... from history help support Johnson's political commentary, and these themes would carry over once out at sea. One of the main recurring themes in Middle Passage is the harsh and revolting condition of the Republic. The historical ships of the Atlantic slave trade were no different. Many of the ships were termed 'loose packers' or 'tight packers', describing the maximum capacity of the slave ship. The stench of diseased and decaying bodies and unruly Africans thrown overboard ... . Mary Cable tells the story in her book Black Odyssey. The ship sailed from Havana, Cuba on June 28, carrying ...

• Word Count: 1615
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School