Fugitive Slaves (1619-1865 - free ebook by Marion Gleason McDougall

Read as playlist

Fugitive Slaves (1619-1865

Marion Gleason McDougall

294 chapters

6 hour read

Read as playlist

Selected Chapters

294 chapters

FUGITIVE SLAVES (1619-1865) BY MARION GLEASON McDOUGALL

FUGITIVE SLAVES (1619-1865) BY MARION GLEASON McDOUGALL

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF ALBERT BUSHNELL HART, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF HISTORY IN HARVARD UNIVERSITY BOSTON, U.S.A. PUBLISHED BY GINN &amp; COMPANY 1891 Copyright, 1891, By the Society for the Collegiate Instruction of Women. University Press: John Wilson and Son, Cambridge....

17 minute read

Read Chapter

EDITOR'S PREFACE.

EDITOR'S PREFACE.

Every careful student of history is aware that it is no longer possible to write the general history of any important country from the original sources; on any period, the materials which accumulate in a year are more than can be assimilated by one mind in three years. The general historian must use the results of others' work. It is therefore essential that the great phases of political and constitutional development be treated in monographs, each devoted to a single, limited subject and each p

1 minute read

Read Chapter

AUTHOR'S PREFACE.

AUTHOR'S PREFACE.

The following monograph was written while the author was a student in the "Harvard Annex" as a study in the Seminary course given by Professor Albert Bushnell Hart. The work has continued during parts of the four years since 1887. The effort has been to trace in some measure the development of public sentiment upon the subject, to prepare an outline of Colonial legislation and of the work of Congress during the entire period, and to give accounts of typical cases illustrative of conditions and o

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Treatment of the Fugitives.

Treatment of the Fugitives.

§ 3. Treatment of fugitives. —From 1640 to 1700, laws were also passed in New Jersey, Maryland, South Carolina, and Virginia. It is not necessary to follow out the provisions here, 7 but each of the Southern colonies, as in later regulations, provided most minutely for all possible cases. By a Virginia law of 1642, all persons who entertained runaways, whether slaves or hired freemen, were to be fined twenty pounds of tobacco for each night's hospitality. The fugitives were to add to their tenur

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Escapes in New England.

Escapes in New England.

§ 5. Escapes in New England: Attucks case. —Although we do not find records of fugitive slave cases tried at this time within the New England colonies, advertisements of runaways exist in sufficient numbers to prove that escapes were common. It seems probable, therefore, that the return of a slave when within his own colony was taken as a matter of course, and roused so little opposition, and required so simple a process at law, that matters concerning it would seldom find mention in the chronic

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Dutch and Intercolonial Regulations.

Dutch and Intercolonial Regulations.

§ 6. Dutch regulations in New Netherlands. —The early New Netherlands regulations furnish many interesting provisions concerning fugitive servants. Apparently the servile class was numerous, and hard to govern. In the words of the ordinance of 1640, "many servants daily run away from their masters, whereby the latter are put to great inconvenience and expense; the corn and tobacco rot in the field, and the whole harvest is at a standstill, which tends to the serious injury of this country, to th

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Intercolonial Cases.

Intercolonial Cases.

§ 9. Intercolonial cases. —When, as was often the case, no agreement upon the return of fugitives had been arranged between the colonies, the rendition of a slave depended wholly upon the state of feeling existing between the two peoples, and sometimes became an important question. Between the New England colonies no cases have been found recorded, although we infer that there must have been reason for the insertion of a fugitive slave clause in the Articles of Confederation of 1643. 33 Of other

2 minute read

Read Chapter

International Cases.

International Cases.

§ 11. International cases. —Thus far only those cases have been noticed which arose within and between colonies of the same nation. Let us now consider a very early case of disagreement between colonies of different nations, which occurred in 1646. The commissioners of the United Colonies made complaint to the Governor of New Netherlands that his Dutch agent at Hartford was harboring one of their Indian slaves. Soon after, Governor Stuyvesant was refused the return of some of his runaway servant

5 minute read

Read Chapter

English Law. Northwest Ordinance.

English Law. Northwest Ordinance.

§ 14. Ordinance for the Northwest Territory. —Since all the thirteen colonies recognized slavery, the Revolution made no difference in any previous intercolonial practice as to the delivery of slaves; in framing the Articles of Confederation no clause on the subject was thought necessary. The precedent of the New England Confederation was forgotten or ignored. But the action of the States of Vermont, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, in taking steps toward immediate or

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Fugitive Question in Constitutional Conventions.

Fugitive Question in Constitutional Conventions.

§ 15. The Fu gitive question in the Constitutional Conventions. —While the Northwest Ordinance was passing through Congress, the Philadelphia Convention was framing a new Constitution, and the return of fugitives was again eagerly insisted upon by the slave States. The necessity of some positive stipulation that fugitives should be returned was felt to be even more necessary in a Constitution meant permanently to bind together a free and a slaveholding section. The only debate of which we have a

4 minute read

Read Chapter

The First Fugitive Slave Act.

The First Fugitive Slave Act.

§ 17. The first Fugitive Slave Act (1793). —For some time, however, the provision of the Constitution remained unexecuted; and it is a striking fact that the call for legislation came not from the South, but from a free State; and that it was provoked, not by fugitive slaves, but by kidnappers. The case seemed to suggest that an act of Congress was necessary, more definite in conditions and detail than the provision of the Constitution. A free negro named John was seized at Washington, Pennsylva

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Propositions of 1797 and 1802.

