MYSTIC

The following photos were taken at the Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. A portion of the movie Amistad was filmed at this location. The film was based on true events which took place back in 1839. A ship named Amistad was caring a cargo of 53 slaves on route to Cuba when the human cargo revolted against their captors and took control of the ship. The boat made its way into the Long Island Sound and was eventually escorted into New Haven, CT by the US Navy where the slaves were taken into custody. The slave’s freedom was then fought for in the court room. In the Supreme Court Case, United States VS. The Amistad Africans, an aging John Quincy Adams successfully argued that all human beings were naturally free people and were entitled to their freedom under American Law. The Amistad Africans were then set free. John Quincy Adams served as President of the United States during the years 1825-1829 and lost his re-election bid to Andrew Jackson. President John Quincy Adams often took an early morning nude swim in the Potomac. A young writer who unsuccessfully requested an interview with the President caught wind of his naked baths. One early morning the insistent journalist collected the President’s clothing while he swam and refused to give him his garments until the exposed President conceded to an interview. Reporter Anne Royall was the first female correspondent to interview an American President. John Quincy Adams is the only person to be elected to the House of Representatives after serving as President. What most impressed me with John Quincy Adams was his extraordinary service after his tenure as President.