1770-Jun.-27: Robert Norris, the captain of the Liverpool slaving ship Unity, recorded a series of violent attempted insurrections in his journal while en ro…

1770-Jun.-27: Robert Norris, the captain of the Liverpool slaving ship Unity, recorded a series of violent attempted insurrections in his journal while en route to Jamaica. On this date, the captives attempted to force up the deck gratings in the night with the intent to murder the crew or drown themselves. Norris noted that the women and men were both determined to jump overboard if their primary plan failed, and as a last resort, they intended to burn the ship. To regain control, Norris felt compelled to shoot the ringleader of the movement. Following the failed revolt, several captives “died mad,” having frequently attempted suicide by drowning.