CUBAN OFFICIALS

1863-1865 Rare Contract of Emancipated Black Slave Feliciano of the Congo Whose Contract to Work Under Los Minas Del Cobre Has Been Renewed

Havana, Cuba: Cuban Slave Trade Contract Havana, 1863. Non-Book. On offer is a remarkable early contract for an emancipated African slave whose contract to work under Los Minas del Cobre of Havana has been renewed for two years. The contract is for Feliciano, who was born in the Congo, Africa. The contract is from the Governor Captain General Superintendent of the Treasury of the Island of Cuba. It states that Feliciano is being “consigned” to del Cobre on a contract renewal. The number of years for which Feliciano is contracted says tres (three) but that number is crossed out, and a note indicating the duration of the contract renewal is handwritten at the bottom of the contract. The contract indicates that Feliciano was slave #164, brought from the Congo to Cuba on the ship Guantanamo (which was later used to transport Chinese coolies from Macau). The contract states that in exchange for Feliciano’s work, he will be paid 5 pesos and 33 ? Cents every month, and that the contract cannot be changed without authorization from the Havana government. The back of the contract contains all of the rules that must be followed by the worker and the boss. There is a heavy slant toward discussion of penalties for the worker escaping and breaking rules as well as discussion of baptism and religiosity. The contract was signed in Havana on January 21, 1863 by the Secretary of the General Superintendent, Jose (Vallz? ). There is a handwritten note at the bottom indicating the contract would renew on December 21, 1865, also signed by the Superintendent. Contracts such as this one were provided to emancipated slaves after completion of a primitive contract. 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). The details of this contract closely align with contracts of Chinese coolie labourers, and the printed nature of this contract implies that many emancipated African slaves were contracted following their emancipation. Based on knowledge of the contracted Chinese labourers, we know that conditions for indentured workers were equal to, or worse than, those of slaves. This document is printed and filled out in ink. It is two pages on recto and verso of a single sheet. It measures 8x12 inches. It exhibits age toning and creasing appropriate to its age. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012079

Keywords: Plantations

CUBAN OFFICIALS

1863 Cuban Cedula for Chinese Coolie Labourer with Rare Manuscript Note Indicating He Is Now Free

Havana, Cuba, 1863. Non-Book. On offer is an important document from the Chinese coolie trade, being a cedula (identification card) for a Chinese man who was called “Martin” from “Asia”, dated March 6, 1863. The cedula indicates that Martin is working an eight year contract in Havana. What makes this particular cedula so rare is a manuscript note on the back dated in Havana on July 24, 1863, which indicates that this coolie is being set free from his “promise” to work and that there will be “indemnization”. The cedula is a typed form, stamped by the Government of Havana, and filled in ink with Martin’s details. The form contains information about the cedula, its purpose and consequences of not carrying it. It has a pre-printed signature of a Cuban official at the bottom. The manuscript note about the coolie’s freedom is hand-signed by F. De la Cava. This cedula provides a glimpse into the documentation required by coolies brought to Cuba to work as indentured servants and paints a picture of the conditions in which these coolies lived and worked. The Chinese coolie trade, a system of indentured labor that targeted young, poor Chinese men, operated from 1847-1874. The coolie trade took place, in large part, between the shipping port in Macao (now a part of China, then under Portuguese rule) and Havana, Cuba (then under Spanish control). Coolies were transported from China on ships, many of which had formerly been used as African slave ships (Yun & Laremont, 2001). The coolie ships often had slave names (eg Africano, Mauritius) or ironic names (Dreams, Hope, Live Yankees, Wandering Jew) (Yun & Laremont, 2001, p. 110). Many did not survive the journey, with “approximately 16,400 Chinese coolies [dying] on European and American coolie ships to Cuba during a 26-year period” (Yun & Laremont, 2001, p. 111-112). This accounted for a mortality rate of 12-30%, though, on some voyages, the death rate reached 50% (as in the case of the Portuguese ship Cors in its 1857 sailing). These deaths were caused by violence, rebellions, thirst, suffocation and sickness (Yun & Laremont, 2001). To learn more about the Chinese coolie trade and its importance in world history, click here to read our in-depth research blog on the topic. This document measures 8.5x12 inches. It shows significant signs of age including age toning, frayed edges, folds and creases. It is entirely legible. Spanish language. Overall Fair. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012108

Catalogue: 19th Century Manuscript

CHINESE COOLIES AND CUBAN OFFICIALS

1865 Remarkable Testimonies of Chinese Coolies Following a Failed Mutiny Aboard Coolie Ship Emmanuel on Route from Macau to Havana