Propositions of 1797 and 1802.

§ 19. Propositions of 1797 and 1802. —Until 1850 no further law upon this subject was passed, but as the provisions of 1793 were found ineffectual, many attempts at amendment were made. In 1796 a troublesome question arose out of the seizure, under the act of 1793, of four negroes who had been manumitted in North Carolina. A retroactive act of that State had declared them slaves again, and they had fled to Philadelphia where they were arrested. January 30, 1797, they petitioned Congress for reli

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Propositions from 1817 to 1822.

Propositions from 1817 to 1822.

§ 20. Propositions from 1817 to 1822. —For many years the question of amendment of the law does not appear to have come up in Congress. The abolition of the slave trade seems to have absorbed the attention of Congress. Several treaties were negotiated including clauses on the return of fugitives. 91 The question was brought up again in 1817 by Pindall of Virginia, who for several years urged a revision of the act. A committee of which he was chairman was appointed, December 15, 1817, and reporte

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Period of the Missouri Compromise.

Period of the Missouri Compromise.

§ 21. Period of the Missouri Compromise (1819-1822). —The loss of the bill of 1818 seems not to have discouraged the friends of amendment of the act of 1793. December 17, 1818, a resolution of the Maryland legislature was laid before the House, calling for protection against the citizens of Pennsylvania who harbored or protected fugitives. 108 A committee was appointed, January 15, 1819, which promptly reported next day, but the bill was not considered. 109 The question of fugitives came inciden

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Canada and Mexico Places of Refuge.

Canada and Mexico Places of Refuge.

§ 23. Canada and Mexico places of refuge. —The existence on the northern and southwestern frontiers of regions in which slavery was practically, if not yet legally, extinct, brought about another set of complications. January 24, 1821, a resolution was presented in Congress from the General Assembly of Kentucky, protesting against the kindly reception of fugitives in Canada, and asking for negotiation with Great Britain on the subject. 125 In 1826, Mr. Clay, Secretary of State, instructed Mr. Ga

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Kidnapping from 1793-1850. Prigg Case.

Kidnapping from 1793-1850. Prigg Case.

§ 25. Kidn apping from 1793 to 1850: Prigg case. —Since slavery was now extinct in the more northern States, their population contained many free negroes. Upon them the eyes of the slave trader were often turned, as easy prey under the law of 1793, and many cases of kidnapping occurred. It was such instances, involving as they did the most manifest injustice and cruelty, that first aroused the sympathies of the people. 143 The border States like Pennsylvania were often the scene of these acts. T

3 minute read

Read Chapter

The Second Fugitive Slave Act.

The Second Fugitive Slave Act.

§ 29. The second Fugitive Slave Act (1850). —In the early part of the first session of the Thirty-first Congress, Mr. Mason of Virginia introduced a bill to make the provisions of the fugitive slave act more severe, 155 and the bill was reported from the Committee on the Judiciary, January 16, 1850. Two additional amendments were soon offered by Mr. Mason. The first imposed a fine of one thousand dollars and imprisonment for twelve months upon any one who should obstruct the execution of the law

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Arguments for the Bill.

Arguments for the Bill.

§ 31. Argumen ts for the bill. —The debate on the Fugitive Slave Bill more than any other part of the Compromise illustrates the character of the slavery conflict. Most of the Southern members urged the immediate necessity of a new law, but some of the more ardent considered the evil to be one which could be reached only through a change in public sentiment, and they thought all legislation valueless. 161 Mr. Mason thus presented the evils with which the law must cope. He stated that the border

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Arguments against the Bill.

Arguments against the Bill.

§ 32. Argumen ts against the bill. —On the Northern side, there seems to have been an admission that some bill of the kind was necessary for the interests of the Union. The opposition dwelt chiefly, therefore, upon the details of the measure. Many considered them unjust, as recognizing only one class of rights, those of the masters. Mr. Chase, from the antislavery wing, demanded that a claim of this kind be put on the same footing as any other statutory right. "Claims of right in the services of

4 minute read

Read Chapter

The First Case of Rescue.

The First Case of Rescue.

§ 34. The f irst case of rescue. —The first attempt to enforce the act of 1793, of which any record has been discovered, immediately revealed its unfairness, and the indisposition of the North to carry it out. Mr. Josiah Quincy, then a young lawyer, afterwards known as a public man and the President of Harvard College, has left an interesting account of his connection with the case. "He states that the process was issued by a justice of the peace, that he was retained as counsel for the alleged

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Kidnapping.

Kidnapping.

§ 36. Kidnappi ng cases. —The great number of cases of kidnapping throughout the period from 1793 to 1850 show what cruel and unjust deeds were possible under the existing system, and served as nothing else could to rouse people to the defence of negroes. Various were the methods by which, in spite of law, kidnappers were enabled to secure their prey. Perhaps the most common practice, in places where the courts were known to be friendly to slavery, was to arrest a man on some false pretence, and

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Interference and Rescues.

Interference and Rescues.

§ 41. Int erference and rescues. —After a kidnapping case had occurred in a Northern village or town, measures were frequently taken by the indignant citizens to prevent the recurrence of such acts. They organized vigilance committees, or the antislavery societies took it up as a part of their work. In a free community, public sentiment would not allow negro towns-people to stand entirely unprotected. Thus many of the cases of interference and rescue were the result of some organized movements o

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Interstate Relations.

