Description:

Slavery

A fascinating but chilling snap shot of an accounting of Disbursements for the Slave Trade ship, the Schooner Active, dated "April 12th 1769, through May 23rd 1769". Single page on accounting laid paper, 14.5" x 9.25". Page toned, with expected folds, small pinhole of paper loss. A few small areas where the ink appears as affected by water, although upon inspection the areas may have been purposely inked over to correct the accounting. One disbursement represents a payment to the documented owner of the Schooner, Aaron Lopez as "Cash paid Mr Lopez for George Simons."

 

Aaron Lopez, was one of the foremost slave traders in North America. He owned 63 ships, one of which was the Schooner Active. He was Newport's leading participant in the Black Holocaust, largest taxpayer and the epitome of the Newport slave dealing culture. Born in Portugal, Lopez moved to Newport, Rhode Island in 1752, renounced his Marrano past and built an extensive trans-Atlantic slave dealing empire. "What can be said about this most attractive figure," writes Dr. Marcus, "is that he lived on a baronial scale, maintained an entourage of over thirty persons, including the necessary slaves and hired servants, and had his own stable and two chaises." He was engaged extensively in smuggling and the owner of nearly 60. By 1749, Lopez was generally considered to be one of the largest merchants in the country, shipping every marketable item including molasses, Blacks, rum, pork and bottled beer. He owned a wharf, arranged for building, chartering, and outfitting the vessels, hired captains and crews, and kept detailed accounts. Lopez reportedly launched his career as a slave merchant late in 1761. Later, he eventually became a key supplier of the American revolutionary forces.

 

This thought provoking ledger makes references to the slaves on board this Schooner:

 

"To potatoes, pumpkins, & limes for the Slaves …"

"To cash paid to Mr. Lopez …"

"To my Coast Commissions on the gross sales of 42 slaves @ 28/3/2 per head …"

 

A stark look back at the building of a personal fortune in the slave trade. Often this schooner and others similar to it embarked on a triangular trade that sent rum from Rhode Island to Africa, bought slaves in Africa to sell in the West Indies or in the southern colonies, and brought molasses back to Rhode Island.

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