Forsyth, John (1780-1841) to William S. Holabird
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05636.20 Author/Creator: Forsyth, John (1780-1841) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 8 February 1840 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25.3 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Writes regarding arrangements made by the Spanish Government for Antonio, the slave cabin-boy on board the Amistad, to testify at an upcoming trial in New Haven, Connecticut. Discusses the Minister's obtainment of Jose Ruiz's and Pedro Montes's proprietary title in the other Africans aboard the ship (the titles are to be procured from Cuba). Reports that he informed the Spanish Minister of Holabird's suggestion regarding obtainment of the Spanish laws and edicts prohibiting the importation of African slaves in Cuba. Relates that a Spanish Consul in Boston, Antonio G. Vega, and the Spanish Minister will ensure the slave Antonio's attendance at trial.
Forsyth was Secretary of State 1834-1841. Holabird was District Attorney for the State of Connecticut during the Amistad trial. Montes and Ruiz were held captive by the Amistad mutineers.
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