Humphrey Morice was involved in the highest level of global trade, finance capital, and the economy of the British Empire. He was a member of the ruling class and one of the free traders who led the attack against the chartered monopoly of the Royal African Company in the early years of the eighteenth century. Also, Morice was London’s leading slave trader in the eighteen century. One of the small fleet of slave ships owned by Morice was named Katherine, after his wife and daughters. He also put together a list of “Defects to be carefully avoided” when selecting a slave. These defects varied from sickness to loss of fingers, toes or teeth. Something interesting that Morice did was that he demanded that both sailors and slaves should both be treated well.
On the Katherine, many died for various reasons. Some jumped overboard and drowned. While others died with a fever and other symptoms. The reading also mentions a woman who perished of “Palsey and lost the use of Limbs.” I know that the treatment of slaves was widely debated; and to think that people were still dieing with so called "good" treatment speaks loudly.
I learned that some slave traders actually cared for the slaves like Morice did. He wanted them to be treated fairly which was surprising. I also found out that some slaves were branded with a letter. Was this to know who came from a certain ship or place? Or was it to show who held power over certain slaves?
