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Despite the new impediments that DeWolf faced, he became…

“Despite the new impediments that DeWolf faced, he became more powerful than ever. On December 4, 1795, his ship the Juno sold seventy-five slaves valued at $19,390 at an undisclosed location in the West Indies. Then, on January 9, 1796, this same ship landed in Havana and sold the remaining slaves…” quote by Cynthia Mestad Johnson
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““Despite the new impediments that DeWolf faced, he became more powerful than ever. On December 4, 1795, his ship the Juno sold seventy-five slaves valued at $19,390 at an undisclosed location in the West Indies. Then, on January 9, 1796, this same ship landed in Havana and sold the remaining slaves from the same voyage, valued at $25,105. The next entry on the ship log for that year showed that DeWolf subcontracted with thirty-five different individuals to fulfill their requests for slaves. This exhibits an incessant need to obtain free labor at any cost, even illegally. DeWolf typically charged an average $40 consignment fee for each slave ordered, to be delivered to the original requester, along with a 5””

Cynthia Mestad Johnson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage shows how DeWolf aggressively expanded his slave trading operations despite obstacles, using subcontractors and charging fees to meet relentless demand for forced labor.

In simple terms: DeWolf kept growing his slave business despite challenges, using many partners and fees.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the moral cost of profit‑driven exploitation.

Themes

slavery economics ethics history trade

Mood

somber reflective

Type

historical analytical critical

When to use this quote

  • maritime commerce
  • 19th‑century American South
  • legal loopholes
  • profit motives

Key Concepts

capitalism human rights colonialism market demand

Questions to Reflect On

  • How did profit motives override humanity?
  • What resistance existed among the enslaved?
A Different Perspective

The account omits the human suffering and resistance of the enslaved individuals.

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