Joseph Cinqué and the other defendants were born free in Africa, kidnapped, and transported to Cuba, where they were unlawfully held to be sold into slavery.

Joseph Cinqué and the other defendants were born free in Cuba, kidnapped, transported to Africa, and subjected to African laws.

Joseph Cinqué and the other defendants were legally transported from Cuba to Africa for work and involuntarily enslaved.

Joseph Cinqué and the other defendants were living in Cuba, attempted to kidnap others, and were then unlawfully transported to Africa for the purpose of enslavement.