How does Equiano justify his role as a slave trader and overseer?

During his tie at the Musquito shore, Equiano served as overseer - a position he had once hated more than anything. He justified his position by declaring that he did what he could to show kindness and patience towards the slaves.

This chapter has posed many problems for critics because Equiano, now a free man, has willingly agreed to be an overseer and purchaser of slaves. This seems to go against his abolitionist sentiment, and his own awareness of the horrors of slavery. In fact, some readers find Equiano's general support of a capitalist mentality - the mentality that enabled and facilitated slaver - just as objectionable.