Interstate Relations.

§ 46. In terstate relations. —The spirit of opposition to the execution of the Fugitive Slave Law made itself felt, not only in popular demonstrations and in legislation, but in interstate relations. We have already noticed the Prigg case, 182 and its effect in relieving the States from any responsibility in the enforcement of the law. Other States took advantage of this decision, and of the general principle of international law, that one nation or state is not bound to enforce the municipal la

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Prosecutions. Act of 1850.

Prosecutions. Act of 1850.

§ 49. Pr osecutions. —The effects of the aid and protection thus given fugitives by Northern people or governments awakened among the slaveholders a feeling of wrong and indignation. The Fugitive Slave Law was clear, and they determined to carry it out to the letter. They began, therefore, energetically to prosecute people for aiding and harboring escaping slaves. The case just mentioned shows how difficult it was to secure prosecutions beyond the State boundaries. When the offence occurred with

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Sims and Burns.

Sims and Burns.

§ 54. S ims case (1851). —Another instance in Boston, often mentioned as the first under the law of 1850, but really six months later than the Hamlet case, is that of Thomas M. Sims. A common method of seizure was followed. Marshal Tukey arrested Sims on a false charge of theft. Mr. Potter of Virginia then claimed him as his slave. Court Square was filled with people. The Marshal feared a popular outbreak while the matter was pending, and, to the indignation of the city, caused the court-house i

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Garner and Shadrach.

Garner and Shadrach.

§ 56. Garner case (1856). —Of all the cases of rendition, the saddest, and next to the Burns case probably the best known at the time, was that of Margaret Garner. In accounts of the Underground Railroad we are told that winter was the favorite season for flight in the section of the country south of the Ohio, since ice then covered the river, and the difficulty of crossing by boat did not arise. It was at this season that Simeon Garner, his son Robert, and their families, fled from Kentucky and

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Rescues.

Rescues.

§ 58. Jerry McHenry rescue (1851). —Later, a case occurred at Syracuse, New York, which was a significant illustration of the successful action of a vigilance committee. Jerry McHenry, a respectable colored man who had lived for several years in that city, was arrested in October, 1851, as a fugitive slave. At the examination, which took place at two o'clock in the afternoon, he found opportunity to break away from the officers and escape through the crowd, which opened to allow him to pass. He

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Castner Hanway. John Brown.

Castner Hanway. John Brown.

§ 60. Christiana case (1851). —Occasionally the rescue of fugitives was not accomplished by a sudden unorganized movement, but by a deliberate armed defence on the part of the slaves and their friends. In the Christiana case the affair was marked by violence and bloodshed, while the fact that the Quakers Castner Hanway and Elijah Lewis were afterward prosecuted made it notorious; and the further fact that the charge was not, as usual, that of aiding a fugitive, but of treason, gave it still grea

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Reasons for Escape.

Reasons for Escape.

§ 64. Re asons for escape. —First, why did the slave seek to escape? However unlike the attending circumstances, we find upon investigation that the negro's desire to run away may be traced to one of but three or four motives. Among the more intelligent slaves, who could comprehend the nature and injustice of their position, it often rose solely from the upspringing in their hearts of that love of freedom natural to all men. It is probable that in the greater number of cases this was the motive

6 minute read

Read Chapter

Escapes to the North.

Escapes to the North.

§ 67. Escapes to the North. —Of those who, with heroic hearts and firm courage, determined to reach even Canada, many had seldom left the plantation on which they were born, and were so completely ignorant of geography and relative distances, that the best and quickest way northward could seldom be chosen. They knew nothing of the facilities for communication possessed by their masters through newspapers and telegraph, and would often fancy themselves safe when they had travelled but a short dis

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Fugitives disguised as Whites.

Fugitives disguised as Whites.

§ 69. Fugitives disguised as whites: Craft case. —Sometimes the boldest plans succeeded best if supported by sufficient firmness and presence of mind. Three negroes possessed of a considerable sum of money once determined upon a plan, startling in its simplicity and success. They hired a good travelling coach and horses. They then bribed a white beggar to dress as a Virginian gentleman, while they mounted the coach as his driver and footmen; and in this guise they successfully made their way int

3 minute read

Read Chapter

The Underground Railroad.

The Underground Railroad.

§ 70. Unde rground Railroad. —From the preceding sketch of the conditions of escape, it is plain that no such numbers as are known to have fled could possibly have escaped from their masters' power had they depended solely upon their own exertions. From the beginning of the antislavery agitation, about 1830, and especially near 1850, a mysterious organization made it a business to receive, forward, conceal, and protect fugitives. To that organization the name of "Underground Railroad" was given,

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Operations "Underground."

Operations "Underground."

§ 72. Metho ds pursued. —Although often varied by circumstances, the general method of work was always the same. In the South, money was usually the motive, and for its sake the managers of the Railroad could usually get some one to aid a slave in escaping and crossing the line. In the North it was an unselfish, and sometimes dangerous, work of charity. Fugitives arrived at the first station, ignorant, half-clothed, and hungry. There they were fed, and, in order to elude the advertisements sent

7 minute read

Read Chapter

Analysis.

Analysis.

