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title: Letter from John T. Norton to "My dear Friend"
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-03-22, 1841-03-22
Name: Norton, John Treadwell
Abstract: A letter from John Treadwell Norton providing an update on the Africans, listing the homes where the girls have been placed and reporting that the girls, Kinna and Cinque attended church yesterday. Norton writes that he hopes Sherman M. Booth will "get settled down and pursue some systematic course." He suggests that individuals should be found who are willing to devote themselves to a mission for the Mendi people, individuals who can come to Farmington to teach the Africans and learn the Mendi language. If this is done "a mission can be commenced under the most favorable circumstances." He states that no good will come of changing teachers frequently, describing the Africans as "suspicious & fearful, not naturally perhaps, but circumstances have made them so"; he fears that they may become discouraged. Norton goes on to write that clothes are being prepared for the Africans and advises that definite plans be made and that other accommodations be found.

title: Letter from Joshua Leavitt to "D Bro"
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-02-20, 1841-02-20
Name: Leavitt, Joshua, 1794-1873
Abstract: A letter from Joshua Leavitt reporting that "the court was occupied, until two o'clock, by Mr. Gilpin in giving the documentary statements of the case, which he did very fully & satisfactorily in chronological order. Mr. Baldwin then read his motion to dismiss the appeal," which Leavitt praises. He outlines the proposed course of the case and believes it will occupy the entire week and writes that he will provide an account of the case as directed to the Journal of Commerce "through Mr. Kingman with whom I am acquainted." Leavitt states that a senator "suggested that it was not unlikely they would be given into the Mixed Commission Court at Havana."

title: Letter from Joshua Leavitt to George W. Alexander
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-04-25, 1841-04-25
Name: Leavitt, Joshua, 1794-1873
Abstract: A letter to George W. Alexander from Joshua Leavitt writing on behalf of the Amistad Committee to express its "sincere thanks for the kind interest [they] have taken in their case, & for [their] considerate zeal in urging the subject upon the attention of the Spanish government." The letter contains information regarding the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court and reports that the Committee is now desirous of recommendations for the Africans and their restoration home. The letter brings up several points regarding the Supreme Court case before the British government, particularly a statement by Antonio G. Vega, the Spanish Consul at Boston, regarding official forms about the shipment of the Africans in Cuba, and Spanish laws. The Committee states that it will seek more information regarding "the country from which these Africans came, the practicality of reaching it, provisions for such a journey, etc..." The Committee will also write to the Governor of Sierra Leone, John Jeremie, and David Turnbull, the British Consul to Cuba. Leavitt states that perhaps officers of the British Navy may be of assistance in attempting to return the Africans home. The Committee originally seeks to invoke the aid of the U.S. government to return the Africans, but inquire about aid from the British government in the instance that the U.S. fails.

title: Letter from Joshua Leavitt to Lewis Tappan
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-01-07, 1841-01-07
Name: Leavitt, Joshua, 1794-1873
Abstract: A letter from Joshua Leavitt to Lewis Tappan stating that he "cannot be with the Comm. [committee] this evening" as he has a previous engagement. Leavitt explains that he can travel to Washington the following Monday or Wednesday and asks that the committee advance him $100. The note is appended stating that Leavitt received the money "to be returned on demand or such part of it as may not be allowed as compensation for reporting the Amistad Case."

title: Letter from Leonard Bacon to Lewis Tappan
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-04-28, 1841-04-28
Name: Bacon, Leonard, 1802-1881
Abstract: A letter from Leonard Bacon acknowledging Tappan's letter from April 15 stating that he is unavailable to speak at an upcoming meeting and exhibition of the Africans.

title: Letter from Leonard Chase to Lewis Tappan
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-12-06, 1841-12-06
Name: Chase, Leonard
Abstract: Leonard Chase writes in his letter to Lewis Tappan that he has obtained the name of the young lady "who took such lively interest in the Mendians at Nashua [New Hampshire]. Her name is Sarah Spaulding." Chase mentions that he would appreciate news about the Amistad Captives.

title: Letter from Lewis Tappan and Simeon S. Jocelyn to Daniel Burgess
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-01-20, 1841-01-20
Name: Tappan, Lewis, 1788-1873
Abstract: Lewis Tappan and Simeon S. Jocelyn write to Daniel Burgess with an enclosed letter to John T. Norton [not present] asking that it be forwarded to him. Burgess is instructed to have Norton or Samuel Demming (if Norton is absent) call on Mr. A.F. Williams. Both Tappan and Jocelyn express their hope that Dr. Hawes and Governor William W. Ellsworth "will be called into the consultation" with Thomas Fessenden.

