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New York Journal of Commerce, January 15, 1840.
Extract of a letter from Rev. H. G. Ludlow, to one of the Editors, dated
NEW HAVEN, Jan. 13, 1840.
The past week has been one, to me, and I might add to the whole community, of thrilling
interest. for myself I can truly say that during no period of my life, save that
in which my soul was deciding the question of its destiny for eternity, have my feelings
been more intensely engaged. The poor Africans taken from on board of the Amistad,
have been on trial, and really for their lives. The Spanish Counsul filed a claim
on the ground of treaty, that they should be surrendered to him, to be returned to
their pretended owners, Ruiz and Montez, in Cuba. Had he secured a decision in his
favor, it would have virtually been their death warrant, for Dr. Madden, one of the
witnesses, deposed, that on their landing there they would be inevitably executed.
The trial before his Honor Judge Judson which was commenced on Tuesday the 7th, closed
on Saturday, and if ever men were inspired to present with sunbeam clearness the
claims of Righteousness, to the mind of a Court, the Counsel of the poor Africans
were thus assisted. Messrs. Staples and Sedgwick, of your city, and R.S. Baldwin
of New Haven, “with thoughts that breathed and words that burned” stood up as their
champions--and I speak not my own opinion only, but that of our community, who hung
upon their lips spell bound--when I say that for argumentation, and for eloquence
too, their appeals to the Court were irresistible. At times the feelings of the audience
were inexpressible, and they showed their sympathy by external demonstrations of
pleasure. The cause of the other side was conducted as well perhaps as its badness
permitted.
The Judge decided the case this morning, and in a masterly manner--showing an enlightened
head and a warm heart. I do hope his decision will be given to the public at full
length.
As it regards the Africans, it was thus--that they shall not be surrendered to the
Consul, or sent to Havana--but to the President of the United States to be sent back
to Africa. I need not say that in the opinion of this deeply interested community,
the Judge has immortalized his name.
It was my happy lot to communicate this decision to Cinquez and his companions, and
the scene is indescribable. No sooner was it communicated that with the hearts overflowing
with gratitude, they rose and fell down at my feet. Words cannot express the joy
they felt. They long to go back to their Father-land. All of them but one, belong
to the Mendee tribe or nation. He sat still, not knowing what was meant; but through
one of the others who can converse with him, our interpreter communicated the decision
to him. He instantly prostrated himself at my feet at full length, clapping his hands
for gladness of heart.
I then prayed with them, after directing their thoughts to the Lord Jesus Christ
as their Deliverer. They knelt, and followed the interpreter audibly, and with apparent
devoutness.
With a heart full of gratitude to God for this rich mercy, I am your friend,
H. G. LUDLOW
