Went to the Devil: A Yankee Whaler in the Slave Trade

by Anthony J. Connors

Edward Davoll was a respected New Bedford whaling captain in an industry at its peak in the 1850s. But mid-career, disillusioned with whaling, desperately lonely at sea, and experiencing financial problems, he turned to the slave trade, with disastrous results. Why would a man of good reputation, in a city known for its racial tolerance and Quaker-inspired abolitionism, risk engagement with this morally repugnant industry?

In this riveting biography, Anthony J. Connors explores this question by detailing not only the troubled, adventurous life of this man but also the turbulent times in which he lived. Set in an era of social and political fragmentation and impending civil war, when changes in maritime law and the economics of whaling emboldened slaving agents to target captains and their vessels for the illicit trade, Davoll's story reveals the deadly combination of greed and racial antipathy that encouraged otherwise principled Americans to participate in the African slave trade.

208 pages, ebook

Published May 26, 2019

Reviews

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a number of reasons to read this remarkable book. It is a local story of a New England whaler's struggles during the decline of whaling. If you're curious about whaling will learn a lot. Second it is the tragic story of a man drawn, by economic hardship, into the slave trade. At times it felt that I was reading a novel. Beyond that it is also a compelling account of that trade into the 1850s. If you can tolerate a vivid account of this vicious business, you will have your eyes opened. Meticulously researched and lucidly written, I couldn't put it down.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 2 sittings as I found it so engaging. Connors crafted the story of a young man who rose in the ranks on whale ships at the wrong time in history - as whaling was in decline. He succumbs to the temptation to make a fast buck and gets involved in the slave trade. The story is well told and well researched.

[Robyn Obermeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book, the cover is so soft and nice to hold!