The Bight of Benin Summary

Ned, the carpenter, has been very busy building a platform, upon which sits a carronade which Nicholas Spark seems to touch for good luck. Jessie knows that the ship will soon be meeting up with other men. Jessie learns that the Captain has a variety of national flags and paperwork he can use to change the ship's nationality should they be boarded. Purvis explains that he once worked with a Captain who had traded slaves for ten years before being caught because no one could prove anything. Jessie comments on how many are against the trading, and Purvis responds that the British have outlawed it, but have probably found something equally as profitable.

Jessie has much on his mind and thinks about his friend, Purvis. Jessie also evaluates the fact that some native kings sell the slaves...