The Amistad

The Amistad

In 1839, Fifty- tree African was purchased by two Spanish planters Ruiz and Montes. The African were put aboard the Cuban schooner Amistad for shipment to northwest coast of Cuba.   On July 1, 1839, under the leadership of Joseph Cinque, the African took control of the ship, killing the captain and the cook. Ruiz and Montes was spared, since they had sailing skill, and Cinque wanted the ship to return to Africa.   Montes and Ruiz had no intention of going back to Africa. The Amistad was seized off Long Island, NY, by the U.S brig Washington. The planters were freed and the African were imprisoned in New Haven CT, on charge of murder.   Although the murders charges were dismissed, the African continued to be held in confinement as the focus on if these African were born in Africa or they were born as a slave. Theodore Joadsn and Roger Baldwin represented the African. The case became more popular. When the case reach the supreme court   Roger Baldwin turn to John Quincy Adams in order to have a nationally know figure argue the case. He accepts because of his passionate support of fundamental liberties for all. He presented his case in two speeches , each lasting almost four hours, and reminding the court of its duty to human rights. The court voted in favor of the African, with only one dissent. In delivering the decision, justice story declared that the African were not slave. They were ‘native of African, kidnapped and unlawful transported to Cuba’ which was illegal . The Amistad decision was a milestone in the long struggle against slavery and for the establishment of basic civil right. The Supreme Court decided in favor of the African and 35 of them were return to their home land. The other died at sea or in prison while awaiting trail.