I read some of the plantation records maintained by my family in early 1700's. They tried using Irish, funny, we are Irish as well, but the Irish being sent were weak and or drunken and lazy. Also, not made for Georgia and South Carolina heat. He regretted making the switch but had no choice. Once productivity shot through the roof because Africans were stronger and prepared for the environment there was no turning back.
Interesting how slaves in turn bought slaves. People were chattle. People are chattle today just not owned but enslaved by debt and a system bent on keeping them that way.