§ 78. Acts passed before the Prigg decision (1793-1842). —Although the so-called personal liberty laws were not passed until about 1840, Indiana 256 and Connecticut 257 had before that time provided that on appeal fugitives might have a trial by jury. The Connecticut law, in contrast to the hostile spirit of later legislation, was entitled, "An Act for the fulfilment of the obligation of this State imposed by the Constitution of the United States in regard to persons held to service or labor in

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Review of the Acts by States.

Review of the Acts by States.

§ 82. Revi ew of the acts by States. —Of the other New England States, Maine had no personal liberty law until 1855. 284 Two years after, however, in 1857, 285 a portion of an act declaring free all slaves brought by their masters into that State was devoted to a provision "to punish any attempt to exercise authority over them." In New Hampshire, one of the laws of 1857 286 enacted that every person holding any person as a slave for any length of time, under any pretence, should be deemed guilty

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Enforcement. Slaves of Disloyal Men.

Enforcement. Slaves of Disloyal Men.

§ 86. Propositions to enforce the Fugitive Slave Law. —In the crisis of 1860 the South seemed to expect a general settlement of the slavery question like that of 1850, and therefore demanded a more effective act for the return of fugitives. President Buchanan, in his message of December 4, 1860, recommended "explanatory" constitutional amendments which should recognize the master's right to the recovery of his fugitive slaves, and the validity of the Fugitive Slave Law. He recommended also a dec

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Confiscation Bills.

Confiscation Bills.

§ 90. Confiscation bills. —July 18, 1861, Mr. Chandler and Mr. Trumbull introduced general confiscation bills in the Senate; they were both referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. In the discussion Mr. Trumbull offered as an amendment "that whenever any person claiming to be entitled to the service or labor of any other person, under the laws of any State, shall employ such person in aiding or promoting any insurrection, or in resisting the laws of the United States, or shall permit or suffe

1 minute read

Read Chapter

The Emancipation Proclamation.

The Emancipation Proclamation.

§ 91. Confiscation provisions extended. —Propositions more far reaching were introduced into the Senate in the session of 1861-62. 322 January 15, 1862, Mr. Trumbull, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom the various propositions had been referred, reported an original bill, and asked that the committee be discharged from the consideration of others. 323 March 14, 1862, Mr. Harris introduced into the Senate a bill to confiscate the property of rebels and for other purposes. 324 These prop

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Fugitives from Loyal Slave States.

Fugitives from Loyal Slave States.

§ 93. Fugitives in loyal slave States. —From the beginning of the war one of the most embarrassing questions which had come before Congress was, How shall the slaves of loyal owners be treated? The necessity of holding the Border States firm for the Union disposed many to support only the most conciliatory measures; but these States were a part of the theatre of war. Northern armies now occupied parts of the Confederacy as well, and among the great numbers of blacks who flocked to the Union camp

5 minute read

Read Chapter

District of Columbia.

District of Columbia.

§ 97. Denial of the use of the jails in the District of Columbia. —Several efforts were made to remedy this state of things, at least in the territory over which Congress had exclusive control. December 4, 1861, Mr. Wilson, who had been investigating the condition of the District of Columbia jail in Washington, offered a joint resolution for the release of all fugitives from service or labor therein held. 350 It appeared that some sixty persons were imprisoned solely because they were suspected

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Repeal of the Acts proposed.

Repeal of the Acts proposed.

§ 100. Repe al of the Fugitive Slave Acts. —By the successive acts of Congress and the President, the legal effect of the Fugitive Slave Laws was now confined practically to the limited area of the Border States. No officer, civil or military, could return a fugitive into the Confederate lines. Slavery was forbidden in the District of Columbia, and there could be no escapes thence; and Congress forbade the use of the jails of the District for the confinement of fugitives from slaveholding region

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Discussion of Repeal Bills.

Discussion of Repeal Bills.

§ 102. Disc ussion of the repeal bill in the House. —Had the country been divided simply into two parts, the slaveholding Southern Confederacy and the free loyal North, little discussion could have arisen. The third element, the slaveholding States which remained firm for the Union, rendered the question far more complex. The bill therefore aroused much indignation. Mr. Mallory demanded, as an act of justice to his State, that "the Fugitive Slave Act be permitted to remain on the statute-book. I

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Repeal of the Acts.

Repeal of the Acts.

§ 104. The repeal act and the thirteenth amendment. —The act was a simple one; it runs as follows:— "Chap. CLXVI. An Act to repeal the Fugitive Slave Act of eighteen hundred and fifty, and all Acts and parts of Acts for the rendition of Fugitive Slaves. " Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled , That sections three and four of an act entitled 'An act respecting fugitives from justice, and persons escaping from the service of

3 minute read

Read Chapter

1. New Netherlands:—Running away from Patroons. [§ 2].

1. New Netherlands:—Running away from Patroons. [§ 2].

1629, June 7. Freedoms and exemptions. Granted by the West India Company to all Patroons, Masters or Private Persons who will plant Colonies in New Netherlands.—"XVIII. The Company promise the colonists of the Patroons.... XIX.—And any Colonist who shall leave the service of his Patroon and enter into the service of another, or shall, contrary to his contract, leave his service, we promise to do everything in our power to apprehend and deliver the same into the hands of his Patroon or attorney,

