A Bristol, Rhode Island, and Matanzas, Cuba, Slavery Connection: The Diary of George Howe

In the early 19th century, Cuba was the world's largest sugar producer, and the United States was its most important buyer. A diary by Mr. George Howe, Esquire (1791–1837) sheds light on the close commercial relationship between Cuba and the Rhode Island coastal town of Bristol, where the citizens were heavily involved in the slavery trade. Howe expressed mixed personal feelings about local slavery work practices, feeling lucky to be employed but also struggling with his personal feelings regarding slavery. This book examines Howe's diary entries in the thematic context of the local Costumbrista literary production, which documented local customs and critically analyzed social ills.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

In the early 19th century, Cuba emerged as the world's largest producer of sugar, while the United States became its most important buyer. Despite being scarcely documented today, there existed a close commercial relationship between Cuba and the Rhode Island coastal town of Bristol. The citizens of Bristol were heavily involved in the slavery trade, owning sugarcane plantations in Cuba and also serving as staff workers at these facilities.

Available in print for the first time, a diary sheds light on this connection. Mr. George Howe, Esquire (1791–1837), documented his tasks at a Bristolian-owned plantation called New Hope, which was owned by well-known Bristol merchant, slave trader, and US senator James DeWolf (1764–1837). Howe expressed mixed personal feelings about local slavery work practices. He felt fortunate to be employed and was determined to do his job well, despite the harsh conditions operating at New Hope. However, he also struggled with his personal feelings regarding slavery. Though an oppressive system, it was at the core of New Hope's financial success and, therefore, Howe's well-being as an employee.

This book examines Howe's diary entries in the thematic context of the local Costumbrista literary production. Costumbrismo, both documented local customs and critically analyzed social ills. In his letters to relatives and friends, Howe depicted a more personal reaction to the underpinnings of slavery practices, a reaction reflecting early abolitionist sentiments.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 220 x 155 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498562652