On offer is a fascinating medical leave document stamped by the Milicias Disciplinadas de Color 1 Seccion (First Section of the Militia of Disciplined Soldiers of Color). This manuscript is written to Don Garino Crupo and Salbom Furiente, Colonel Commander of the first unit of the Militia of Color. The certificate indicates that it is certified that a soldier of this unit, Guillermo Vasquez, was seen at the hospital and has "poor configuration of the left leg" [Translation]. The certificate indicates that compensation is required. This certificate was written in 1874, in the midst of the Ten Years' War between Cuba and Spain, the first of three wars Cuba fought against Spain for its independence. It was common during this period of Cuban history for people of African descent, both slaves and free men, to enlist in the Cuban militias. There was a large Black population in Cuba at this time. Cuba had a great need for inexpensive labour to support their sugar industry. While America and Britain signed a treaty in 1814 to abolish the African slave trade, it took many years for complete global abolition. The African slave trade was not ended in Cuba until 1886, despite it being formally abolished in 1867 (Yun & Laremont, 2001). During the Chinese coolie trade (1847-1874) African slaves often worked alongside Chinese indentured labourers. This medical certificate is folded to measure approx 8x6 inches. It is one folio leaf folded in half. The writing is on the recto of the first page. It is in very good condition exhibiting age toning, and is otherwise in great shape. Spanish language. VG.
