The Peculiar Institution and National Honor: The Case of the Creole Slave Revolt

摘要: The slave mutiny on the brig Creole in 1841 has long been of interest to historians. Not only did it involve American domestic politics, intimately concerned relations between governments United States and Great Britain. Disposition case raised arguments counterarguments similar those which were echo through politics for two decades result Civil War; also indirectly affected negotiation Webster-Ashburton Treaty 1842. Because revolt occurred 1841, not 1861, eventu- ally took its place as a minor incident antebellum history; yet potentially explosive nature justifies more attention than received. As far this writer can tell, there no full, scholarly treatment affair. Partially because this, many accounts event have either misleading or mistaken.' reader is left with erroneous impression that British government won diplo- matic victory over States, was indicative spontaneous, disorganized revolts, caused Southerners consider seriously possibility having fight England again. purposes essay are dispel some myths surround- ing affair, describe how such seemingly unimportant evoked serious questions national honor, offer an ex- planation South's surprisingly subdued behavior latter stages controversy. By I830*s section just embarking slavery, interested almost any method keep peculiar institution intact. One these prevent incendiary talk about subject. Indeed, * This delivered revised form before Missouri Valley History Con- ference, Omaha, Nebraska, March 10, 1973. author wishes acknowledge assistance Professors Maurice G. Baxter Robert H. Ferrell Indiana University. 1