Large trade ships plied the sea lanes from Locke's Island to the West Indies to trade lumber and salt cod, returning to the town laden with molasses and salt. The fishing schooners were constantly returning from the Banks loaded with cod.
Ships carrying lumber and salt cod traveled from Locke's Island to the West Indies for trade. Returning trips brought molasses and salt back to the town.  Fishing boats from the Banks regularly delivered cod to the port.