Slavery

Slavery and the abolitionist movement are key concepts in the Commodore. Jack Aubrey, in his first mission as a Commodore of the British Navy, is given the assignment of ferreting out slave trading ships departing from the west coast of Africa. The transition from the condoning of slavery to the rise of abolition in England was less bloody than the same transition in the United States, but there were still a great many difficulties. Many members of the English aristocracy and of the growing merchant class had financial interest in the slave trade. In the story, Jack Aubrey is concerned about Captain Thomas's ability to perform his duties after he hears a rumor that the man has property in Java and is reported to own slaves. Later, Mr. Whewell informs Jack and Stephen that Captain Thomas's family has been in the business of slaving for years. When asked...