Joanne

Did the plantation have limestone caves on it or nearby? Limestone caves have saltpetre  (potassium nitrate KNO3) in them. This is used for making gundpowder as well as in the curing and preservation of meat. Probably more was used for meat curing and preservation than making gunpowder back then. Selling it for meat curing and perserving would have been a lucative source of income in those days.

 Blackpowder (gun powder) would definately be a hazard if close to living quarters as it becomes unstable and subject to spontaneous combustion of it gets damp or over heated.

Clay

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