1872 Cuban Manuscript Document Regarding the Transfer and Receipt of African Child Slaves

On offer is a manuscript document discussing the transfer and receipt of African underage (child) slaves in Cuba. 

This document is a manuscript notice indicating that many slaves, mostly children and some young adults, were transferred from one jurisdiction to another. The document also includes an acknowledgement of the receipt of said slaves. The slaves are listed by names and ages. The slaves are: José Ma, Secundino, Eustasis negra, Pilar, Justina, Lugarda, Branlia, Vicenta, Rosario. The document indicates that some of the slaves are criollo, and that the slaves are of the following ages: 26, 6 years, 10, 8, 22, 3, 9, 9, 8, 7, 15 respectively, coloured and a Conga of 20 years of age. 

This document speaks to the heartbreaking use of child labour in Cuba during the African slave trade, as well as providing evidence as to the administrative government structure that was in place to manage slaves. 

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. 

The single folio leaf measures approx 8.5x12.5 inches. The document has manuscript text in ink on the front and back. It exhibits age toning and some have minor rips, tears and folds, as well as some small holes. The upper left corner is torn off, not impacting the integrity of the document. Highly legible. Spanish language. Overall Good.