On November 25, 1841, Sengbe and thirty-four other Amistad captives went home. By the time they arrived back in Africa, in January of 1842, nearly three years had passed from the time of their abduction. James Covey, the original interpreter, and five missionaries went with them. (This is a complete list of the actual characters involved in the story.)

There are conflicting reports of Sengbe's activities after his return. His village had apparently been destroyed while he was away and his wife, son and two daughters were missing. Some accounts say they were sold into slavery and, when Sengbe found out, he disappeared into the African interior. Others say he worked as an interpreter for the American Missionary Association in Kaw-Mende until his death in 1879.

Of the other Amistad captives, one girl - Mar-gru - returned to the United States to study at Oberlin College. Her goal was to return to her country, after her studies were finished, to do mission work among her people.

Martin Van Buren, whose actions had alienated many northern Democrats, lost the election. John Quincy Adams continued to serve in Congress until February 21, 1848 when he had a stroke and fell to the floor of the House. He died two days later. He was originally buried at Hancock Cemetery in Quincy, Massachusetts but was later moved to a final resting place at the United First Parish Church (Unitarian) in Quincy. Note the twenty-four stars on his flag.

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