33 minute read

Read Chapter

2. Massachusetts:—Capture and protection of servants. [§ 4.]

2. Massachusetts:—Capture and protection of servants. [§ 4.]

1630-1641. "Acts respecting Masters, Servants, and Labourers."—"Sec. 3. It is also ordered, that when any servants shall run from their masters, or any other inhabitants shall privily go away with suspicion of evil intentions, it shall be lawful for the next magistrate, or the constable and two of the chief inhabitants where no magistrate is, to press men and boats or pinnaces at the publick charge, to pursue such persons by sea and land, and bring them back by force of arms.... Sec. 6. It is or

51 minute read

Read Chapter

3. New Netherlands:—Runaway servants. [§ 6.]

3. New Netherlands:—Runaway servants. [§ 6.]

1640, Aug. 7. "Ordinance of the Director and Council of New Netherland, against Fugitives from Service, and providing for the proper drawing up of Legal Instruments." Passed 9 August, 1640. "Whereas many Servants daily run away from their masters, whereby the latter are put to great inconvenience and expense; the Corn and Tobacco rot in the field and the whole Harvest is at a stand still, which tends to the serious injury of this country, to their Masters' ruin, and to bring the magistracy into

1 minute read

Read Chapter

4. Maryland:—Runaway apprentices felons.

4. Maryland:—Runaway apprentices felons.

1642, March 26. Act against Fugitives.—"It shall be felony in any apprentice Servant to depart away secretly from his or her Master or dame then being with intent to convey him or her Selfe away out of the Province. And on any other person that shall wittingly accompany such Servant in such unlawfull departure as aforesaid. And the offendors therein shall suffer paines of death, and after his due debts paid shall forfeit all his Lands, goods, &amp; Chattels within the Province. Provided, tha

48 minute read

Read Chapter

5. New Netherlands:—Against harboring fugitive servants. [§ 6].

5. New Netherlands:—Against harboring fugitive servants. [§ 6].

1642, April 13. "We have interdicted and forbidden, as we do hereby most, expressly interdict and forbid, all our good inhabitants here, from this time henceforward, lodging any strangers in their houses, or furnishing them more than one meal and harboring them more than one night without first notifying the Director," etc.— 0 Laws and Ordinances of New Netherlands, 32....

20 minute read

Read Chapter

6. Virginia:—Entertainment of fugitives. [§ 3].

6. Virginia:—Entertainment of fugitives. [§ 3].

1642-3, March. Act XXI. "Whereas complaints are at every quarter court exhibited against divers persons who entertain and enter into covenants with runaway servants and freemen who have formerly hired themselves to others, to the great prejudice if not the utter undoeing of divers poor men, thereby also encouraging servants to runn from their masters and obscure themselves in some remote plantation. Upon consideration had for the future preventing of the like injurious and unjust dealings, Be it

1 minute read

Read Chapter

7. Virginia:—Runaway servants. [§ 3.]

7. Virginia:—Runaway servants. [§ 3.]

1642-3, March. Act XXII. " Be it therefore enacted and confirmed that all runaways that shall absent themselves from their said master's service shall be lyable to make satisfaction by service at the end of their tymes by indenture (vizt.) double the tyme of service soe neglected, and in some cases more if the commissioners for the place appointed shall find it requisite and convenient. And if such runaways shall be found to transgresse the second time or oftener (if it shall be duely proved aga

35 minute read

Read Chapter

8. New England Confederation:—Articles of Confederation. [§ 8.]

8. New England Confederation:—Articles of Confederation. [§ 8.]

1643, Aug. 29. VIII. "It is also agreed that if any servant runn away from his master into any other of these confederated Jurisdiccons, That in such Case, vpon the Certyficate of one Magistrate in the Jurisdiccon out of which the said servant fled, or upon other due proofe, the said servant shalbe deliuered either to his Master or any other that pursues and brings such Certificate or proufe."— 0 Plymouth Colony Records, IX. 5....

24 minute read

Read Chapter

9. Connecticut:—Servants and apprentices.

9. Connecticut:—Servants and apprentices.

1644, June 3. "Whereas many stubborn, refrectary and discontented searuants and apprentices with drawe themselves from their masters searuices, to improue their tyme to their owne aduantage; for the preuenting whereof, It is Ordered, that whatsoeuer searuant or apprentice shall heareafter offend in that kynd, before their couenants or terme of searuice are expiered, shall searue their said Masters, as they shall be apprehended or retayned the treble terme, or threefold tyme of their absense in s

24 minute read

Read Chapter

10. New Netherlands:—Entertainment of runaways.

10. New Netherlands:—Entertainment of runaways.

1648, Oct. 6. Ordinance of the Director and Council of New Netherland against Fugitives from Service. Passed 6 October, 1648.—"The Director General and Council hereby notify and warn all persons against harboring or entertaining any one bound to service either to the Company or to any private individual here or elsewhere, and against lodging or boarding them at most longer than twenty-four hours, and if any one shall be found to have acted contrary hereto, he shall forfeit a fine of fl. 150, to

31 minute read

Read Chapter

11. Maryland:—Against fugitives.

11. Maryland:—Against fugitives.

1649. Archives of Maryland, Assembly Proceedings, 249....

3 minute read

Read Chapter

12. Maryland:—Against fugitives.

12. Maryland:—Against fugitives.

1654, Oct. Archives of Maryland, Assembly Proceedings, 348....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

13. Virginia:—Penalty for second offence.

13. Virginia:—Penalty for second offence.

1655-6, March. "Act XI. Be it enacted by this Grand Assembly that if any runnaway servant offend the second time against the act in March, 1642, concerning runnaway servants, that he shall not onely be branded with the letter R., and passe under the statute for an incorrigible rogue, but also double his time of service so neglected, and soe likewise double the time that any time afterward he shall neglect, and in some cases more if the Commissioners think fitt: And be it further enacted by the a

44 minute read

Read Chapter

14. New Netherlands:—Treaty with United Colonies. [§ 11.]

14. New Netherlands:—Treaty with United Colonies. [§ 11.]

1656. Resolution of the States General ratifying the treaty of Hartford, passed February 22, 1656.—"Respecting Fugitives. It is agreed that the same method shall be observed between the United English Colonies and the Dutch nation in this country of New Netherland, agreeably to the eighth Article of the confederation between the United English Colonies in that case provided."— 0 Laws and Ordinances of New Netherlands, 216....

