Today in History: Amistad Mutiny Survivors Released

Today in History–March 9–the Library of Congress features the Amistad mutiny survivors, released on this day in 1841 by the Supreme Court. Former president John Quincy Adams successfully argued the case and the former captives  eventually returned to Africa. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking the links below to read Adams’ argument and access more primary sources and teaching resources related to this incident and slavery in the U.S.

Amistad Mutiny Survivors Freed from America’s Library

Amistad primary source set (scroll to access items and curator notes)

Slave-Revolt Leader Joseph Cinquez

Sketches of the Amistad captives World Digital Library

United States v. The Amistad, 40 U.S. (15 Pet.) 518 (1841)

Decision of the Amistad Case Vermont telegraph. (Brandon [Vt.]), 17 March 1841

More Amistad case historical newspaper coverage 1839-1841

Related resources

• Primary Source Learning: Slavery (U.S.) – teaching resources
• Primary Source Spotlight: Slavery (U.S.) – primary sources & more