Slave master of Chinese slaves in Cuba, 1863

Heading: (Cuba - Chinese Slavery)
Author:
Title: Manuscript document regarding a Chinese slave master in mid-nineteenth century Cuba
Place Published: Cuba
Publisher:
Date Published: 1863
Description:

Ink manuscript. 20 lines, on recto of single sheet. 31.5x21.8 cm (12½x8½").

Rare and very significant document revealing little-known aspects of the slave status of Chinese natives in Cuba in the 19th century. This very early, 1863 manuscript discusses a Chinese "Slave Master" from the year 1854 in Cuba who himself was the slave master of other Chinese Slaves. This appears to be the earliest mention of Chinese slavery in Cuba following the the first documented arrival of the Chinese in Cuba in 1847. The manuscript itself signifies that the Chinese Slave Master in fact was just that - a Chinese master of Chinese slaves, meting out punishment to the slaves, which included whippings and much more. The text reads as follows: "I certify that the asiatico Agustin, in the year of May, 1854, was contracted by Dona Francisca Hernandez (a female slave owner) as having completed his first 'primitive contract'..." (meaning Agustin was among the very first Chinese to arrive in Cuba in 1847, since the contract was for 8 years) "and that he occupied the position of 'contra mayoral de 'chinos'" (Slave Master of the Chinese). It is then stated by the signatory that he "gives faith" to the above statement. A unique rarity relating to the history of Chinese natives in Cuba - a certified document of a Chinese slave master of other Chinese in Cuba from the year 1854, bearing evidence that the Chinese were enslaved upon their arrival in Cuba.
Condition Report: A little offsetting from previously adjacent pages, old folds; very good.