Havana, Cuba, Macao, China: Chinese Coolie Ship Mutiny MacAo To Havana, 1865. Non-Book. On offer is a stunning, shocking and outstanding piece of Chinese and Cuban history, being a remarkably rare Spanish and Chinese manuscript recording the interrogation of passengers aboard the French frigate, Emmanuel, seeking details about the deaths occurring on its voyage from Macau to Havana after a failed mutiny aboard the vessel. The French frigate Emmanuel set sail from Havana on March 4, 1865 with 160 Chinese men on board. It was captained by L. De Condray It landed in Macau on July 12, 1865. Only 144 men survived the journey. This sailing of the Emmanuel was known to have had an attempted mutiny on board, but no details of the mutiny were released publicly (Asome, 2020). This document provides details on the mutiny through the eyes of the Chinese men who survived. The document is formatted as a question asked by Cuban authorities followed by an answer from the Chinese under interrogation. The first interview is of a Chinese coolie, Vong, who says he arrived on the French frigate Emmanuel. Vong is from Macao, aged 21 and single. His following first-hand testimony from direct questioning - "was examined as follows" (in rough translation) : "How many deaths were there that happened during the voyage from Macao to this city? ” Vong states that he doesn’t know anything about deaths, only that they occurred during the crossing. He does not know because he himself was sick after departure from Macao. However, he knows that three of the passengers were shot ("fusiallamiento"). The second question asks when the Captain of the ship knew about the shootings and they are referred to as "executions". Vong replies that "No one can determine the motive behind the shootings…”. As well, he was very ill himself. The interrogations continue with more passengers. On the second page, another Chinese coolie is questioned regarding the deaths on the ship, during the voyage. He states that 17 died and 3 were shot [executed] by order of the Captain of the ship. Three "marineros" with rifles shot them. They were shot shortly after leaving Macao. Further along there is discussion as to why they might have been executed…. Possibly "swear [bad] words" were said to the Captain. These first hand testimonies are signed in Chinese by the men being interviewed and by the interviewer. This is a truly remarkable window into life on board a Chinese coolie ship that was one of many to experience a failed mutiny by Chinese men who had been forced or coerced into leaving their troubled home land for indentured servitude across the ocean. The Chinese coolie trade, a system of indentured labor that targeted young, poor Chinese men, operated from 1847-1874. Throughout this period, African slavery was slowly being abolished around the world. The coolie trade was initiated by Britain and was eventually dominated by both Britain and the United States of America. Chinese coolie laborers were sent to work in British, American and Spanish colonies, and the nature of the trade changed throughout its 27-year operation, due to social and political pressures. The coolie trade took place, in large part, between the shipping port in Macao (now a part of China, then under Portuguese rule) and Havana, Cuba (then under Spanish control). As Macau was under Portugese rule at the time of the coolie trade, they transported coolies on their vessels frequently and many of the manifests were written in Portuguese and/or Spanish. To learn more about the Chinese coolie trade and its importance in world history, click here to read our in-depth research blog on the topic. The document contains 12 folio leaves with 24 pages of handwritten content. Spanish and Chinese languages. These leaves appear to have been extracted from a larger document. There is evidence of the string binding that has come off the document. Small holes and tears where the binding would have been are present, as are some tears on the pages themselves. Age toning present. Legible. Overall Fair. Asome, J. (2020). Coolie ships of the Chinese diaspora (1846-1874). Proverse Hong Kong. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012099

Keywords: Legal Documents

CHINESE COOLIES AND CUBAN OFFICIALS

1866 Cuban Police Investigation with Sworn Testimonies of 20 Chinese Coolies Who Sailed to Havana Aboard the German Ship Ammerland

