The Committee of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society Printed circular, 1860 August 13

THE SLAVE-TRADE AS IT IS.

FORTY THOUSAND SLAVES ANNUALLY TO CUBA.

THE Committee of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society would earnestly
call attention to the following facts:

Since 1815, Great Britain has expended, upon an average, more than One
Million Pounds Sterling, annually, or, in other words, more than FORTY MILLION
POUNDS STERLING, in attempting to put an end to the Slave-trade.

On Friday, the 8th June instant, Lord John Russell made the following state
ment in the House of Commons:

"It is unfortunately true that the Slave-trade is still extensively carried on to
Cuba. I believe from THIRTY THOUSAND to FORTY THOUSAND slaves are
ANNUALLY brought into that island from Africa, and it is perfectly true that THIS
TRADE IS CARRIED ON IN CONTEMPT AND VIOLATION OF TREATIES between this
country and Spain."

The Slave-trade Papers last published, set forth in what manner this abominable
trade in men and women is at present carried on. It is more perfectly organized
than it has ever been at any previous stage of its history. This is how it is done.*

Joint-Stock Companies, designated "Expeditions to Africa," are formed by
some of the wealthiest firms at Havana, New York, Boston, and New Orleans.
These transactions are so public, that the shares of these Slave-trading Companies
are quoted on the Exchange at ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH. The capital thus
amassed is placed in the hands of an agent, who employs it in the purchase of con
venient vessels, and the obtaining of crews for them. These are usually composed
of foreigners, but who have lived so long in America that they have acquired the
manners and the appearance of Americans. They are provided with protections,
purchased from Americans; and when the vessel on board of which they are shipped
is cleared at the Custom-House, their protections are shown with the papers of the
vessel which is cleared as bonâ fide American. Her register, however, and papers
are usually obtained by fraud. ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS is the ordinary price for
a complete set. They are so well got up that they not unfrequently deceive
officers of the United States' cruising squadron. The slaver usually proceeds to the

* The foregoing statement is condensed from the despatch of Commodore Wise to Rear
Admiral Sir F. Grey, and is dated from on board the Vesuvius, Cabinda, August 6th, 1858. - Slave
Trade Papers, 1859. Class A. page 176.