward Johnston worked at the British trade firm, F. Le Breton & Co. In 1827, as the manager of the trade firm, he married Henrietta, daughter of Charles Alexander Moke, owner of the Massau farm, coffee producer in the Tijuca forest, Rio de Janeiro. After returning from London and Holland, Edward Johnston quit the trade firm and became a broker. The growth in Brazilian exports, the knowledge about Rio de Janeiro, and the commercial contacts with England allowed Edward Johnston to organize the trade firm Edward Johnston & Co. in 1842. His partners were the traders William Joseph Havers and João Ignácio Tavares. Edward Johnston left the trade firm with his partners and returned to Liverpool. With João Ignácio Tavares leaving the trade firm and the death of Havers, in 1847, besides the commercial crisis in Liverpool in the same year, Johnston reorganized the society in Brazil. The improvement in business and the increasing expertise of the trade firm in coffee export allowed Johnston’s children to be more present. This participation led to the creation of Edward Johnston, Son & Co. in 1854. But that is another story.

Keywords:
Brazilian Empire; commerce; British trade firm.