title: Letter from Lewis Tappan and Simeon S. Jocelyn to John T. Norton
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-01-20, 1841-01-20
Name: Tappan, Lewis, 1788-1873
Abstract: A letter from Lewis Tappan and Simeon S. Jocelyn directing John T. Norton to meet Thomas Fessenden of New York at the City Hotel in Hartford, Connecticut. The letter states that "we are greatly apprehensive that the Supreme Court will decide against the Africans" and the President will remove the Africans "out of the reach of philanthropy," but that Roger S. Baldwin, remains confident of success. Tappan relates the Committee's opinion that "a serious consultation" regarding an application for a writ of habeas corpus. Tappan feels a Connecticut judge may be reluctant to interfere following the Supreme Court case and Fessenden is highly respected and familiar with the case and has been employed at considerable expense. Tappan advises that the names of those meeting with Fessenden be kept private except Norton's.

title: Letter from Lewis Tappan to Amos Townsend Jr.
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-01-20, 1841-01-20
Name: Tappan, Lewis, 1788-1873
Abstract: A letter from Lewis Tappan informing Amos Townsend that he has written to John T. Norton advising him to go to Hartford to meet a "legal gentleman" who will travel from New York to seek a writ of habeas corpus in order "to bring the Africans before a Judge in [Connecticut]." Tappan asks Townsend to find Norton and advise him of the communication. He then asks Townsend if he can attend the meeting in Hartford.

title: Letter from Lewis Tappan to John T. Norton Samuel Deming and Austin F. Williams
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-04-13, 1841-04-13
Name: Tappan, Lewis, 1788-1873
Abstract: A letter from Lewis Tappan to John T. Norton, Samuel Deming, and Austin F. Williams. Tappan writes, by order of the [Amistad] Committee, to inform Norton, Deming, and Williams that Theodore D. Weld "has been solicited by us to visit Farmington to confer with you" regarding the Africans. He states that "he is possessed with our views and we wish you to receive his suggestions as proceeding from us." Tappan believes Weld's "knowledge of men and things" qualifies him to "investigate & form a correct judgement in a case like this" and Weld "wound render a great service by conferring with you at length on the present situation and prospects of our liberated brethren."

title: Letter from Lewis Tappan to Joshua Leavitt
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-02-25, 1841-02-25
Name: Tappan, Lewis, 1788-1873
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Lewis Tappan to Joshua Leavitt concerning passages in The Emancipator and The Journal of Commerce. An extract from the Emancipator of February 25, 1841, is quoted and Tappan questions aspects of Leavitt's commentary, asking, "Did you think this when you wrote as above? If we concede so much now can we expect that other persons --judges or [illegible] -- [illegible] decide more justly? You must excuse my plainness, but the passage troubles me, especially as it is known that you write it, a member of the Committee, etc." Tappan also mentions that he sent a "slip from the [Journal of Commerce] containing your first letter" and asks that Leavitt correct any errors and return the letters immediately.

title: Letter from Lewis Tappan to Simeon S. Jocelyn
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-03-18, 1841-03-18
Name: Tappan, Lewis, 1788-1873
Abstract: Lewis Tappan reports on getting the Africans off to Farmington. Tappan writes that yesterday, the three girls appeared in court, accompanied by Stanton Pendleton and his family. Tappan and Mr. Bacon were the only witnesses on "behalf of the complaint being opposed by Pendleton's family & all he could muster." General [Dennis] Kimberly was retained by Tappan at the request of Roger S. Baldwin and addressed the court, followed by Charles A. Ingersoll, stating that, "Ralph I. followed in a long harangue & was very abusive upon Judge Clark & myself." Tappan provides examples of the "violent perversion of facts [and] false charges" he produced and he also abused Sherman M. Booth and Benjamin Griswold, raising "loud laughs at their expense & at the expense of the friends of the Africans." They adjourned at nine o'clock in the evening and the decision will be given tomorrow. Tappan states that Marshal Norris Willcox has behaved very well, but that Pendleton has acted like a "wild beast." Arrangements had been made to have the Africans leave for Farmington this evening, but due to Pendleton's actions, they were moved immediately. Five carriages were to transport the Africans, but "as Cinque, Kinna, etc. were in court" the remaining Africans showed fear toward the hackmen until seeing an colored Hackman, George Phillips" whom they gravitated toward. Mr. Booth reports they arrived safely. In court yesterday, Cinque was allowed to communicate with the three girls and "explain to them what we intended for them." Kinna gave his testimony "in good English." The three girls were examined as witnesses and "Pendleton's family showed them off to make an impression that they had been exceedingly well taught & loved his family very much." Tappan wonders whether to take the children to New York or Farmington, then goes on to write that he has been persuaded to take them all to Farmington. He explains the burden of being away from his sick children and business, stating that, "there is much attention to religion here I am told" and mentioning Mr. Knoph and Dr. Taylor.

