Primary Source: Excerpts from Freedom’s Journal, April 6, 1827
Group 1
“Memoirs of Capt. Paul Cuffee” from Freedom’s Journal, Friday, April 6, 1827, vol. I, No.4
He returned home in due season heavily freighted with oil and bone and arrived in the autumn of 1796 being then about his 84th year—He went to Philadelphia to dispose of his cargo… [I]n Philadelphia he purchased iron necessary for bolts and other works suitable for a schooner of 60 or 70 tons; and soon after his return to Westport the keel of a new vessel was laid. In 1798, his schooner of 60 tons burthen was launched and called “the Ranger.” … [H]e sailed to Norfolk, on the Chespeake Bay and there learned that a very plentiful crop of Indian Corn had been gathered that year on the eastern shore of Maryland, and that he could procure a schooner load for a low price at Vienna on the Nanticoke river. Thither he sailed, but on his arrival the people were filled with astonishment and alarm. A vessel owned and commanded by a black man, and manned with a crew of the same complexion, was unprecedented and surprising. The white inhabitants were struck with apprehension of the injurious effects which circumstances would have on the minds of their slaves, suspecting that he wished secretly to kindle the spirit of rebellion and excite a destructive revolt among them. Under these notions several persons associated themselves for the purpose of preventing Paul from entering his vessel or remaining among them. On examination his papers proved to be correct and the Custom House officers could not legally refuse the entry of his vessel. Paul combined prudence with resolution and on the occasion conducted himself with candor, modesty and firmness. His crew behaved not only inoffensively, but with a conciliating propriety. In a few days the inimical association vanished and the inhabitants treated him and his crew with respect and even kindness…. In three weeks, Paul sold his cargo, and received into his schooner 3000 bushels of Indian Corn. With this he returned to Westport where that article was in great demand: his cargo sold rapidly and yielded him a profit of 1000 dollars. He unloaded his vessel, sailed for Norfolk, sold his cargo and took in another, which on his return proved as profitable as his first voyage…. During the year 1757 after his return home, Paul purchased the house in which his family resided and the adjoining farm. For the farm and its improvements he paid $3500 and placed it under the management of his brother who is a Farmer.
Source: Freedom’s Journal, Friday, April 6, 1827, vol. I, No.4