Yet, the primary concern for Newton, as with many slaving captains, rested on maximizing profits through the importation of healthy bondpeople. Upon her transfer, Newton concluded it was 'not so much in hopes of recovery (for I fear she is past it),' but instead as he professed, 'to free the ship of a nuisance.' In many respects his actions can be perceived as cold and indifferent to the girl's condition. Similar to her male shipmate, Newton sent the young female captive on shore, this time to an individual named Peter Freeman. 92,' who also became enfeebled by the flux.

This concerned an enslaved girl referred to as 'No. Three months later, while attempting to finalize slave sales in preparation for his Atlantic departure, Newton faced yet another medical episode. Despite the financial loss incurred by the boy's death, Newton intimated it was 'indeed what I expected.' (3)

All too often, the physical and psychological traumas captives underwent during their final moments of life remain unrecorded. 27, being very bad with a flux.' (2) Three weeks after the young male's removal, his designated caretaker, Andrew Ross, shared with Newton that treatment notwithstanding, the bonded child's health deteriorated and he died. Prior to his departure to the neighboring locale of Grand Bassa, on 12 January 1751, he discharged several seamen to 'put a boy on, No. (1)Īs sickness continued to advance, Newton chose to draw upon available coastal resources in hopes of restoring the health of some of those enslaved. Following his arrival in a region referred to as 'Rio Junque,' West Africa, the unhealthy environment aboard ship appeared to hinder Newton's future trading voyages and forced him to declare, 'Having so many sick, am afraid shall not be able to keep our boats going,' presumably to conclude any of his immediate slaving endeavors. However, as he traveled the waters venturing into different coastal areas, he confronted several instances of declining health among purchased bondpeople and several crew members. Much to his satisfaction, the number of captives he boarded on his ship increased. After docking close to a month later, he entered into business negotiations with local merchants for the procurement of various goods-both human and non-human.

On 11 August 1750, British ship captain John Newton departed Liverpool aboard the vessel, Duke of Argyle, setting sail for the Windward Coast of Africa.

Sowande mustakeem slavery at sea