Historical Documents
The libel of Lt. Gedney’s for a Salvage Award
The U.S. attorney's advice on criminal prosecution
The libel of José Ruiz for Slave Property
The libel of William S. Holabird, U.S. Attorney
Justice Smith Thompson’s remarks in the U.S. Circuit Court
The several plea of Cinque and the other Mende captives
Judge Andrew Judson’s decision in the U.S. District Court (excerpts)
The U.S. attorney responds to the district court decision (two letters)
Supreme Court arguments of John Quincy Adams (excerpts)
Supreme Court opinion (Excerpts)
The Treaty between Spain and the United States (excerpts)
Anti-Slave Trade Act of 1819
The Appeal of the Abolitionist Committee
All of the documents are transcribed as they appear in the original. The italicized text provides historical background and context for understanding the documents.
Amistad: The Federal Courts and the Challenge to Slavery — Historical Background and Documents