“For running away they put iron rings of great weight on their ankles. For negligence they are usually whipped by the overseers with hard-wood stitches, till they be all bloody. After they are whipped till they are raw, some put on their skins pepper and salt to make them smart. …These punishments are sometimes merited… Though they appear harsh, yet are scarce equal to their crimes, and inferior to what punishments other European nations inflict.”

Question

Investigate the conditions of enslaved Africans. Which of the following provides an accurate summary of the account?

They had iron rings put on their ankles to increase labor performance and pepper prevented disease
The punishments they received were equal to punishments received by enslaved Indigenous people.
They faced severe punishments for attempting to run away or for negligent work
They were rewarded for sufficient work and mentored if work was insufficient

Answer 1

The accurate summary of the account provided is: They faced severe punishments for attempting to run away or for negligent work.

This summary captures the essence of the described conditions and punishments experienced by enslaved Africans, highlighting the harsh consequences they faced for both escaping and failing to meet labor expectations.