Insurance Policy for Slave Trading Vessel Don Galvez

This insurance policy for the Brig Don Galvez, built in 1782 and owned by Samuel Brown, for a slaving voyage to Africa insured the vessel for £100 and the cargo for £200.

The Don Galvez made at least three voyages between 1787 and 1793 to the coast of Africa with Daniel Grey as captain. In 1786-1787, it sailed from Newport, Rhode Island, and brought 135 slaves from Africa to Martinique. In 1791-1792, it brought 114 slaves from Africa to Havana. Finally, in 1792-1793, the Don Galvez sailed from Rhode Island and brought 251 slaves from Mozambique to St. Eustatius.

In January 1793, William Vernon spoke to a Baltimore captain who had profitably taken two shiploads of slaves from Mozambique to Martinique and suggested to his brother Samuel Vernon that "perhaps Capt Gray may imploye his Vessil to advantage in the same way." In partnership with Samuel Brown of Boston, they sent Captain Daniel Grey and the Don Galvez to the east coast of Africa on a "voyage of speculation," and it may have been this voyage for which this document served as insurance. The first voyage was not a success, largely because of Indian Ocean monsoons, but the Vernons sent five more vessels to the area over the next decade.

[SLAVERY.] Manuscript Document, Insurance Policy for Brig Don Galvez to Africa, ca. 1787-1793. 1 p., 5.25" x 4.25". Tightly trimmed with irregular edges not affecting text; very good.

Complete Transcript
£300 – 100 Vessel
            200 Cargo
On the Brigt Don Galvez & Cargo Dantt Grey Mastr from Boston to the Coast of Zanguebar on the South part of the Coast of Affrica, with Liberty to touch at the Cape of Good Hope, Madagascar Ile of France & Bourbon and at & from thence to a market in the West Indies & to any Port of the United States
The Assurers agree to take ye insurrection of Slaves, but not of natural mortality, & in case of Insurrection each slave shall be valued at £40, and the ship shall contribute as her Value may bear to ye Value of the slaves & other cargo on board

Samuel Brown (ca. 1753-1825) was born in Newport, Rhode Island and remained there until the British occupation in 1776, when he fled to Boston. He remained there as a merchant. He was involved in privateering and the slave trade throughout his career. He provided investment capital and insurance to other merchants and was a close associate of Newport slave trader and merchant William Vernon (1719-1806). Brown was a shareholder in the 1788-1790 expeditions that opened a lucrative trade route to China.

Daniel Grey commanded Samuel Brown's ship, Don Galvez, in voyages to Africa in 1787, 1792, and 1793.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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