White Cargo cover art

White Cargo

The Forgotten History of Britain's White Slaves in America

 Preview

Audible Standard 1-month free trial

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo + applicable tax after 30-day trial. Cancel Anytime
Try for $0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for $23.62

Buy Now for $23.62

About this listen

White Cargo is the forgotten story of the thousands of Britons who lived and died in bondage in Britain's American colonies.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, more than 300,000 white people were shipped to America as slaves. Urchins were swept up from London's streets to labor in the tobacco fields, where life expectancy was no more than two years. Brothels were raided to provide "breeders" for Virginia. Hopeful migrants were duped into signing as indentured servants, unaware they would become personal property who could be bought, sold, and even gambled away. Transported convicts were paraded for sale like livestock.

Drawing on letters crying for help, diaries, and court and government archives, Don Jordan and Michael Walsh demonstrate that the brutalities usually associated with black slavery alone were perpetrated on whites throughout British rule. The trade ended with American independence, but the British still tried to sell convicts in their former colonies, which prompted one of the most audacious plots in Anglo-American history.

©2007 Don Jordan and Michael Walsh (P)2019 Tantor Americas Europe World
All stars
Most Relevant
not for the faint if heart but if you think you were taught history think again. I found this fascinating and although bordering on the textbook style many incredible stories that I would love to find out more about.

you think you know history?

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.