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Mahommah Gardo Baquaqua and Samuel Moore, fl. 1854
Biography of Mahommah G. Baquaqua, a Native of Zoogoo, in the Interior of Africa. (A Convert to Christianity,) With a Description of That Part of the World; Including the Manners and Customs of the Inhabitants, Their Religious Notions, Form of Government, Laws, Appearance of the Country, Buildings, Agriculture, Manufactures, Shepherds and Herdsmen, Domestic Animals, Marriage Ceremonials, Funeral Services, Styles of Dress, Trade and Commerce, Modes of Warfare, System of Slavery, &c., &c. Mahommah's Early Life, His Education, His Capture and Slavery in Western Africa and Brazil, His Escape to the United States, from Thence to Hayti, (the City of Port Au Prince,) His Reception by the Baptist Missionary There, The Rev. W. L. Judd; His Conversion to Christianity, Baptism, and Return to This Country, His Views, Objects and Aim. Written and Revised from His Own Words, by Samuel Moore, Esq., Late Publisher of the "North of England Shipping Gazette," Author of Several Popular Works, and Editor of Sundry Reform Papers
Detroit: Geo. E. Pomeroy & Co., 1854.

Summary

Mahommah Gardo Baquaqua was born in the city of Zoogoo, located in central Africa. As a young man, he held elevated status in the king's courts. Jealous men betrayed him, however, and sold him into slavery. After enduring the horrible trials of a slave ship, he became a slave in Brazil for two years. Baquaqua was then sent to New York. There, he acquired his freedom and sailed to Haiti. In Haiti a Baptist missionary couple assisted him and were instrumental in his conversion to Christianity. Two years later, he returned to New York to study. After three years he had completed his education, and he settled in Canada. Baquaqua was approximately thirty years old at the time this book was published, and he hoped to eventually return to Africa to share the gospel with his countrymen.

In addition to describing Baquaqua's experiences after being sold into slavery, the Biography of Mahommah G. Baquaqua (1854) also explores the customs, traditions, government, and landscape of his native country.

Monique Prince

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