James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw

Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, also known as James Albert, (ca. 1705-1775) was a freed slave and autobiographer. His autobiography, A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars in the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, is considered the first published by an African in Britain. Produced in Kidderminster in the late 1760's and published in 1772, the title page explains that it was "committed to paper by the elegant pen of a young lady of the town of Leominster." It was the first slave narrative in the English language and gives a vivid account of Gronniosaw's life, from his capture in Africa through slavery to a life of poverty in Colchester and Kidderminster. He was attracted to this last town because it was at one time the home of Richard Baxter, a seventeenth century Calvinist minister whom Gronniosaw much admired. The preface was written by the reverend Walter Shirley who interprets Gronniosaw's experience of enslavement and his journey from Bornu to New York as an example of Calvinist predestination and election.

A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars in the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw

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Presents a collection of detailed narratives by African American writers who experienced slavery, and shows how their stories had an impact on the social history of America before emancipation.

Slave Narratives

Book Excerptriend or any means to procure one. Soon after I came to the merchant's house I heard the drums beat remarkably loud, and the trumpets blow--the persons accustom'd to this employ, are oblig'd to go upon a very high structure appointed for that purpose, that the sound might be heard at a great distance: They are higher than the steeples are in England. I was mightily pleas'd with sounds so entirely new to me, and was very inquisitive to know the cause of this rejoicing, and ask'd many questions concerning it: I was answer'd that it was meant as a compliment to me, because I was Grandson to the King of Bournou.This account gave me a secret pleasure; but I was not suffer'd long to enjoy this satisfaction, for in the evening of the same day, two of the merchant's sons (boys about my own age) came running to me, and told me, that the next day I was to die, for the King intended to behead me.--I reply'd that I was sure it could not be true, for that I came there to play with them, and to see houses walk upon

A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars in the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African Prince, as Related by Himself

James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw

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