Answer: Merchants in New England
Explanation:
They scrambled to their places by the rowlocksand all in line dipped oars in the gray sea" (Homer 6-7).
Because New Jersey was located between New York and Philadelphia which gave fighters prime position, not only on land but also in the ocean due to how accessible it was to water. It also was able to control war materials such as raw and worked iron, gunpowder, and muskets.
I believe the case you're referring to is Dred Scott v. Sandford.