The book tells of Stephen R. Mallory's support of naval inventions; strategy; and ideas. It also sheds light on the the successes and failures of Jefferson Davis. Durkin gives a well-balanced biography of Mallory and his life in the Confederate navy.
#80141 in Books Wendy Warren 2016-06-07 2016-06-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.60 x 1.30 x 6.50l; .0 #File Name: 0871406721368 pagesNew England Bound Slavery and Colonization in Early America
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy ChristineA great book for those who love New England.18 of 18 people found the following review helpful. Slavery in Colonial New England--Surely you Jest!By Ronald H. ClarkI think this fine history can be best described as a real "eye opener." I assume it was written for folks just like me who had minimal knowledge of slavery in colonial New England; and are even surprised to learn that such existed; which indeed it did. It was even a greater revelation to me to learn that Indians were frequently enslaved in New England during the 16th and 17th centuries as well. In fact; slavery of Indians and Africans existed and flourished in New England from the very founding of the Massachusetts Bay colony.The author makes clear that New England slavery was distinct in most ways from that found in Virginia; where it had been established as early as the founding of Jamestown. To be sure; while in New England there were some individual slaves serving families and businesses; usually 1-2 in number; obviously the vast plantation system of Virginia was absent. So what role in did New England play in Atlantic slavery? The fascinating answer to this question is found in Part I; comprising three chapters of the book. While New England had relatively few slaves (Indians or Africans) resident within its boundaries; it was deeply involved in the Atlantic slave trade; particularly with its ships engaged in transporting slave cargo from Africa (but also including Indians);to the West Indies (especially Barbados and Jamaica) to be exchanged for sugar and other forms of payment; which then flowed back to New England. In addition; New England furnished fish; farm products; shipping and other services to the Sugar Islands' large plantations. All of this naturally linked back to Great Britain who owned the colonies in New England and the West Indies generating all this wealth.So; in short; this study is an example of historians studying the Atlantic Community as a unity during this period; an approach pioneered by Bernard Bailyn and others; designed to demonstrate the manifold interconnections between Britain; Africa; the Indies and New England as components of one giant trading system. How this all worked is carefully and thoughtfully dissected by the author and it is a fascinating story.Part II consisting of another three chapters focuses upon on how slaves in New England lived and worked. While not as interesting as Part I; this section really puts a human face on what it meant to be a New England slave. Constant fear of slave conspiracies and arson; led to public executions (including burning wrongdoers alive); curfews; and exile to the harsh Indies. The adoption of chattel slavery under English common law is briefly; but not thoroughly; discussed. But the lives of some individuals are analyzed in depth. The really surprising aspect that emerges; especially for those of us raised on Perry Miller's intellectual studies of the Puritans ("the city on the hill"); is how slavery and inflicting hell upon slaves apparently presented absolutely no problems to these early New Englanders. They could be just as brutal as their brothers in Virginia. No wonder that southerners were enraged at the superior attitude of New England abolitionists who condemned them as the Civil War approached.The final Part III discusses the famous 3-page published document "The Selling of Adam" (1700) by judge Samuel Sewall in which he initiated a highly critical discussion of slavery and its effects. The author shows how a vigorous dialogue took place with some authors (e.g.; John Saffin) not too concerned about slavery in their midst; while others such as Cotton Mather were appalled. The supporters of exploitative slavery reminded me of the excuses and arguments offered by some 19th Century Virginians to justify the practice; including supposed biblical citations. Apparently wherever American slavery emerged; it generated the same common arguments and attempted justifications for the practice; whether in Puritan New England or plantation Virginia.A most interesting and sometimes shocking historical study. The author's research is enormous; and her judgments for the most part reasonable and cogent. The book supports the "Atlantic System" methodology in studying slavery and other economic issues rather than focusing upon areas such as New England; Virginia; Africa or the Indies in isolation. Those interested in New England and the history of American slavery need to read this book to learn valuable elements of the story.2 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy TTseamusVery interesting. Moves quickly. Lots of evidence.
