The Scramble: The Chaotic Process of Buying a Slave at a Slave Market

In his book, Milton Meltzer describes the chaotic and cruel nature of slave sales. The slaves, both sick and healthy, were sold rapidly and at a low price. The scramble, as it was called, involved buyers rushing in to choose the best slaves, often resorting to violence. Some slaves were so terrified that they fled and ran through the town. Despite attempts to escape, all slaves were eventually caught, even those who jumped into the sea.