abolitionists- people who believed that slavery should be against the law

apprentice- someone who learns a job by working for another person

assisted- helped

captives- prisoners

conflict- struggle or war

dread- fear or horror

encouraged- supported or urged

enslavement- being held as a slave

influential- having the power to change events or opinions

privateers- non-navy ships that are allowed to attack enemy ships

tacking- changing direction while sailing