La Amistad - The Mutiny

The Mutiny

Suppression of the Slave Trade

Blockade of Africa African Slave Trade Patrol Capture of the Providentia Capture of the Presidente Capture of the El Almirante Capture of the Marinerito Capture of the Veloz Passagera Capture of the Brillante Amistad Incident Capture of the Emanuela Bombardment of Johanna Mary Carver Affair Edward Barley Incident Battle of Little Bereby

On July 2, 1839, Sengbe Pieh (later known in the United States as Joseph Cinqué) led 53 fellow African captives (49 adults and 4 children), being transported aboard La Amistad from Havana, in a revolt against their captors. In the main hold below decks, the captives found a rusty file. Freeing themselves, they quickly went up on deck and, armed with machete-like cane knives, successfully gained control of the ship. When they demanded to be returned home, the ship's navigator, Don Pedro Montez, deceived them about their course and sailed the ship north along the North American coast to the eastern tip of Long Island, New York. Discovered by the Revenue Cutter USS Washington, La Amistad was taken into custody. The Africans were interned at New Haven, Connecticut while the courts settled their legal status and claims regarding La Amistad's ownership.