The Amistad

In this essay, the author

• Explains that the amistad was a spanish ship built in baltimore for the purpose of transporting slaves. it sailed the high seas for three years delivering its cargo to various locations.
• Describes how the amistad drifted toward the american shoreline, where africans, sick and dying, were in need of food and water. they anchored the ship and went aboard land in hopes of trading with natives.
• Narrates how 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.
• Explains that slavery trade had been outlawed in the united states colonies for almost 30 years and in spain for 19 years.
• Explains that abolitionists were active during this time in history. they used the case to publicize the evils of the african slave trade and slavery.
• Explains that lewis tappan, an admitted christian evangelistic abolitionist, firmly believed slavery was moral wrong and openly opposed it.
• Explains that the spanish government had become involved in the case, requesting the return of the africans to cuba. they felt the united states had no jurisdiction over this case because it involved subjects of spain.
• Explains that martin van buren was not out to offend anyone, especially the southerners, nor was he interested in severing the good relationship the united states had with spain.
• Narrates how the amistad committee had written the president a letter advising that the treaty of 1795 did not apply for this case because of the conflicting claims of property rights and because the africans were kidnapped.
• Explains that the africans were sent to hartford, connecticut for court. the criminal element went to trial, and the circuit court had no jurisdiction over the charges of murder or mutiny.
• Explains how tappan brought in dr. josiah gibbs, a linguistic professor from yale, who figured out the native tongue of the africans.
• Describes how abolitionists convinced two africans to press charges against montes and ruiz for kidnapping, assault, and false imprisonment.
• Explains that the amistad was in high seas when boarded by the uss washington, and therefore was a case for new york, not connecticut. roger baldwin was to be the leading attorney for the african's defense.
• Explains that baldwin said the africans were born free and were not subjects of spain. judge judson decided that lt. gedney and his crew were entitled to salvage, but only 1/3 of the vessel's value.
• Describes how lewis tappan sought the help of former president john qunicy adams, who was anti-slavery. he tried to have the amistad case dismissed, arguing that the united states government was not a party to the case.
• Analyzes how john quincy adams, representing the defense, pulled apart every part of the government's case. he criticized forsyth for his action with the spanish minister, questioned justice and human rights, discussed the treaty of 1795 and how it applied or didn't.
• States that the supreme court reversed judge judson's decision of returning the africans to africa in accordance with the anti-slavery trade law of 1808.
• Explains that the supreme court's decision presented a problem for the africans, who were anxious to return home, but the united states government had no involvement in what happened to them.
• Concludes that it is important to note that the spanish government was aware of the illegal slave industry happening on her islands. montes and ruiz were well aware that they had purchased the africans illegally.