USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The liberated Africans reported two broad methods of enslavement; kidnapping and judicial proceedings. One of the informants said that he was sold by his relatives, but did not give reasons for the transaction. Kidnapping included not only victims of abduction and trickery but also prisoners of wars or raids.

Detailed explanation-2: -The majority of slaves, however, were brought to the Cape in small groups, or as individuals, aboard ships returning to Europe from the VOC trading posts in South and Southeast Asia. They were usually owned by ships’ officers or passengers who obtained them in Asia and then sold them at profit at the Cape.

Detailed explanation-3: -In order to reduce the owner’s losses he would throw overboard the slaves thought to be too sick to recover. The voyage was insured, but the insurance would not pay for sick slaves or even those killed by illness. However, it would cover slaves lost through drowning.

Detailed explanation-4: -The vast majority of enslaved Africans employed in plantation agriculture were field hands. Even on plantations, however, they worked in other capacities. Some were domestics and worked as butlers, waiters, maids, seamstresses, and launderers. Others were assigned as carriage drivers, hostlers, and stable boys.