21 minute read

Read Chapter

15. City of Amsterdam:—Runaway colonists banished.

15. City of Amsterdam:—Runaway colonists banished.

1656, December. Articles and Ordinances revised and enacted by the Right Honorable the Lords Burgomasters of the City of Amsterdam, according to which shall be engaged and sworn all those who shall hereafter enter the service of the Lord's Burgomasters of the City of Amsterdam, for the purpose of going with their own, or chartered ships to New Netherlands and the limits of the West India Company's Grant, etc. Passed December, 1656.—"Whoever runs off to the French, English, or any other Christian

45 minute read

Read Chapter

16. Virginia:—Entertainment of runaways.

16. Virginia:—Entertainment of runaways.

1657-8, March. Act XV. Concerning Hireing Servants. Thirty pounds of tobacco shall be paid for every night a servant or person without a certificate is entertained.— Statutes at Large. Hening, Laws of Virginia, I. 439....

11 minute read

Read Chapter

17. Virginia:—Punishment of runaways.

17. Virginia:—Punishment of runaways.

1657-8, March. Act XVI. Against Runnaway Servants. Runnaways shall double the time of service absent at the end of their time of indenture. For the second offence they shall be branded with the letter R. and double the time lost.— Hening, Laws of Virginia, I. 440....

14 minute read

Read Chapter

18. Virginia:—Huie and crie after runaways.

18. Virginia:—Huie and crie after runaways.

1657-8, March. "Act CXIII. Concerning Huie and cries. Whereas huy and cries after runnaway servants hath been much neglected to the greate damage and loss of the inhabitants of this colloney, Bee it therefore enacted and confirmed by the anthorite of this present Grand Assembly , that all such huy and cries shall be signed either by the Governor or some of the Councill, or under the hand of some com'r, nameing the county where the said com'r lives, and the same shall be conveyed from house to ho

1 minute read

Read Chapter

19. New Netherlands:—Runaway servants.

19. New Netherlands:—Runaway servants.

1658, April 9. Ordinance of the Director General and Council of New Netherland renewing sundery Ordinances therein mentioned. Passed 9 April, 1658.—"13thly, not to debauch or incite any person's servants, male or female, or to harbor them, or fugitives and strangers, longer than 24 hours without notifying the Fiscal, Magistrates, or Schouts, and all servant men and women remaine bound to fulfill and complete their contracts, on pain of arbitrary correction, according to the Ordinance of the 6 Oc

25 minute read

Read Chapter

20. Virginia:—How to know a runnaway servant. [§ 3.]

20. Virginia:—How to know a runnaway servant. [§ 3.]

1658-9, March. Act III. " It is enacted and ordained that the master of everie such runaway shall cutt, or cause to be cutt, the hair of all such runnawayes close above their ears, whereby they may be with more ease discovered and apprehended."— 0 Statutes at Large. Hening, Laws of Virginia, I. 517....

19 minute read

Read Chapter

21. Virginia:—Payment of Dutch shipmasters.

21. Virginia:—Payment of Dutch shipmasters.

1659-60, March. Act XV. An Act for the Pay of Dutch Masters bringing in Runnaway Servants. Whenever a master shall refuse to pay the cost of returning a runnaway from the Dutch, the payment shall be made by the secretary at his office.— Statutes at Large. Hening, Laws of Virginia, I. 539....

16 minute read

Read Chapter

22. Virginia:—Apprehension of runaways.

22. Virginia:—Apprehension of runaways.

1660-61, March. Act X. Apprehending of Runnawayes.—"Whereas the pursuit and takeing of runnaways is hindered chiefly by the neglect of constables in making search according to their warrants, Bee itt enacted that every constable shall make diligent search and inquiry through his precincts, and what constable soever shall upon search apprehend such runaways shall receive from the master of the servant for his encouragement two hundred pounds of tobaccoe, and if any constable shall neglect he shal

30 minute read

Read Chapter

23. Virginia:—English runnaway with negroes. [§ 3.]

23. Virginia:—English runnaway with negroes. [§ 3.]

1660-1, March. Act XIII. " Bee itt enacted that in case any English servant shall runaway in company with any negroes who are incapable of making satisfaction by addition of time, Bee itt enacted that the English so running away in company with them shall serve for the time of the said negroes absence as they are to do for their owne by a former act" — 0 Hening, Laws of Virginia, II. 26....

24 minute read

Read Chapter

24. Virginia:—Glocester to have jurisdiction over runaways.

24. Virginia:—Glocester to have jurisdiction over runaways.

1660-1, March. It was ordered that the county of Glocester have the power to make such laws for the recovering of runaways as shall be found necessary and convenient.— Statutes at Large. Hening, Laws of Virginia, II. 35....

