The Browns and the Slave Trade

Captain Brown and the Mary

Sep 1, 1735

The Brown brothers' father, Captain James Brown, sends the vessel Mary to Africa. This was the first slave ship to travel from Providence.

The Wheel of Fortune

Nov 27, 1759

Nicholas and John Brown joined their uncle Obadiah and other merchants in outfitting the ship, Wheel of Fortune. This ship was captured by a French privateer, taking much of the family's investments with it.

Departure of Sally

Sep 10, 1764

THe Browns' next ship, the Sally, left Newport for Africa.

Sally arrives in Africa

Nov 10, 1764

Captain John Hopkins and the Sally arrive in Africa, on the coast of what is now Guinea. He will trade with many African leaders and Europeans merchants for slaves.

Last Slave Bought

Aug 20, 1765

Captain Hopkins buys his last slave. He purchased 196 slaves in all.

Slave Rebellion on Sally

Aug 28, 1765

The slaves rosed in rebellion, but Captain Hopkins and the crew supressed them by firing at the slaves, killing eight of them and wounding several others.

Brown Brothers to Hopkins

Nov 16, 1765

The Brown brothers tell Hopkins: "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 satisfaction to us, that we remain cheerful..." This is saying that the outcome of Sally was a disaster, but they were happy that the ship and their friend were safe.