Havana, Cuba, 1866. Non-Book. On offer is a unique string- bound manuscript folio containing a complete Cuban police investigation into the deaths of Chinese coolies aboard the German ship Ammerland on its voyage from Macao to Havana. The document contains a summary of the case, the introduction of the witnesses and translators involved, 20 testimonies by Chinese coolies which are signed by the Chinese men being questioned and those conducting the interviews, as well as concluding pages summarizing the findings of the investigation. The case relates to the German ship Ammerland. She departed Macao on January 5, 1866 with 225 Chinese men on board, and arrived in Havana on May 17, 1866, with 201 living passengers. This was a loss rate of 10.67% for this sailing. Interestingly, this police investigation folio states that there was only a 6% loss rate for the sailing. The Cuban police investigated the on-board deaths. The first two pages introduce the case. There is a seal on the first page that reads “Capitania del Partido de Puentes Grandes”. The ship owners, the Zangroniz family, nominated two witnesses to follow the investigation into their ship’s loss rate. These were Dn. Francsco Cerdu and Don Valentiin de la Cabada. Both of their signatures are present in the document. There were also two interpreters appointed of the same “class” (race) as the Chinese men. They were Luis Aldecoa and Francisco Achon. Their signatures are also present. The following pages include testimonies of 20 of the asiaticos (Asian people) transcribed in Spanish with signatures from both the Spanish investigators and the Chinese man being questioned. The first Chinese witness is identified as being a non-Christian. He was Lam-pon-lim from the town of Sancho, age 30. Lam-pon-lim states he came as a colonist brought by the Zangroniz y Compania de la Habana. He was there to fulfill a contract. He claims the ship he came on was “capable”, “ventilated”, and “there was water”, “healthy food in abundance”, a “doctor and medicine” and that he does not believe the mortality on board was caused by this good treatment. The rest of the testimonies are in a similar vein with only slight changes to the wording. For example, the fourth witness, Yong Tong, a native of Sennen and age 18, makes similar statements to Lam-pon-lim, but adds that his treatment was “very good”. Given what we know about the deplorable conditions of coolie trade ship transport, it is believed that these testimonies were highly coerced and manipulated to show the ship in a positive light. The final two pages of the folio state that the mortality on board the Ammerland was not due to mistreatment of passengers, rather to pre-existing illnesses of the men on board. The summary reiterates the supposed “good” conditions on board. The Chinese coolie trade, a system of indentured labor that targeted young, poor Chinese men, operated from 1847-1874. The coolie trade took place, in large part, between the shipping port in Macao (now a part of China, then under Portuguese rule) and Havana, Cuba (then under Spanish control). Coolies were transported from China on ships, many of which had formerly been used as African slave ships (Yun & Laremont, 2001). The coolie ships often had slave names (eg Africano, Mauritius) or ironic names (Dreams, Hope, Live Yankees, Wandering Jew) (Yun & Laremont, 2001, p. 110). Many did not survive the journey, with “approximately 16,400 Chinese coolies [dying] on European and American coolie ships to Cuba during a 26-year period” (Yun & Laremont, 2001, p. 111-112). This accounted for a mortality rate of 12-30%, though, on some voyages, the death rate reached 50% (as in the case of the Portuguese ship Cors in its 1857 sailing). These deaths were caused by violence, rebellions, thirst, suffocation and sickness (Yun & Laremont, 2001). This folio is genuinely remarkable. While we and others hold multiple examples of individual depositions from Chinese coolies, it is exceptionally rare to find a complete example of a police investigation into one specific ship, including the additional notes about the investigation and investigators. This piece would make an absolutely sensational addition to any academic research collection. ABOUT THE AMMERLAND: The Ammerland sailed for the Zangroniz (Zangronis) family, a well-known family who participated in trafficking of human beings even before the Chinese coolie trade began. The Zangroniz y Compania trafficking business sent a total of 26 ships carrying coolies from Macao to Havana, mostly using French ships, with a few exceptions, including the German Ammerland. The depositions measure approx 8.5x12.5 inches. There are 16 pages in the folio with manuscript writing on 27 pages (writing on font and back of most pages). One diagonal corner (2 inch triangle) missing from the final blank page. Age toning, some ink bleed-through, and fraying to the edges of the paper that do not impact readability. Legible. Spanish language. Overall G. Citations: Asome, J. (2020). Coolie ships of the Chinese diaspora (1846-1874). Proverse Hong Kong. Sparks, R. J. (2020). On the frontlines of slave trade abolition: British consuls combat state capture in Cuba and Mozambique. Atlantic Studies, 17(3) , 327-347. Yun, L. & Laremont, R. R. (2001). Chinese Coolies and African Slaves in Cuba, 1847-74. Journal of Asian American Studies, 4(2) , 99–122. Https: //doi.org/10.1353/jaas.2001.0022; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 28 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012107

Catalogue: 19th Century Manuscript

CUBAN OFFICIALS

1866 Complete Criminal Investigation with Sworn Testimonies of 13 Chinese Coolies Who Sailed to Havana Aboard the French Ship Amaril Trehouart, Featuring Discussion of Opium Aboard the Ship