13 minute read

Read Chapter

25. Virginia:—Runaway servants.

25. Virginia:—Runaway servants.

1661-2, March. Act CII. Runaways.—Penalties for running away are the same as in former acts. English servants if running away with negroes, and the negroes die or be lost, shall pay either four thousand five hundred pounds of tobacco and caske, or four years service for every negro so lost or dead.— Hening, Laws of Virginia, II. 117....

17 minute read

Read Chapter

26. Maryland:—Against runaways.

26. Maryland:—Against runaways.

1662. Maryland Archives, Assembly Proceedings, 451....

3 minute read

Read Chapter

27. Virginia:—Pursuit of runaways to the Dutch.

27. Virginia:—Pursuit of runaways to the Dutch.

1663, September. Act VIII. "An Act concerning the pursuit of runawayes." It is enacted that runaways are to be pursued at the public expense, and, if they have escaped to the Dutch, letters are to be written to the Governors of those Plantations to return the runaways. Expenses are to be paid according to the provisions of a former act.— Statutes at Large. Hening, Laws of Virginia, II. 187....

21 minute read

Read Chapter

28. Maryland:—Against English servants.

28. Maryland:—Against English servants.

1663, October. Maryland Archives, Assembly Proceedings, 489....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

29. New Netherlands:—Quakers, etc. refused admission to colony.

29. New Netherlands:—Quakers, etc. refused admission to colony.

1663, May 17. Ordinance of the Director General and Council of New Netherland prohibiting the bringing of Quakers and other Strollers into New Netherland. Passed 17 May 1663.—"The Director General and Council, therefore, do hereby Order and command all Skippers, Sloop captains and others, whomsoever they may be, not to convey or bring, much less to land within this government, any such Vagabonds, Quakers and other Fugitives, whether Men or Women, until they have first addressed themselves to the

32 minute read

Read Chapter

30. Virginia:—Entertainment of runaways.

30. Virginia:—Entertainment of runaways.

1666, October. Act IX. "An act against entertayners of runaways." Penalty for entertaining runaways increased to sixty pounds of tobacco for every day and night he or they shall be harbored.— Statutes at Large. Hening, Laws of Virginia, II. 239....

13 minute read

Read Chapter

31. Maryland:—Runaways and their entertainers.

31. Maryland:—Runaways and their entertainers.

1666, May. "An Act providing against Runaways, and all such as shall Entertayn them. Whereas there was an act providing against Runnawaies made in the year 1650, and another act made in the year 1662, both which acts being adjudged insufficient Satisfaccion for the reparacion of their respective Masters, mrssrse, Dame, or overseers damages sustained by their servt running from them, Be it enacted by the right hon'ble, the Lord Proprietary, by and with the consent of the upper and Lower House of

1 minute read

Read Chapter

32. New Jersey—Fugitive servants.

32. New Jersey—Fugitive servants.

1668, May 30. Acts passed and assented unto by the Governor, Council, and Burgess of the General Assembly of the Province of New-Caesarea, or New Jersey, the 30th Day of May, Anno Domini 1668. "Concerning Fugitives, It is Enacted by the same Authority, that every Apprentice and Servant that shall depart and absent themselves from their Master and Dames, without leave first obtained, shall be judged by the Court to double the Time of such their Absence, by future Service over and above other Dama

48 minute read

Read Chapter

33. Virginia:—Runaways.

33. Virginia:—Runaways.

1668, September. Act IV. About Runawayes. Moderate corporal punishment inflicted by the master or magistrate shall not deprive the master of the satisfaction allowed by the law.— Statutes at Large, Hening, Laws of Virginia, II. 266....

11 minute read

Read Chapter

34. Virginia:—Runaways.

34. Virginia:—Runaways.

1669, October. Act VIII. Against Runawayes. " Be it therefore enacted that whosoever apprehends any runaways, whether servant by indenture, custome or covenant, not haveing a legall passe, by those in every county that shall be appointed to give passes, or a note from his master, shall have a thousand pounds of tobacco allowed him by the publique, which tobacco shall be repaid by the service of the servant to the country when free from his master, and by the hired ffreeman immediately after expi

1 minute read

Read Chapter

35. Virginia:—Apprehension of Runaways.

35. Virginia:—Apprehension of Runaways.

1670, October. Act I. An Act concerning runaways. Reward for apprehending runaways is reduced to two hundred pounds of tobacco. Servants are to serve four months for every two hundred pounds of tobacco. Masters who fail to cut their servants' hair after twice running away shall be fined two hundred pounds of tobacco. Every constable through whose hands a runaway passes is to whip the servant severely. Constables allowing runaways to escape shall pay four hundred pounds of tobacco. Masters must n

31 minute read

Read Chapter

36. Virginia:—Reward to the first taker up of runaways.

36. Virginia:—Reward to the first taker up of runaways.

1670, October. Act XIII. Runawayes. Only the first taker up of a runaway shall be rewarded.— Statutes at Large. Hening, Laws of Virginia, II. 283....

