1788-Spring: Richard Martin of Jamaica reported that eleven people he held captive had absconded in a canoe and reached Cuba via a Spanish br

1788-Spring: Richard Martin of Jamaica reported that eleven people he held captive had absconded in a canoe and reached Cuba via a Spanish brigantine. Upon investigating, he found others who had recently escaped from Jamaica boasting of their new freedom under the Catholic Church. Officials in Havana confirmed the fugitives were being instructed in the Catholic religion, which prevented their return under Spanish law. This long-standing policy of granting religious asylum created intense diplomatic friction between British and Spanish authorities. The incident underscored how word of possible freedom spread to distant communities of the enslaved through trading vessels.