Havana, Cuba, 1874. Non-Book. On offer is a string-bound 22 page police investigation into the deaths of 33 Chinese people aboard the French coolie ship Amaril Trehouart, which sailed from Macao to Havana, arriving in March of 1866. The Amaril was a French vessel that made two crossings during the Chinese coolie trade. This document relates to its November 29, 1865 departure, run by Captain P. Cotte, on which 313 Chinese people boarded and 280 arrived alive in Havana on March 15, 1866. This reflected a 10.5% death rate on this voyage. The Amaril was owned and operated by the Campbell brothers, who made this shipment in collaboration with the Carbaga brothers. This document is dated March 16, 1866, the day after the vessel arrived in Havana. The first page is stamped Sur Comisaria de Policia del Quinto Distrito (South Police Station of the Fifth District). It introduces the ship and the investigation and presents the order to interrogate the 13 newly arrived Chinese from the Amaril. The second page, which discusses the investigation, is stamped by the Cuban police. This investigation is criminal in nature, looking into any violence against Chinese passengers. The Chinese people that are questioned in the investigation are being kept in a Depository, where they will be kept until their contracts are sold to a plantation owners. The next several folio pages are transcriptions of the questions and answers given to and by each of the 13 interviewed Chinese coolies. The information covered in each interrogation include the name and origin of the person, their reason for coming to the Island (always an 8 year primitive contract) , whether there was food given, and more. In all cases the coolies reported that food was abundant. However, one coolie (folio p. 4) reports that they water they drank made them sick. It is also reported that they were given “opio” (opium) to smoke. There is also a report that the sick were separated from the “good” (healthy) people. In the manuscript conclusion at the end of the report, it is reported that 30 colonos perished, they ate cold food and no opium to smoke. Given what we know about the deplorable conditions of coolie trade ship transport, it is believed that much of these testimonies were highly coerced and manipulated to show the ship in a positive light. The Chinese coolie trade, a system of indentured labor that targeted young, poor Chinese men, operated from 1847-1874. The coolie trade took place, in large part, between the shipping port in Macao (now a part of China, then under Portuguese rule) and Havana, Cuba (then under Spanish control). Coolies were transported from China on ships, many of which had formerly been used as African slave ships (Yun & Laremont, 2001). The coolie ships often had slave names (eg Africano, Mauritius) or ironic names (Dreams, Hope, Live Yankees, Wandering Jew) (Yun & Laremont, 2001, p. 110). Many did not survive the journey, with “approximately 16,400 Chinese coolies [dying] on European and American coolie ships to Cuba during a 26-year period” (Yun & Laremont, 2001, p. 111-112). This accounted for a mortality rate of 12-30%, though, on some voyages, the death rate reached 50% (as in the case of the Portuguese ship Cors in its 1857 sailing). These deaths were caused by violence, rebellions, thirst, suffocation and sickness (Yun & Laremont, 2001). To learn more about the Chinese coolie trade and its importance in world history, click here to read our in-depth research blog on the topic. This folio is genuinely remarkable. While we and others hold multiple examples of individual depositions from Chinese coolies, it is exceptionally rare to find a complete example of a police investigation into one specific ship, including the additional notes about the investigation and investigators. This piece would make an absolutely sensational addition to any academic research collection. 20 pages folio plus 2 pages octavo. String bound, age toning, frayed edges, normal wear for age. Overall G. Asome, John. Coolie Ships of the Chinese Diaspora (1846-1874) (p. 252). Proverse Hong Kong. Kindle Edition. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; 22 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012113

Catalogue: 19th Century Manuscript

CUBAN OFFICIALS

1867 Rare Contract of Emancipated Female Black Slave from Galanga, Angola to Work in Cardenas, Cuba

Havana, Cuba: Cuban Slave Trade Coolie Trade Havana Contract, 1867. Non-Book. On offer is a remarkable early contract for an emancipated African slave who will be working at a sugar mill in Cardenas. The contract is for Delores, who was born in Galanga, Angola and brought to Cuba on the slave ship Neptuno, which was later used to transport Chinese coolie labourers. The contract is from the Administration of the Central Deposit of the Emancipated (Administracion del Deposito Central de Emancipados) in Cuba. It provides basic details about Delores, including her height of 4 foot, 9 inches and age of 29-years-old. Delores is being “rented” to M. A Louisa Meza and will work in the fields. The contract indicates that Lenila was slave #4991. The back of the contract is typewritten and contains all of the rules that must be followed by the worker and the boss. There is a heavy slant toward discussion of penalties for the worker escaping and breaking rules as well as discussion of baptism and religiosity. The contract was signed in Havana on December 20, 1867 by a number of witnesses and with a symbol that likely stood in for Delores’ signature. There is a handwritten note at the bottom indicating the contract would renew (or “refill”) on February 2, 1870. 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. This document is printed and filled out in ink. It is two pages on recto and verso of a single sheet. It measures 8x12 inches. It exhibits age toning and creasing appropriate to its age. Spanish language. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012076

Keywords: Plantations Contracts

CUBAN OFFICIALS

1867 Rare Contract of Emancipated 13-Year-Old Female Black Slave from Angola, to Work in Cardenas, Cuba

Havana, Cuba, Cardenas: Cuban Slave Trade Cardenas Havana Coolie Trade, 1867. Non-Book. On offer is a remarkable early contract for an emancipated African slave aged 13-years-old who will be working at a sugar mill in Cardenas. The contract is for Leonila, who was born in Galanga, Angola and brought to Cuba on the slave ship Neptuno, which was later used to transport Chinese coolie labourers. The contract is from the Administration of the Central Deposit of the Emancipated (Administracion del Deposito Central de Emancipados) in Cuba. It provides basic details about Lenila, including her height of 3 foot, 10 inches and age of 13-years-old. Lenila is being “rented” to M. A Louisa Meza and will work in the fields. The contract indicates that Lenila was slave #5172.. The back of the contract is typewritten and contains all of the rules that must be followed by the worker and the boss. There is a heavy slant toward discussion of penalties for the worker escaping and breaking rules as well as discussion of baptism and religiosity. The contract was signed in Havana on December 20, 1867 by a number of witnesses and with a symbol that likely stood in for Lenila’s signature. There is a handwritten note at the bottom indicating the contract would renew (or “refill”) on February 2, 1870. Contracts such as this one were provided to emancipated slaves after completion of a primitive contract. 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). The details of this contract closely align with contracts of Chinese coolie labourers, and the printed nature of this contract implies that many emancipated African slaves were contracted following their emancipation. Based on knowledge of the contracted Chinese labourers, we know that conditions for indentured workers were equal to, or worse than, those of slaves. This document is printed and filled out in ink. It is two pages on recto and verso of a single sheet. It measures 8x12 inches. It exhibits age toning and creasing appropriate to its age. Spanish language. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012077

