The Creole Affair: The Slave Rebellion that Led the U.S. and Great Britain to the Brink of War

(Hardback)

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The Creole Affair is the story of the most successful slave rebellion in American history, and the effects of that rebellion on diplomacy, the domestic slave trade, and the definition of slavery itself. Held against their will aboard the Creolea slave ship on its way from Richmond to New Orleans in 1841the rebels seized control of the ship and changed course to the Bahamas. Because the Bahamas were subject to British rule of law, the slaves were eventually set free, and these American slaves' presence on foreign soil sparked one of America's most contentious diplomatic battles with the UK, the nation in control of those remote islands. Though the rebellion appeared a success, the ensuing political battle between the United States and Britain that would lead the rivals to the brink of their third war, was just beginning. As such, The Creole Affair is just as importantly a story of diplomacy: of two extraordinary non-professional diplomats who cleverly resolved the tensions arising from this historic slave uprising that, had they been allowed to escalate, had the potential for catastrophe.

Reviews

Downey allows readers to develop interest in the events main figures, helping enliven the discussion of the relevant legal issues. He also places the incident into context of both continental and at-sea slave rebellions, and of the fairly uneventful British abolition of slavery. Its an enlightening book, and Downeys framing of slavery within maritime history traces the development of a fitful friendship between Britain and the U.S. * Publishers Weekly *
Arthur Downey masterfully analyzes the legal and diplomatic turmoil surrounding the most successful slave revolt in U.S. history, on board the American vessel Creole in 1841. The Creole Affair sets the social and political scene in the United States, England, and the British Bahamas, where the slaves who seized control of the Creole sailed to gain their freedom. Downey brings to life the leading figures in this real-life drama, exploring through their eyes cases in Louisiana and the U.S. Supreme Court, diplomatic correspondence and treaty negotiations, and the work of a U.S.-British claims commission. Anyone interested in history, international relations, the law, or just a good story will find this thoroughly researched book a compelling read. -- John E. Noyes, Chair of the Executive Committee, American Branch of the International Law Association, Roger J. Traynor Professor of Law, California Western School of Law
This is a much needed study. The Creole Affair was crucial not just in relations between the free and slave states, but it had a major impact on U.S.-British affairs and could have easily led to a third war between the U.S. and Great Britain. Downey opens many insightful connections that have simply been untouched by other historians in the past. He looks at the event itself, as well as the personal and larger issues raised by this affair such as the nature of property and natural right for slave rebellion. Especially enlightening is his discussion of the legal and diplomatic maneuvers behind the scenes that led to its resolution. Downey has returned the Creole Affair to the importance it deserves. -- Steven Deyle, University of Houston, author of Carry Me Back: The Domestic Slave Trade in American Life
In American history, slave revolts were rare, successful revolts almost unheard of.It is therefore especially valuable to have Arthur T. Downey's well-researched political and diplomatic history of the 1841 uprising aboard the Creole. It is an impressive achievement. -- Marcus Rediker, author of The Amistad Rebellion: An Atlantic Odyssey of Slavery and Freedom

Author Bio

Arthur T. Downey has at various times been a lawyer, a law professor, business executive, diplomat, and former National Security Council staff member. He is the author of Civil War Lawyers: Constitutional Questions, Courtroom Dramas, and the Men Behind Them (2011).