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Captain James Brown send a ship to Africa, called the "Mary." It was the first ship to be send from Providence
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In 1736, James and Obadiah Brown, father and uncle to the four Brown brothers, dispatched the Mary to West Africa. In 1759, Obadiah and his nephews, John and Nicholas, joined with five other investors to launch the Wheel of Fortune.
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The Brown's sent out three ships. Two of these ships were to sell horses and other goods. The third ship, the "Sally," was to aquire a load of slaves, which they wanted to use to support their iron and candle business.
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"Sally" arrives on the coast of what is now, New Guinea. (Photo is of a plate depicting "Sally", that was sold online. The plate was made in England.)
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In all, Hopkins purchased 196 slaves, but most of them died while still in port, or on the way back to America.
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The slaves begin an uprising, which leads to eight slaves getting shot, and wounding several others.
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"We need not mention how disagreeable the news of your losing... 88 slaves is to us and all your friends, but yourself continuing in health is a great satifaction to us, that we remain cheerful" -The Brown brothers to Esek Hopkins.
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