Yesterday, 01:56 PM
A British warship would bear down on a US merchant vessel, or a long range whaler, board that vessel with Royal Marines, examine the crew and crew list and, at gunpoint, chain and remove from the vessel, hands that were valuable to, and needed by the British navy in their war effort with France. Able Seamen, Foretopmen, Mates, Riggers, Sailing Masters and Cooks, believe it or not, were valuable "prizes" for a naval raiding party.
Once taken, they would be "pressed" into involuntary service, under threat of death, onboard another British naval vessel.
Most died, very few ever made it home again.
How, in any sense of the word, is that NOT slavery?
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