On 2nd July, 1839, Mende African slaves, led by Joseph Cinque, who had been a metalworker, managed to free himself and other slaves using an iron file. The Africans killed the vessel's captain Ramon Ferrer, and took possession of the ship. The Africans spared the lives of two crew members who could navigate the ship, upon the condition that they would return the ship to Africa. The two crew members deceived the Africans and steered the Amistad north along the coast of the United States. They sailed to Long Island, New York. Some of the Africans went on shore to procure water and provisions and where spotted by a Naval Officer and his crew. They took custody of the Amistad and the Africans. The Amistad was then towed to New London, Connecticut, because slavery was still legal there, unlike in New York. The Naval crew hoped to sell the Africans as slaves. The legal authorities discovered the presence of the Africans which led to multiple legal proceedings and international intrigue. Joseph Cinqué - Portrait by Nathaniel Jocelyn, 1840 Portrait of Kimbo, one of 35 men aboard the Amistad.
