SLAVERY

When he supplied engravings for The Narrative of a Five Years Expedition against the Revolted Negroes of Surinam (1796), a book by John Gabriel Stedman, Blake became deeply engrossed in understanding the cruel suffering slaves experienced in the colonies controlled by Europeans. Stedman had arranged with publisher Joseph Johnson to publish the manuscript and the 80 illustrations which he provided. Blake was engaged to engrave 18 or more illustrations for the book. During the publication process Blake and Stedman became close enough friends that Stedman stayed at Blake's home when he was required to be in London. As two eccentrics Blake and Stedman were able to relate as writers, artists and followers each of his own leadings.

Wikimedia Commons
Illustration to Stedman's Five Years Expedition
Group of Negros, as Imported to be sold for Slaves

Songs and Ballads, from Blake's Notebook, (E 473)

"Why should I care for the men of thames
Or the cheating waves of charterd streams
Or shrink at the little blasts of fear
That the hireling blows into my ear

Tho born on the cheating banks of Thames     
Tho his waters bathed my infant limbs
The Ohio shall wash his stains from me 
I was born a slave but I go to be free"

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