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The Diary Of Antera Duke An Eighteenth Century African Slave Trader

Edwin Blair

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The Diary of Antera Duke is a historical document providing a rare glimpse into the life of an 18th-century African slave trader. Written by Duke, a Fante man from the Gold Coast (present-day Ghana),the diary chronicles his experiences during a two-year voyage to purchase and transport enslaved Africans to the Americas. Through Duke's detailed descriptions, we gain valuable insights into the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade.

Duke's Background and Early Life

Born in 1737, Antera Duke was the son of a wealthy Fante trader. As a young man, he engaged in various trading ventures, including the purchase and sale of slaves. In 1766, Duke was approached by a British captain named John Newton, who offered him a partnership in a slave-trading expedition.

The Diary of Antera Duke, an Eighteenth-Century African Slave Trader

by David Northrup

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3096 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	312 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Slave Trade Voyage

In February 1767, Duke embarked on a slave-trading voyage aboard the ship "Lord Mansfield." The ship sailed from the Gold Coast and made several stops along the African coast to purchase enslaved individuals. Duke's diary meticulously records the negotiations, transactions, and conditions under which he acquired hundreds of Africans.

The voyage was a grueling experience for the enslaved Africans. Duke's diary vividly depicts the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions below deck, where people were chained together and forced to endure prolonged confinement. Disease and death were rampant, with many dying during the passage.

Duke's Role in the Slave Trade

As a slave trader, Duke played a vital role in the transatlantic slave trade. He was responsible for negotiating prices, selecting enslaved individuals for purchase, and overseeing their transportation to the Americas. Duke's diary reveals his motivations and perspectives on his involvement in this cruel and exploitative industry.

Some historians have argued that Duke was a minor player in the slave trade, while others have suggested he was a significant figure with extensive connections. Regardless of his level of involvement, Duke's diary provides firsthand evidence of the brutality and inhumanity of the trade.

The Abolition of the Slave Trade

In the late 18th century, the abolitionist movement gained momentum, leading to the passage of laws prohibiting the transatlantic slave trade. In 1807, Great Britain abolished the trade, and other countries followed suit in subsequent years. Duke's Diary ends in 1774, but the legacy of his involvement in the slave trade continued to shape his life and the lives of his descendants.

Historical Significance and Legacy

The Diary of Antera Duke is a significant historical document that provides a unique perspective on the transatlantic slave trade. It is one of the few written records from an African slave trader, offering insights into their motivations, experiences, and the horrors they inflicted upon enslaved individuals.

Duke's diary has been widely studied by historians and has played a crucial role in understanding the complexities of the slave trade. It has contributed to the ongoing debate about the role of African traders in the transatlantic slave trade and the enduring legacy of slavery.

The Diary of Antera Duke is a poignant and disturbing account of the transatlantic slave trade. Through the eyes of an African slave trader, we witness the brutality, suffering, and moral bankruptcy that characterized this abhorrent practice. Duke's diary serves as a lasting reminder of the horrors of slavery and the ongoing fight for human rights and racial justice.

The Diary of Antera Duke, an Eighteenth-Century African Slave Trader

by David Northrup

5 out of 5