[Slave Trade]. Treaty Between her Majesty the Queen of England and the Sultan of Johanna for the Suppression of the Slave Trade.

€ 3.500,00

Historically important treaty between the Queen of England and Sultan Selim of the Island of Anjouan, or Johanna, for the suppression of the slave trade. The treaty was concluded in November 1844. The present work is the ratified version from 10 December 1845, signed by Sultan Selim and Christopher Wyvill (1792-1863), captain of the HMS Cleopatra and formation commander of the Royal Navy in Africa between 1849 and 1853. The publication is exceptionally rare. We have not been able to find any printed copies anywhere else, either in sales records or libraries. The archives of the UK parliament make mention of the treaty, but it appears to be otherwise unknown.

The slave trade in the British Empire was officially abolished in 1807, although enslaved people in the colonies were not freed until 1838. Throughout the 19th century, Great Britain undertook numerous measures to suppress the slave trade worldwide, mainly through diplomacy and treaties. In the present work, the Sultan of Anjouan states that: "There shall be no dealing in slaves in our territory, and no slaves shall be imported to be sold in our country." He further allows the British to inspect Anjouan ships and take them to an English port if they are found to be engaged in the slave trade. The present treaty, which is of significant historical importance, is an excellent example of the measures that were undertaken across the world to stop the slave trade.

The leaves are slightly creased and browned around the edges. Otherwise in good condition.