The 1770's brought rebellion and conflict to the American colonies. Families were divided, Patriots against Tories. Armed rebels talked freedom and human rights, but continued to hold Blacks and Indians as slaves. The slave's desire for freedom made them fight those who protested it.
People who supported the British became known as Loyalists. Black people who supported Britain became known as Black Loyalists.
In the 1770's, Black slavery was the way of life. Approximately 300,000 Blacks were held in bondage. Some courageous people, both Tories and Patriots, wished to see slavery abolished.
The "Slave Coast" was that part of West Africa between the Congo and Senegal Rivers. Slaves were captured and imprisoned in warehouses until a slave ship came to take them to America.
Conditions on board slave ships bound for America were deplorable. The slaves died of disease, dehydration and starvation. Sick slaves were often thrown overboard. Insurance companies would pay for slaves lost at sea. If they landed in America, they were sold for less than the cost of their passage. At one time British courts agreed that this practice was acceptable and legal.
When sick slaves made it to America, they were sold first. They were classed as "junk slaves," and could be bought cheap. Owners tried to nurse them back to health. If successful, they were able to sell these people for huge profits. There were slave traders who specialized in "recycled slaves."
At times slaves were sold at negotiated prices in newspaper ads. Other times they were inspected and put up for auction to the highest bidder. Slaves often stood on the auction block naked. Families were separated. This was a time of sorrow and humiliation for slaves.
Once the slave was sold, he/she was at the mercy of their owner. Their work was assigned. Large healthy males were often sentenced to a life of hard labor as field hands. Both men and women were trained in skilled trades or as domestic servants. Pretty, young girls and women were often slaves to their owner's sexual desires after a long day of hard work. Thousands of babies were fathered by slave owners, who took no responsibility for their illigitimate children. Slaves with skilled trades were often rented out. The slaves never received any money. It belonged to their owners.
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