In Rediker's section on "The Botswain" of the Nighingale, he uses a primary sources to provide a detailed account of a captured woman. The author is citing a 1769 story told by a sailor aboard the ship. This first hand information supported the author's narrative of the deplorable conditions and treatment that the African captives faced. Rediker/the sailor describe the tale of a woman who was known and respected among the ship for her ability to maintain order among her fellow captives. However, she was unable to preserve what little authority she had, because her position threatened the power structure of the ship. Ultimately, she was subjected to whippings, and frustrated with her inability to retaliate, chose to die rather than be subordinate.
