The Amistad

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The Amistad

The Amistad was a Spanish ship built in Baltimore for the purpose of transporting slaves. For three years, it sailed the high seas delivering its cargo to various locations. But in August of 1838, a scandalous injustice was uncovered after the ship was seized by an American vessel, the USS Washington, a coast guard ship under the command of Lt. Thomas R. Gedney. Lt. Gedney and his crew towed the Amistad into a New England harbor in Connecticut where soon many controversies amounted and drama would unfold.

For 63 days, the Amistad had been drifting toward the American shoreline. As conditions deteriorated aboard the vessel, it's inhabitants at the time, Africans, sick and dying, were in need of food and water. Desperate, they took a chance, anchored the ship and went aboard land in hopes of trading with natives, the ships cargo for needed supplies. On land, they were confronted by two sea captains, one of whom was named Henry Green. Green convinced the Africans that he would help them sail back to Sierra Leone. Having an ulterior motive, he intended to get a hold of the ship, sail it into port and claim it's cargo for salvage. However, before Green could carry out his plan, the USS Washington arrived, boarded the ship, took the Africans captive, and towed the vessel into New London, Connecticut.

Two Spaniards, Montes and Ruiz, were found aboard the ship and told their side of the story. They claimed the Amistad was traveling with their property of 53 African slaves to Cuba from Havana, when on the fourth day of their voyage the slaves escaped their chains and took control of the ship. Fearing death, they bargained with the slaves promising to return them to Africa, when in fact, they purposely steered the ship ...

... middle of paper ...

...with the aid of Lewis Tappan and his missionaries, money was raised and the Africans traveled home.

In conclusion, I think it is important to note that during the last trial, it was brought out that the Spanish government was aware, as well as, involved in the illegal slave industry happening on her islands. Also, that Montes and Ruiz were well aware that they had purchased the Africans illegally, as all of their dealings were done under the cover of night. Furthermore, that once the Africans returned to Africa, many left the missionaries and returned to their villages and their native ways.

Bibliography

Cable, M. Black Odyssey: The Case of the Slave Ship Amistad. New York: The Viking Press, 1971.

Jones, H. Mutainy on the Amistad: Thje Saga of a Slave Revolt and Its Impact on America, Abolition, Law & Diplomacy. New York: Oxford University Press, 1987.

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