1872 Cuban Government Letter Describing Transfer of African Slaves from Managua to Limonar

On offer is a lovely document listing the names and plans for transfer of African slave, Dominga, and her children, four-year-old Ramon and one-year-old Agustin. 

The document, stamped with the seal of the government of Santa Maria, Cuba, lists Dominga’s name, origin, age and type of work, as well as those of her children. The handwritten document indicates a plan to for Mr. Marques de Piendon to transfer the three from Managua to Limonar. The document indicates that Dominga and Ramon work in the fields, while Agustin does not work (he is an infant). All three are listed as being criolla (Creole). The document was signed on June 25, 1872 by Caindido Latowe. 

This document provides depth to the understanding of the Cuban African slave trade in the later 19th century, which was running consecutively with the Chinese coolie trade. 

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. 

Measures approx 8.5x6 inches. One leaf with handwriting on the verso and recto. Age toning, significant folds and creases and slight tearing that does not interfere with readability. Legible. Spanish Language. Overall G.