Keywords: Plantations

CUBAN OFFICIALS

1867 Rare Contract for the "Rental" of an Emancipated Slave in Havana, Cuba

Havana, Cuba, 1867. Non-Book. On offer is a rare contract from the Administration of Central Depot of the Emancipated stating the terms of a slave rental commencing in 1867. This contract was made for an emancipated slave named Fammouf (? ) Luciano of the Congo. He is to be rented by one Francisco de Salaz. The contract is signed July 8, 1867. A highlight of this particular rental contract is the name of the Expedition during which this particular African slave was found, which was the "Sancti Espiritus and Trinidad". The contract is signed by the Salaz who will rent this man, and witnesses. This rental contract is extremely rare and a remarkable, though tragic, piece of the history of the Cuban slave trade. To think that this man was emancipated and yet was able to be rented out once again is heartbreaking and provides yet another piece of the puzzle of Cuban slavery history. 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). The details of this contract closely align with contracts of Chinese coolie labourers, and the printed nature of this contract implies that many emancipated African slaves were contracted following their emancipation. Based on knowledge of the contracted Chinese labourers, we know that conditions for indentured workers were equal to, or worse than, those of slaves. This document is printed and filled out in ink. It is one page with the manuscript content on the recto of a single sheet and typed terms of the contract on the verso. It measures 8x12 inches. It exhibits age toning and creasing appropriate to its age. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 2 pages; Signed by Author. Good+ with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012111

Catalogue: 19th Century Manuscript

CUBAN OFFICIALS

1871 Rare Contract of an Emancipated Black Slave Who Will Labour for Six Years in Havana

Havana, Cuba: Cuban Slave Trade Contract Emancipated Slave, 1871. Non-Book. On offer is an exceedingly rare contract for an emancipated African slave who received “an exemption from the Government” to work under a Cuban on a six year contract. The contract is for six years, shorter than the typical eight year contracts of the Chinese coolies, who were a major part of the indentured Cuban workforce at this time. The contract lists the obligations of the emancipated African slave, Mauerto, to “commit myself to work under the orders of D. Luis Montane in all tasks customary here in the countryside, in the towns wherever I am posted…in sugar mills, meadows, coffee plantations…pastures, ranches and everything that concerns urban work, rural, whatever the type…”. The contract states Montane must pay 10 pesos monthly and provide “food per day of eight ounces salted meat and two and a half pounds of sweet potatoes or other healthy and nutritious foods”. It also states that if the worker becomes ill, Montane must pay for his health care and pay him for the first eight days of his illness, provide two changes of clothes per year and a blanket. The contract is dated July 23, 1871, and is signed at the bottom by Montane and witnesses. English representatives sometimes signed for labourers, so a signature on behalf of Mauerto may be present. Contracts such as this one were provided to emancipated slaves after completion of a primitive contract. 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). The details of this contract closely align with contracts of Chinese coolie labourers, and the printed nature of this contract implies that many emancipated African slaves were contracted following their emancipation. Based on knowledge of the contracted Chinese labourers, we know that conditions for indentured workers were equal to, or worse than, those of slaves. This document is printed and filled out in ink. It is one page on recto of a single sheet. It measures 8x12 inches. It exhibits age toning and creasing appropriate to its age. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012080

Keywords: Plantations Slavery

CUBAN OFFICIALS

1874 Cuban Medical Manuscript Certificate for Soldier from the Militia of Disciplined Soldiers of Color

Havana, Cuba, 1874. Non-Book. Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages; On offer is a fascinating medical leave document stamped by the Milicias Disciplinadas de Color 1 Seccion (First Section of the Militia of Disciplined Soldiers of Color). This manuscript is written to Don Garino Crupo and Salbom Furiente, Colonel Commander of the first unit of the Militia of Color. The certificate indicates that it is certified that a soldier of this unit, Guillermo Vasquez, was seen at the hospital and has "poor configuration of the left leg" [Translation]. The certificate indicates that compensation is required. This certificate was written in 1874, in the midst of the Ten Years' War between Cuba and Spain, the first of three wars Cuba fought against Spain for its independence. It was common during this period of Cuban history for people of African descent, both slaves and free men, to enlist in the Cuban militias. There was a large Black population in Cuba at this time. 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. This medical certificate is folded to measure approx 8x6 inches. It is one folio leaf folded in half. The writing is on the recto of the first page. It is in very good condition exhibiting age toning, and is otherwise in great shape. Spanish language. VG. ; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012112

Catalogue: 19th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Slavery American

