Member-only story

The Life and Trial of an American Slave Trader

Duncan Cox

·7.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Hanging Captain Gordon: The Life And Trial Of An American Slave Trader

4 min read · 2 weeks before

132 View Claps

14 Respond

Save

Listen

Hanging Captain Gordon: The Life and Trial of an American Slave Trader

by Ron Soodalter

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2511 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	340 pages

The Early Years

John Newton was born in London, England, in 1725. His father was a sea captain, and Newton went to sea with him at the age of 11. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by the age of 24, he was captain of his own ship.

In 1748, Newton sailed to Africa to purchase slaves. He then transported them to the Americas, where they were sold to plantation owners. Newton made a great deal of money from the slave trade, but he also came to realize the horrors of the institution.

The Conversion

In 1755, Newton's ship was caught in a storm. He was thrown overboard, and he was nearly drowned. As he was sinking beneath the waves, Newton prayed to God for salvation.

Newton's prayer was answered. He was rescued from the storm, and he vowed to devote his life to God. He gave up the slave trade, and he became a Christian minister.

The Abolitionist

Newton became one of the leading abolitionists in England. He wrote a number of books and articles about the horrors of the slave trade, and he helped to raise awareness of the issue. He also worked with other abolitionists to pressure the British government to end the slave trade.

In 1807, the British Parliament finally passed a law abolishing the slave trade. Newton was overjoyed, but he knew that the fight was not over. He continued to work for the abolition of slavery itself.

The Legacy

John Newton died in 1807, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in the abolitionist movement. His story is a reminder of the power of redemption and transformation.

The Trial

In 1764, Newton was tried for murder. He was accused of killing a slave named Mary Catlett. The trial was a sensation, and it attracted a great deal of attention.

Newton was found guilty of manslaughter, but he was sentenced to only six months in prison. He served his sentence, and he was then released.

The trial was a turning point in Newton's life. It forced him to confront the horrors of the slave trade, and it led him to become an abolitionist.

The Impact

Newton's trial had a profound impact on the abolitionist movement. It helped to raise awareness of the horrors of the slave trade, and it helped to convince people that slavery was wrong.

Newton's trial also helped to change the way that people thought about slavery. It showed that slavery was not just a moral issue, but also a legal one.

Newton's trial was a major victory for the abolitionist movement. It helped to pave the way for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

Hanging Captain Gordon: The Life and Trial of an American Slave Trader

by Ron Soodalter

4.7 out of 5