James Small (Scottish factor)

James Small (born c. 1730, died 1794) was a prominent Scottish factor based in Fredericksburg, Virginia during the latter half of the 18th century. As a factor, he represented the interests of Scottish merchants and trading houses, primarily in Glasgow, facilitating the exchange of goods between Scotland and the American colonies, particularly tobacco.

Small acted as a key intermediary, purchasing tobacco from planters on credit or through barter, then arranging for its shipment to Scotland. He also provided planters with manufactured goods, household items, and other necessities from Scotland, effectively operating a complex system of credit and debt. His activities played a significant role in the transatlantic trade network that shaped the economic and social landscape of colonial Virginia.

Small amassed considerable wealth and influence in Fredericksburg. He owned significant property, including land and warehouses. He was also involved in local civic affairs. Despite his success, Small's business practices, typical of the factoring system, often led to indebtedness among planters. The complex system of credit and trade created a cycle of dependency that contributed to social and economic tensions in the lead-up to the American Revolution.

With the outbreak of the American Revolution, Small's position became precarious. As a representative of British commercial interests, he was viewed with suspicion and faced increasing hostility. While he initially attempted to maintain a neutral stance, his loyalty was questioned, and he was eventually forced to leave Virginia. He returned to Scotland, where he died in 1794. His business interests in America were largely disrupted by the war, marking the end of his career as a significant figure in the transatlantic trade.