This paper uses first hand accounts to explore the
treatment of slaves in America. It reviews the autobiographical book "The
Interesting Narrative of the Life of
Gustavius Vassa", by Olaudah Equiano by giving a synopsis of Equiano's story. It begins with his kidnapping and journey on a slave ship and explores some of the harsh treatments of and difficult experiences for the slaves. The paper then turns to look at the Spaniards'
treatment of the Indian slaves in the West Indies, with reference to the historical work "Apologetic History of the Indies", by Bartolome de las Casas.