Read the article, The Crowning Crime: The International Slave Trade,
The U.S. government declared the importation of slaves illegal in 1808, and those engaged in the slave trade guilty of piracy. The Navy's African Squadron was ordered to interdict the "triangle trade" taking slaves from Africa, to South America, the Caribbean Islands and southern United States.
"Now that the whole ship's cargo were confined together, it
became absolutely pestilential. The closeness of the place, and the heat of
the climate almost suffocated us. The shrieks of the women, and the groans of
the dying rendered it a scene of horror almost inconceivable. I began to hope
that death would soon put an end to my miseries."
Olaudah Equiano, sold into slavery from Africa at age 12
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On April 20, 1859, Secretary of the Navy Isaac Toucey designated Constellation flagship, or headquarters vessel, of the six-ship squadron commanded by Flag Officer William Inman. Captain John Nicholas commanded the ship. "Sir, I have the honor to report that I have, this day, hoisted
my Flag on board this Ship as directed by you Order of the 3rd Ultimo." |
 Flag Officer William Inman |
Constellation took up station off the mouth of the Congo River on November 21, 1859. Her efforts resulted in the capture of the brig Delicia on December 21, 1859, the barque Cora on September 26, 1860, and the brig Triton on May 21, 1861.
 Capturing the Barque Cora, 1860 Painting by Arthur Disney |
"I have the honor to inform the Department that at 3
O'clock this morning, this ship captured a brig said to be the "Delicia,"
without colors or papers to show her nationality. She was completely
fitted in all respects for the immediate embarcation [sic] of slaves..." "... report the capture of a Barque [Cora] with
no flag and a cargo of 705 slaves... " |
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"We caught ... the fast little bark, Cora...
Commodore Inman called on the entire crew to trim the vessel for the
chase... several of the crew manned the pumps to wet the sails so they
would push the sloop along. Once in a while we'd fire a shot, but...
we didn't try to hit them. The minute it became dark Commodore Inman
ordered the course changed, and we nearly ran the Cora down..." "He sent us to pull up the hatches, and 705 natives
came tumbling out of the hold, yelling and cringing. They ran forward
and crouched on the bow... It was a fearful job, cleaning and doctoring
those natives. They were nearly starved, but they responded to treatment
and after keeping them awhile we landed them in Monrovia..." |
 William H. French |
When captured, the ships were impounded and sold at auction. The captains of slavers were required to post bond and await trial, while the crews were landed at the nearest port and released. The newly freed slaves were taken to Monrovia, Liberia.
The U.S. government paid a bounty of $25 for each slave freed, and "prize money" for each impounded ship, to be divided among the crew proportionally according to rank.
On April 19, 1861, one week after Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter, President Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring a blockade of southern ports; and called for the enlistment of 18,000 additional seamen on May 2. Constellation's seizure of the slave brig Triton on May 21 was one of the U.S. Navy's first captures of the Civil War.
"I captured at Punta da Leha the American brig Triton.
She had no slaves on board, but every preparation for their reception had been
made..."
Captain Nicholas - May 22, 1861.
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In August 1861, Constellation, now under the command of Captain Thomas Dornin, was ordered home for repair and refit, arriving at Portsmouth Navy Yard on September 28. "I have the honor to report the arrival today at Portsmouth,
N.H., of the flagship Constellation, Captain Thomas A. Dornin.
All well. I respectfully request orders to strike my flag, and be granted
leave..." |
 Captain Thomas Dornin of the Constellation |
 Flag Officer Inman's report of December 21, 1859  Captain Isaac T. Doughty, USMC, commander of marines on the Anti-Slaver patrol. |
"Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that at 3 O'clock this morning, this ship captured a brig said to be the "Delicia", without colors or papers to show her nationality. She was completely fitted in all respects for the immediate embarcation [sic] of slaves The "Delicia" is an extremely fast sailer [sic], and had she not been discovered and closely pursued, during 10 hours by the Flagship, would have immediately taken her cargo of slaves. Under the circumstances, Captain Nicholas submitted to me, the propriety of sending the brig "Delicia" to the United States for adjudication, which I have directed to be done. I have the honor to forward the report of Captain Nicholas as to the details of the above capture, also a copy of the statement of the Pilot or Chief Mate, witnessed and verified. The 3rd Mate, Antonio Fernandez, will accompany the Chief Mate, above named, in the "Delicia" to the United States, both to testify when summoned, before the Court." I am Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant:William Inman Flag Officer, Commanding U.S. African Squadron |
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