What happened to the slaves when they tried to run way during the slave trade?

Punishment could come in many different ways depending on the slave owner... however, these are some common practices...

first time a slave ran the punishment was a whipping or canning or making a slave wear a head cage... (hard to describe but it basically a large heavy bird cage that had a bell on the top... to ring as the slave moved around)

second was a branding of an R on the skin such as the forehead...or shoulder

third punishment for a man could be very sever such as cutting off their manhood or cutting off the achilles' heel.

Third for a woman could also be cutting of the Achilles' heel or face but did not usually get as sever as cutting off body parts... such as breast...

** It is important to note that slave owners did not normally want to harm their slaves since slaves with scars or who couldn't work because of injures were less valuable... if they decided to resell them... also remember that a slave was very expensive... to give it an example that it would be understandable today's student it would be like buying a sports car... not everyone can afford one... and if you can you don't go out trying to wreck it....or put a scratch on it...especially if want to keep it for a while.

Mike