CUBAN OFFICIALS

1880 Cedula de Vecindad for a Matanzas Native Visiting the United States

Matanzas, Cuba, 1880. Non-Book. On offer is an identification document, a Cedula de vecindad, for a Cuban from Matanzas who is traveling to the United States. It is referred to as a passport on the document. The cedula is a typed form, dated 1880, filled in with ink. It includes identifying details of the Matanzas man D. Leoncio Junico. On the recto is a manuscript note dated 1881 indicating that the man is traveling to the USA. It is signed by a Cuban official and Junico. This cedula is from the early post-slavery era in Cuba and provides insight into the documents required by the average citizen at the time. The Chinese coolie trade, a system of indentured labor that targeted young, poor Chinese men, operated from 1847-1874. The coolie trade took place, in large part, between the shipping port in Macao (now a part of China, then under Portuguese rule) and Havana, Cuba (then under Spanish control). Coolies were transported from China on ships, many of which had formerly been used as African slave ships (Yun & Laremont, 2001). The coolie ships often had slave names (eg Africano, Mauritius) or ironic names (Dreams, Hope, Live Yankees, Wandering Jew) (Yun & Laremont, 2001, p. 110). Many did not survive the journey, with “approximately 16,400 Chinese coolies [dying] on European and American coolie ships to Cuba during a 26-year period” (Yun & Laremont, 2001, p. 111-112). This accounted for a mortality rate of 12-30%, though, on some voyages, the death rate reached 50% (as in the case of the Portuguese ship Cors in its 1857 sailing). These deaths were caused by violence, rebellions, thirst, suffocation and sickness (Yun & Laremont, 2001). To learn more about the Chinese coolie trade and its importance in world history, click here to read our in-depth research blog on the topic. This document measures 5.75x8.5 inches. It shows significant signs of age including age toning, folds and small punctures that do not impact readability. It is entirely legible. Spanish language. Overall Fair. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012109

Catalogue: 19th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Travel Mobility

CHINESE COOLIES AND CUBAN OFFICIALS

C1860s Incredible Archive of Depositions by Chinese Coolie Labourers Discussing Their Treatment on the Coolie Ships

Havana, Cuba: Chinese Coolie Ship Depositions Havana Cuba. Non-Book. On offer is an archive of six depositions by Chinese coolie labourers, taken after their disembarkment from a coolie ship that transported them from Macau to Havana, Cuba to serve out their eight year service contract. The Chinese coolie trade, a system of indentured labor that targeted young, poor Chinese men, operated from 1847-1874. The coolie trade took place, in large part, between the shipping port in Macao (now a part of China, then under Portuguese rule) and Havana, Cuba (then under Spanish control). Coolies were transported from China on ships, many of which had formerly been used as African slave ships (Yun & Laremont, 2001). The coolie ships often had slave names (eg Africano, Mauritius) or ironic names (Dreams, Hope, Live Yankees, Wandering Jew) (Yun & Laremont, 2001, p. 110). Many did not survive the journey, with “approximately 16,400 Chinese coolies [dying] on European and American coolie ships to Cuba during a 26-year period” (Yun & Laremont, 2001, p. 111-112). This accounted for a mortality rate of 12-30%, though, on some voyages, the death rate reached 50% (as in the case of the Portuguese ship Cors in its 1857 sailing). These deaths were caused by violence, rebellions, thirst, suffocation and sickness (Yun & Laremont, 2001). To learn more about the Chinese coolie trade and its importance in world history, click here to read our in-depth research blog on the topic. Given what we know about the deplorable conditions of coolie trade ship transport, it is believed that these depositions were highly coerced and manipulated to show the ship in a positive light. Each of the depositions provides almost identical “reports” from the coolies, and it is documented that the coolies came to Cuba “voluntarily and without any violence”, that the ship was “capable, clean and ventilated [with] abundant water, healthy food, doctors and medicines”. The coolies also state that “the mortality…suffered during navigation…consisted solely of the natural and common disease that they…suffered…not due to mistreatment”. These testimonies are in sharp contrast to later testimonies by Chinese coolies about the deplorable conditions of their recruitment, travel and later servitude. All of the depositions are signed by four Spanish men: Miguel Dacal, Marcelino Eurabray, Bernardo Solis and Luis Aldecoa. Most are signed in Chinese by the coolie being “interviewed”. These depositions are from the following Chinese coolies: Yang Ling Chang, Chong Chip (age 24 of Chi Misio) , Tong -Yang (age 28 of Lui-Chan) , Hon Tang (age 28 of Iam-Hoy) Tan Pan (age 23 of Lin Chao) , and Tao Kong (age 30 of Lui Chao) and most are signed in Chinese. These depositions provide a fascinating perspective on the relationship between Chinese indentured labourers and those who controlled their lives and words at their final destinations after their grueling voyages from Macau. The depositions measure approx 8.5x12.5 inches. They are on three separate leaves with a coolie testimony on the recto and verso of each, for a total of six full pages of manuscript content. Evidence on the left edge that the leaves were removed from a larger document with age toning, some ink bleed-through, and some minor tears that do not impact readability. Legible. Spanish language. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012072A

Keywords: Legal Coersion

CHINESE COOLIES AND CUBAN OFFICIALS

C1860s Incredible Archive of Depositions by Chinese Coolie Labourers Discussing Their Treatment on the Coolie Ships

