Question

read the following passages from john newtons diary.
saturday 22 june
being pretty warm, got up the men and washed all the slaves with fresh water. i am much afraid of another ravage from the flux diarrheal infection, for we have had 8 taken within these few days.
thursday 27 june
when we were putting the slaves down in the evening, one that was sick jumped overboard. got him in again but he died immediately between his weakness and the salt water he had swallowed, though i imagine he would have lived but a little while being quite worn out.
which claim is supported by this reading?
the men on board the ship always treated the enslaved people well, in sickness and in health
one of the ships crew members was counted among those taken.
the enslaved people on board suffered waves of illness at times resulting in death.
saturday, june 22nd was the first day of deaths

Explanation:

• Option 1: The text shows slaves were in a vulnerable state (fear of flux, death), not that they were always treated well.
• Option 2: The text mentions slaves dying, not crew members.
• Option 3: The mention of fear of flux (diarrheal infection) and having 8 taken (presumably died) in a few days, along with a sick slave dying, supports that enslaved people suffered illness and death.
• Option 4: There is no indication that June 22nd was the first day of deaths.

Answer:

The enslaved people on board suffered waves of illness at times resulting in death.