Duc du Maine (slave ship) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 France |
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| Name | Duc du Maine |
| Owner | Compagnie des Indes |
| Builder | Saint-Malo, France |
| Launched | 1707 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Fregat |
| Tons burthen | 320, or 365 (bm) |
| Length | 101.71 ft (31.00 m) |
| Beam | 29.86 ft (9.10 m) |
| Complement | 71 |
| Armament | 20 guns mounted |
The Duc du Maine was a French ship launched in 1707. It was a type of ship called a fregat. This ship, along with another called the Aurore, played a part in a sad chapter of history. On June 6, 1719, the Duc du Maine carried the first people from Africa to Louisiana against their will. These individuals were taken from a region in Africa called Senegambia.
Journeys of the Duc du Maine
The Duc du Maine was a large ship. It could carry many people, sometimes between 500 and 600. Records show that the ship made several journeys across the Atlantic Ocean. These journeys are documented in historical databases.
First Journey
The first recorded journey (Voyage 32884) happened in 1719. Captain de Lauduoine was in charge. The ship started its trip from Port Louis, France. People were taken from Whydah in Africa.
After about three months at sea, the ship arrived in America. Some records say the first landing was at Dauphin Island. About 250 people were brought there. Other records mention Biloxi. The journey then ended back in Lorient, France.
Second Journey
The second journey (Voyage 32851) took place in March 1721. Captain N. Roseau was the captain this time. The ship carried 349 people. This journey also began in France.
The people were taken from the Bight of Benin in Africa. They were then brought to the Gulf Coast of America.
Third Journey
The third journey (Voyage 33116) was led by Captain A. de Lavigne. This trip was different because it went to the Caribbean. The ship carried people from West Central Africa and St. Helena.
It arrived in Martinique on January 14, 1727. Out of 491 people who started this journey, 431 survived to reach Martinique. Sadly, 42 out of 91 crew members also died during this long voyage.
