This was an Eyewitness Essay that I wrote for an English Class, and was actually accused of plagiarism on. Written October 11, 2005.
Log Entry: 1 October 1543
I knew the second my heel touched the rough surface of the deck that this was a mistake I would regret for as long as I shall live. We set sail months ago, and from what the Navigator tells me, we are half way to port. We were on our way home, with our new captives. I always thought of slavery as a vile act of man. Unfortunately I was put into service in dealing with the Slave Trade. As wretched a thing as slavery is, people thought of these people as beneath them. Ignorant people traded these poor people and treated them with less kindness as they have to animals. I am sitting on deck as I write, I see the people we have taken from Africa being whipped and punished for no reason I can see. I have been below deck, to the darkest place that rivals Hell. The foul smell from below is worse then anything I could possibly describe. I have had tears form at my eyes while I heard the people moan, scream, and die below. I have heard people who wanted to die, they would curse us, and then they would pass into the unknown. The horrific sounds from below deck want me to have the curse of not being able to hear. I knew that I would never be able to hold my head high while I walked the streets, knowing what I have done. My transgressions to humanity will never be forgiven by the Almighty God. I cry as I think of the things that happen aboard this ship, I am wishing as I write to not be here.
Log Entry: 4 October 1543
I cannot stand the sounds, the smells, and the sights. I have seen people who have died being thrown into the sea as if they were no less then dirt. I do not understand how my fellow crew members can carry on without remorse. I can not comprehend what must go through their minds as they whip these people. I have seen their soul and their spirit crushed under the heavy hammer of madness. We have brought people on deck that look as if they have died long ago. These images are burned forever into my mind, as I watch while knowing I can do nothing. The sense of worthlessness inside of me is depressing. I can not imagine how the people below deck must feel. I say again, I will never be forgiven, by myself, nor by God. I shall stand in front of God and plead guilty to my actions. I know that the minute I saw this ship, I knew there was no turning back to the peaceful life I lived back home. This will stay with me, as these people lay on the boarders of insanity. I too am beginning to lose my grip upon reality. Of course I shouldn't think of myself, as people are being treated worse then anyone has been for thousands of years.
Log Entry: 7 October 1543
The people aboard this ship call them selves civilized people. Those of them who are from England, who are used to being told that anything is alright, are those who disgust me the most. I wish I could argue my opinions with them, but unfortunately we live in a time where people aren't rewarded for speaking your mind. It is impossible to think that I would go unharmed if I spoke out about my disapproval of slavery. I knew the moment I was born that this was an evil act. But there is nothing I can do, I watch day after day the people brought upon the deck and watch as they look at the sky. I know what they are wishing, and I am not one to judge the opinions of others. They hold the sight of peace in their eyes, as they wish to be back home or have their life ended. I see some hope in some, as they are told what they will be doing in their near future. And then I see the hope be swept away as fast as it came to them as they were told the details of their near future. It was simple, they didn't have one. I knew that all of the people below would not live what people consider a life. But rather a dreadful time of existence.
Log Entry: 12 October 1543
I will never forget what has happened on this ship, as we near port, I think of what has happened. I wished that the images be swept away, and the sounds and thoughts be sent were they belong, in Hell. For only such a place may the evils of man be conceived. These acts must come to a halt. I only wish that these people did not have to go through what they have experienced. Many people from below have died, and the smell worsens each day. We found one person that we didn't know was dead. We were told that he had been dead for weeks, and the smell was undeniably unbearable. The man had died an unspeakable death. The rest of the people have long ago passed the boarders of madness, as the dark and claustrophobic cabin below engulfed their minds. Only in time will people know what these people have gone through, and this is just the beginning. I can not bear to imagine what they will suffer in the future. I do not wish to think of these thoughts, yet my mind is plagued by them. I too am nearing the boarders of the dreadful place of madness. I feel as if I have walked through Hell, just by watching what has happened. Never have I seen such torture and such cruelty. Such brutality. And never again shall I endure this. It is too much to bear, and my shoulders are weighed down with these thoughts, even still. I feel that this weight shall never leave me. I fear that I will not be able to go back to living in such a naive world. And now it must end.
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