Chinese "Coolie" Trade in the US -Congressional Reports of 1855 and 1861 discusses harrowing conditions of slave ships, murder, and mistreatment

Chinese, Slavery

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[Chinese Slavery] Two Congressional reports showcasing correspondence between slave merchants and government officials on the Chinese "Coolie" trade. Department of State, Washington. 1856, and 1861. 8vo., 184pp and 37pp. One pamphlet titled; Report of the Secretary of State in Compliance with: A resolution of the Senate of April 24, calling for more information relative to the coolie trade discusses very harrowing and gruesome topics such as the the conditions of slave ships, murder, and mistreatment. One account of a ship harboring over 450 Chinese enslaved peoples reports a widespread case of dysentery on board, calling in for an inspection. ".the Chinamen, believing theat they arrived at their port of destination, wished to go on shore, and attempted to take possession of the boats in order to do so. The captain, to prevent them, fired into them, and the crew, fearing a revolt, armed themselves, and the Chinamen were, after a short struggle, driven below and the hatches closed up." This act of haste and misunderstanding lead to over 300 of innocent enslaved Chinese people's deaths. The second pamphlet is titled; Asiatic Coolie Trade, Message from the President of the United States, in answer to: A resolution of the House of 13th July last, in relation to the "Asiatic Coolie Trade." with a few correspondence discussing the suspension of Chinese labor in Havana only two years prior to its being made illegal in 1862. As the slave trade diminished, the Coolie Trade developed in the 1850s to meet the need for low cost labor. "Coolies" were recruited in China supposedly for indentured labor in Peru, Cuba, and the United States after which they were to be freed. As these pamphlets show the harrowing nature of this movement, very few survived the cramped transit in ships and the harsh working conditions. U.S. merchants and ships accounted for most of the trade. Both pamphlets have minor foxing and edge wear. Some loose binding. Overall in very good condition.

N° de réf. du vendeur 20032

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: Chinese "Coolie" Trade in the US -Congressional Reports of 1855 and 1861 discusses harrowing conditions of slave ships, murder, and mistreatment
• Catalogues du vendeur:
  • Marginalized Groups
  • Slavery and Abolition