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"The Africans," New York Commercial Advertiser, 8 Oct. 1839.
From the New Haven Record.
THE AFRICANS.--Another important step
has been gained within a few days, in throwing light upon the history of the captured
Africans. It appears that they are most of them from the Mandi or Mandi
country, and not from Manding, as was supposed. Prof. Gibbs had already satisfied
himself that their language was not that of the Mandingoes--and thus a mystery was
thrown over the matter which is now explained. One of the new interpreters is a native
Mandi, and was rescued from a Spanish slave-ship about seven years since. The other
was brought up at Sierra Leone. As soon as one of the new comers addressed them in
their native tongue, there was an instant explosion of feeling--they leaped and shouted
and clapped their hands, and their joy seemed absolutely uncontrollable.
The means of communication are now as good as can be desired, which has not been
the case heretofore. An examination was commenced, taking each individual in turn,
which at the time of writing this article, was only in part completed. The all agree
in stating certain facts--that, after being made slaves in various ways, some of
them kidnapped, others taken for debt, &c., they were taken to Lomboko, a noted
slave mart three or four days sail from Sierra Leone, and thence transported in a
Spanish vessel--that they were about three months on the voyage, and were landed
by night at a village a short distance from Havana, and were there sold to a Spaniard
whom they call Pipi, who came with them in the Amistad--that they were taken thence
through Havana by night, and 10 or 12 days after landing were shipped on board the
Amistad,--that on board this vessel they were harshly and cruelly treated, and but
very scantily supplied with food and drink.--Many other particulars have been ascertained,
and still more will be in the course of the examination. When asked if Antonio came
from Africa, they all say, No.
These facts we have directly from the minutes of the examination. We understand that
various reports have obtained circulation, which are wholly unfounded.
Pipi is undoubtedly no other than Signor Ruez.
The prisoners are provided with comfortable quarters at the Country House, and it
is intended to employ some one in giving them instruction. They are out every pleasant
day, for a while, upon the green--to exercise their limbs--when Jingua, especially,
performs astonishing feats of agility. There is something very prepossessing and
pleasant in his countenance, and his authority over the others is absolute, but exercised
with justice and mildness.