Havana, Cuba: Chinese Coolie Trade Ships Havana Cuba. Non-Book. On offer is an archive of six depositions by Chinese coolie labourers, taken after their disembarkment from a coolie ship that transported them from Macau to Havana, Cuba to serve out their eight year service contract. The Chinese coolie trade, a system of indentured labor that targeted young, poor Chinese men, operated from 1847-1874. The coolie trade took place, in large part, between the shipping port in Macao (now a part of China, then under Portuguese rule) and Havana, Cuba (then under Spanish control). Coolies were transported from China on ships, many of which had formerly been used as African slave ships (Yun & Laremont, 2001). The coolie ships often had slave names (eg Africano, Mauritius) or ironic names (Dreams, Hope, Live Yankees, Wandering Jew) (Yun & Laremont, 2001, p. 110). Many did not survive the journey, with “approximately 16,400 Chinese coolies [dying] on European and American coolie ships to Cuba during a 26-year period” (Yun & Laremont, 2001, p. 111-112). This accounted for a mortality rate of 12-30%, though, on some voyages, the death rate reached 50% (as in the case of the Portuguese ship Cors in its 1857 sailing). These deaths were caused by violence, rebellions, thirst, suffocation and sickness (Yun & Laremont, 2001). To learn more about the Chinese coolie trade and its importance in world history, click here to read our in-depth research blog on the topic. Given what we know about the deplorable conditions of coolie trade ship transport, it is believed that these depositions were highly coerced and manipulated to show the ship in a positive light. Each of the depositions provides almost identical “reports” from the coolies, and it is documented that the coolies came to Cuba “voluntarily and without any violence”, that the ship was “capable, clean and ventilated [with] abundant water, healthy food, doctors and medicines”. The coolies also state that “the mortality…suffered during navigation…consisted solely of the natural and common disease that they…suffered…not due to mistreatment”. These testimonies are in sharp contrast to later testimonies by Chinese coolies about the deplorable conditions of their recruitment, travel and later servitude. All of the depositions are signed by four Spanish men: Miguel Dacal, Marcelino Eurabray, Bernardo Solis and Luis Aldecoa. Most are signed in Chinese by the coolie being “interviewed”. These depositions are from the following Chinese coolies: Lan Lan Kian, 28 year old native of Haning; Lou Fung, a 24 year old native of Henu Lseng; Pong-mim-iong, a 27 year old native of ?; Hao Han Hong, a 30-year-old native of Ho-Guin; Homing Lan, a 20-year-old native of Yisim Chai; and Han ai Sang, a 23-year-old native of Ham-hoy. These depositions provide a fascinating perspective on the relationship between Chinese indentured labourers and those who controlled their lives and words at their final destinations after their grueling voyages from Macau. The depositions measure approx 8.5x12.5 inches. They are on three separate leaves with a coolie testimony on the recto and verso of each, for a total of six full pages of manuscript content. Evidence on the left edge that the leaves were removed from a larger document with age toning, some ink bleed-through, and some minor tears that do not impact readability. Legible. Spanish language. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012072G

Keywords: Legal Coersion

FRIENDS OF EULALIE PIATT OGDEN

1908 Small Archive of Letters to Prominent Female Lawyer, Wellesley College Graduate, and Wife of Murdered Attorney General of Wyoming County, Pennsylvania

Tunkhannok, Pennsylvania, 1908. Manuscript. On offer is a collection of three letters written to Ms. Eulalie Piatt, member of the prominent Piatt legal family of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. The collection also includes a legal judgment against one William Phelps, who owed money to Eulalie’s grandfather, Mr. William M. Piatt. Eulalie Piatt Ogden (1878-1970) was a graduate of Wyoming Seminary (1897) , Wellesley College (1901) and a prominent Pennsylvania lawyer. She was the wife of Wyoming County, PA Attorney General Joseph F. Ogden, who was murdered on his front lawn in 1949. Eulalie was the daughter of James Wilson Piatt and granddaughter of William M. Piatt. The men of the Piatt family of Tunkhannock, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania were all prominent lawyers in the area. Piatt and Ogden married in 1917, joining two prominent legal families into one. The letters on offer were written in 1908, before Eulalie and Piatt married and after her graduation from Wellesley College. The letters are all written by her friends who are blatantly upper class. These young women can hardly contain their privilege. The first letter was written by a friend [signature indecipherable] in September of 1908. This friend had recently returned from a journey on the S. S. Romanic (subsequently renamed the S. S. Scandinavian). She describes the pleasant cross-Atlantic journey and her intention to turn her trip diary into a book some day. She describes a plan to learn European languages with a friend so she may eloquently interact with fellow European travelers in the future: “Myself and a friend are holding weekly bouts with the Dago languaes which I hope to speak ‘mucha’ the next time! The next time! Those are words that charm every European traveller”The next letter was written in December, 1908. This letter is a two page thank you note from a friend in New Jersey. Her signature is also difficult to decipher. In this two-page letter, she thanks Eulalie for “your dainty gift from across the deep blue sea”. Her friend is a teacher who explains that her “fate this semester is to teach double sessions”. The final letter is a long, newsy piece written to Eulalie in December, 1908, from a friend named Clara who is entertaining in her affectation. Writing on Le Grand Hotel Venise stationary, she writes over five pages, regaling Eulalie with tales of men obsessed with her, challenges remembering to speak Italian, difficulties with the hired help and her concern about lacking time to hand-make all of her Christmas gifts. This collection of three letters and a legal ruling provide a well-rounded view of the life of the rich in the early 20th century. The significance of the circles in which Eulalie ran provide a backdrop when recognizing the prominence to which Eulalie and her husband would rise in the near future. The three letters and legal document are all in very good condition. Age toning is noted but no rips or tears. All three letters have accompanying envelopes. Overall G+.; Letters; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012035

