USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Tight pack-this method involved packing as many enslaved people into the hold as possible. It was expected that some would die but a large number would survive the voyage. A ship’s hold was cramped-only five feet high, with a shelf running round the edge to carry yet more enslaved people.

Detailed explanation-2: -"Loose packing” provided for fewer slaves per ship in the hopes that a greater percentage of the cargo would arrive alive. “Tight packing” captains believed that more slaves, despite higher casualties, would yield a greater profit at the trading block.

Detailed explanation-3: -At best, captives were fed beans, corn, yams, rice, and palm oil. Slaves were fed one meal a day with water, if at all. When food was scarce, slaveholders would get priority over the slaves.

Detailed explanation-4: -Why did some slave traders prefer “tight packing” their captives on board slave ships, instead of “loose packing"? “Tight packing” maximized profits by shipping as many slaves as possible.

Detailed explanation-5: -Under the terms of the act, ships could transport 1.67 slaves per ton up to a maximum of 207 tons burthen, after which only one slave per ton could be carried. The well-known slave ship Brookes was limited to carrying 454 people; it had previously transported as many as 609 enslaved.