Feb 26, 2009 - Sale 2171

Sale 2171 - Lot 31

Price Realized: $ 660
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 1,500
(SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.) BRITISH GOVERNMENT PAPERS. Abstract of an Act for Better Regulating the Manner of carrying Slaves in British Vessels, from the Coast of Africa. Passed July 12, 1799. 23 pages with sample "Muster Role" at the end. Small 8vo, later marbled boards with title up the spine; margins closely trimmed but with no loss of text. [London], 1799

Additional Details

An attempt by the British Government to have all ships carrying slaves from Africa register with the Custom House, in order to pay duties. But more important, a set of rules and regulations regarding the manner of stowing slaves below deck: "The Whole space between Decks of such Vessels shall be allotted for the Slaves; and after Two Thirds of the Compliment of slaves are taken on board, no stowage to be put in the Place allotted for them. The Space to be allotted for Slaves to be Five Feet High" and so forth. A chilling, matter-of-fact list of how to run a slave ship properly.