1865 Manuscript African Slave Ship Inspection Report of Missing Slaves for the Ship Leonor After Landing in Cuba

On offer is a fascinating, handwritten document dating back to the African-Cuban slave trade, which ran concurrently with the Chinese coolie trade for over 20 years in the 19th century. This document is a report written after the disembarkment inspection of the galleon Leonor.

In this document, the author reports that there were 155 “negros” presumed on board, yet the inspector only found 153 on board, with two men having fled the ship. These negros are now considered fugitives. The fugitives are Ramon (a criollo/native) and Domitito (from the Congo). The report also discusses other situations occurring on farms and plantations. For example, a Cuban sugar plantation, which was recently sold, is discussed. The document indicates that the negros on board are destined to Sagua (la Grande) and that it has arrived via the Puerto Escondido port, which is a hidden port entering the bay of Matanzas. The report is hand stamped “Capitania Del Partido de Corral Nuevo”, which is located in Matanzas, Cuba. 

This document provides fascinating behind-the-scense insight into the administration of the African slave trade during a time when Cuba was simultaneously bringing in Chinese coolie indentured labour for a variety of reasons. 

Cuba had a great need for inexpensive labour to support their sugar industry. While America and Britain signed a treaty in 1814 to abolish the African slave trade, it took many years for complete global abolition. The African slave trade was not ended in Cuba until 1886, despite it being formally abolished in 1867 (Yun & Laremont, 2001). During the Chinese coolie trade (1847-1874) African slaves often worked alongside Chinese indentured labourers. 

This document measures approximately 6.5x8.5 inches. It is made of three leaves with four pages of handwritten. It is bound with string. Very minor, tiny bends and tears. Highly legible. Spanish language. Overall G+.