Keywords: Wealthy at Law

IDA J. OLMSTEAD

1898 Detailed Diary of a Perceptive Wife of a Prominent Orwell, New York Farmer

Orwell, New York, 1898. Softcover. On offer is the diary of the wife of a very successful farmer and businessman in upstate New York in the late 1800s. Strong context clues including names of all family members, locations, dates and more indicate this diary was written by Ida J. Olmstead (1858-1915) and covers the year 1898. Ida was born in Michigan and moved to Orwell, New York in 1876, when she married Arthur Erastus Olmstead (1850-1926) [SEE BIO NOTES AT END OF LISTING FOR MORE ON OLMSTEAD]. They had two sons, Frederick Lorin and Orimell Brown (who she calls Orra). Ida was 42 the year that she wrote this diary. The following entries will give a flavour of the life she experiences: “Rained hard all day. Went to Sandy Creek to G. A. R* and W. R. C*. Meeting, a very nice time. Got home before dark. Got pretty tired” [Jan 12]. [The GAR is the Grand Army of the Republic. WRC was the Woman's Relief Corps, the official women's auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic]“A nice day and evening. Col. A. D. Shaw spoke in evening at church. G. A. R. And W. R. C. Went in body. Had a reception at hall after lecture. A fine time. A good turnout” [Feb 8]. “Pleasant. Claudia gone to her sisters child’s funeral. Just got word Uncle Anson very sick. Orimel and Arthur went on 11 o’clock train. He died at 6 o’clock P. M. Rained in night” [Mar 15]. “A nice day. Arthur went to Watertown on morning train, home in evening. I went down to Mrs. Nat Stowell’s to birthday club. She is 43 years old. Orra got face filed with powder in eve. Frightened me very bad. Did not see him till morning” [Apr 13], “Orra very bad off. Dr. Low came and did what he could to relieve him. Has a very bad face, eyes swollen shut. Don’t think eye sight is effected. Cannot tell for sure” [Apr 14]. “22 years ago we were married at Clinton Michigan. Arthur went to Utica on morning train and I went down to Camden to spent the day. Home in evening. A very pleasant visit” [Sept 16]. “Pleasant. Went to Richland in afternoon to see Roosevelt pass through on special train. Went to hall in evening to social for Reverend Davis” [Oct 28]. For a social historian, this is an outstanding chronicle of life in rural upstate New York. Ida Olmstead is a perceptive observer and keeps a very good record of people and events. This would be a very good reference work for a Women’s Studies program as it details her daily life and by inference, the lives of her many acquaintances. For a genealogist or local historian, her diary is full of the names of friends and acquaintances, many of whose families would still be resident in the community. BIO NOTES ON ARTHUR E. OLMSTEAD: Olmstead came from a family that was quite well-known in the community. Arthur Olmstead’s father Orimel was a successful farmer and businessman who also served as a county official. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Oramel Olmstead raised a company for the 110th New York Infantry Regiment. He served himself. Our informal research has turned up an interesting story concerning his service. His son, Melvin, was serving in the 24th New York Infantry Regiment. He was seriously wounded at the Battle of Bull Run. He lay on the battlefield for 3 days before being discovered. Unfortunately, he died of his wounds. When notified about this, his father Orimel, travelled to Manasass to retrieve his body and bring it home. Returning to his Regiment in Baltimore, he fell ill and his wife rushed to his side to nurse him but she became exhausted. Administered opiates by a physician to relieve her fatigue, she fell into a deep sleep and never woke up. Orimel Olmstead was subsequently invalided out and returned to Orwell to carry on with his life. He died in 1884 at the age of 78. His son Arthur Erastus Olmstead (1850-1926) carried on his fathers dry good business and farming. In time, he ended up owning over 700 acres of farmland, running 2 successful dairy operations, a chair factory, a cheese factory and an iron works. He was active in his community serving as town clerk and assessor. He was also active in the GAR – The Grand Army of the Republic which was the largest and most important veterans organization made up of former Civil War veterans of the Union army. The diary measures 6 inches by 3.5 inches and contains 183 pages. It is about 95% complete. The cover is a soft maroon leather and is in good condition. The back cover has parted slightly from the cover. A pocket on the inside back cover has come apart, mostly due to the adhesive drying out. The pages are in good condition and the handwriting is legible. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012230

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: Women' Mother