This letter from Olaudah Equiano to a friend is held by The National
Archives. It gives an insight into his concerns and interests, showing
his anti-slavery activities during a trip to Scotland. Equiano writes
that it has wrongly been stated in the press that he comes from Santa
Cruz, a Danish island in the Caribbean, and this has interfered with
sales of his book. The letter is full of details of Equiano's
life: here is a man who has a position in society. He is an entrepreneur,
and travels around the country lecturing and making influential connections.
He also has valuable possessions (a brooch was misplaced in a hotel
room). The letter is signed 'Gustavus Vassa The African',
Gustavus Vassa being Equiano's baptismal name.
TS 24/12, f. 2 (28 May 1792)
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