title: Letter from Lewis Tappan to S.M. Booth
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-04-13, 1841-04-13
Name: Tappan, Lewis, 1788-1873
Abstract: A letter from Lewis Tappan to S.M. Booth reagarding Theodore D. Weld's visit "on our behalf to consult with you and the [Committee] respecting our African brethren." Tappan describes Weld as "a dear friend of human rights, and of those whom you have so long instructed."

title: Letter from Matilda S. McKinstry to Joshua Leavitt
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-03-10, 1841-03-10
Name: McKinstry, Matilda S.
Abstract: A donation letter from Matilda S. McKinstry on behalf of the Monson Female Anti-Slavery Sewing Society pledging support for the Amistad Captives.

title: Letter from Mr. Carroll to Seth M. Gates
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-01-05, 1841-01-05
Name: Mr. Carroll
Abstract: A note stating that Mr. Carroll, Clerk of the Supreme Court, "reports to Mr. Gates & regrets that he cannot send more than one copy of the Amistad Case, as there are barely sufficient copies left for the court and argument of the case."

title: Letter from "Mr. Johnsting" to Lewis Tappan
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-04-13, 1841-04-13
Name: Mr. Johnsting
Abstract: An anonymous letter labeled by Lewis Tappan as being "from some miserable wretch"; seemingly a letter of donation, however, the writer's tone is unclear. The letter reads: My Deer Feller, Havin sean a notic in the Journil of Kommerce that you reeceeveed doneashins for our kullered bretherin of the Amistid I take this opportuneitee to cend a smal donashun to help fead & cloath the pore fellers. I am very happee to giv anything thugh sich a celebratedd feller as yew, and eye reely bleeve that them fellers in the Armistid moast vurship yew, for I doant bleeve any uther mann on erth wood a takin harf so mutch trubbil, for the poor fellers as wot yew hav dunn. I am allso verry gladd that yew think off keppin them hear to lern tew plow and til the ground at a plaic kalled Farmington in Conaitekut. Yew entend I hear to hav kompitint teachers for them, it must kost yew a grate eal of trubble & munny tokeep thurty six of em so long as whot you hav done. & how wel you will be repaid for your trubbill when yew ship the poor fellers to Afrike & I vuddent vunder ven the goo hoam if thay vus tew seand out hear after yew & make yew a president or make yew a king (and vot fun yew wood hav) Yures Verry Sustpect fool he, Mr. Johnsting, Tew Mister Louis Tappin, Nu Yoark. Dear feller, Bee petickeler ven you pubbelish the naims of the fellers wot giv donashins not to leav mi name ote. Mister Jonsting. Pee ess Tar & fethers air cheep out thair.

title: Letter from Mr. Root to Lewis Tappan
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-03-21, 1841-03-21
Name: Mr. Root
Abstract: Donation letter sent by a Mr. Root pledging support for the Amistad Captives.

title: Letter from Peter A. Clercy to Lewis Tappan
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-03-22, 1841-03-22
Name: Clercy, Peter A.
Abstract: A donation letter from Peter A. Clercy on behalf of the Church of Christ in Cazenovia, New York, for the "bible course designed for the benefit of the African Mission" and the Amistad Captives on their return. Clercy asks whether the donation can be used for that objective.

title: Letter from Platt Wickes and G.W. Durant to Lewis Tappan
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-01-14, 1841-01-14
Name: Wickes, Platt
Abstract: A letter from Platt Wickes and G.W. Durant containing a transcript from a meeting consisting of inhabitants of Rensselaerville and its vicinity as well as a resolution pledging support for the Amistad Captives. Durant asks that copies of the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Reporter "containing the facsimile letter of Kale" be sent to each donor listed.

title: Letter from Rev. Beriah Green to Joshua Leavitt, Lewis Tappan, and Simeon S. Jocelyn
Subject: Amistad (Schooner), Slave insurrections--United States, Antislavery movements--United States, Slave trade--America--History, Correspondence
Date created ms: 1841-03-31, 1841-03-31
Name: Green, Beriah, 1795-1874
Abstract: Since receiving a letter from Lewis Tappan, Simeon S. Jocelyn, and Joshua Leavitt regarding the Africans, Rev. B. Green has received correspondence from Theodore D. Weld. Green outlines the financial difficulties of the Oneida Institute, stating, "we shall of course have room enough for the men of Mendi," and then describing the Institute's accommodations. Green states that the Institute's farm is about 100 acres and the only mechanical art at the school is printing. He then provides a description of Chauncy T. Gaston and Mr. Hough, two men who are willing to teach the Africans. The description includes the cost of tuition, board, and a list of additional supplies needed for the students. Green explains that payment would need to be made in advance but he would be willing to help find boarding.

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