10 minute read

Read Chapter

37. Virginia:—Apprehension of Runaways. [§ 8.]

37. Virginia:—Apprehension of Runaways. [§ 8.]

1672, October. Act VIII. An Act for the apprehension and suppression of runawayes, negroes and slaves. Runaways resisting may be killed or wounded, and if they die from the effects of a wound the public shall pay the owner, but the person inflicting the injury is not to be questioned. Indians shall be rewarded by twenty armes length of Roanoake or the value thereof in goods for the apprehension of a runaway. Act is to continue in force only until the next assembly.— Statutes at Large. Hening, La

28 minute read

Read Chapter

38. Maryland:—Apprehension of runaways.

38. Maryland:—Apprehension of runaways.

1671, April. The three acts of 1650, 1662, and 1666 have not proved sufficient encouragement to people to apprehend runaways, therefore a statute against runaways and such persons that shall give them entertainment and others that shall travel without passes is enacted.— Maryland Archives, Assembly Proceedings, 298....

14 minute read

Read Chapter

39. New Jersey:—Fugitive servants and apprentices.

39. New Jersey:—Fugitive servants and apprentices.

1675, November. "XXXIII. Concerning Fugitives, It is enacted by the same Authority, that every Apprentice and Servant that shall depart and absent themselves from their Masters or Dames, without leave first obtaind, shall be judged by the court to double the Time of such their Absence, by future Service, over and above other Damages and Costs which the Master and Dame shall sustain by such unlawful Departure. XXXIV. And it is further enacted , that whosoever shall be proved to have transported o

58 minute read

Read Chapter

40. Maryland:—Runaways.

40. Maryland:—Runaways.

1676, June. An Act against runaways.— Laws of Maryland, Bacon, Index....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

41. East New Jersey:—Fugitive servants.

41. East New Jersey:—Fugitive servants.

1682, March. Laws passed by General Assembly in East New Jersey. Chap. IX. A Bill against fugitive Servants, and entertainers of them. Be it enacted by the Governor, Council, and Deputies in General Assembly met, and by the Authority of the same, that every Apprentice, or Servant, that shall depart or absent themselves from their Master or Mistress, without leave first obtained, shall be adjudged by the Court to double the Time of such their absence by future Service, besides all Costs and Damag

1 minute read

Read Chapter

42. New Jersey:—Prevention of runaways.

42. New Jersey:—Prevention of runaways.

1683. No title given. General Assembly. VI. "And for the preventing Servants running away from their Masters, and other Vagabonds, Be it hereby enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all Magistrates, Officiers, Ordinary Keepers, and other Inhabitants within this Province, take special notice of all suspicious Travellers, and require their pass or certificates, under the Hand and Seal of the Magistrate or Magistrates, or Publick Notary of the Place of their last Abode, to satisfy the clearness

48 minute read

Read Chapter

43. South Carolina.—Prevention of runaways.

43. South Carolina.—Prevention of runaways.

1683, Nov. 7. An Act to prevent Runaways. Title only preserved. Table of contents.— Statutes at Large of South Carolina, II....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

44. Virginia:—Repeal of law of 1663, September.

44. Virginia:—Repeal of law of 1663, September.

1684, April. Act III. An act repealing the act concerning the persuit of runawayes. The law of September, 1663, has been found inconvenient in practice, it is therefore repealed.— Statutes at Large. Hening, Laws of Virginia, III. 12....

13 minute read

Read Chapter

45. East New Jersey:—Runaway servants. [§ 2.]

45. East New Jersey:—Runaway servants. [§ 2.]

1686, April. Chap. XI. An Act concerning Runaway Servants. "Whereas the securing of Servants that Runaway, or otherwise absent themselves from their Masters lawful Occasions, is found a material encouragement to such Persons as come into this country to settle Plantations and Populate the Province; for the better encouragement of such Persons, Be it therefore enacted by the Governor and Council and Deputies now met in General Assembly, and by the authority of the same, that if any Servant or Ser

42 minute read

Read Chapter

46. Virginia: Law of 1670 amended.

46. Virginia: Law of 1670 amended.

1686, October. Act I. Slight change in making out the certificate for apprehension of runaway.— Statutes at Large. Hening, Laws of Virginia, III. 29....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

47. South Carolina:—Inhibition of trade with runaways.

47. South Carolina:—Inhibition of trade with runaways.

1691. An act inhibiting the tradeing with Servants and Slaves. " And it is alsoe enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if any servant or servants shall at any tyme or tymes hereafter absent or withdraw him or themselves from his, her, or their master or mistresses service, such servant or servants soe offending shall for every naturall day they shall soe absent themselves serve one whole weeke, and for every weeke, if they shall att any one tyme soe long absent themselves, one whole yeare to

33 minute read

Read Chapter

48. Pennsylvania:—Regulation of servants.

48. Pennsylvania:—Regulation of servants.

1700. An Act for the better Regulation of Servants in this Province and Territories. "And for the Prevention of Servants quitting their masters Service, Be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid, that if any Servant shall absent him or herself from the Service of their Master or Owner for the Space of one Day, or more, without Leave first obtained for the same, every such Servant shall, for every such Days absence, be obliged to serve Five Days after the Expiration of his or her Time, and shall f

1 minute read

Read Chapter

49. New York:—Regulation of slaves.

49. New York:—Regulation of slaves.

1702. An Act for regulating Slaves. "And be it further enacted, etc., That no Person or Persons whatsoever do hereafter Employ, Harbour, Conceal or Entertain other Men's Slaves at their House, Out-house, or Plantation, without the consent of their master or mistress, either signified to them verbally, or by Certificate in writing, under the said Master or Mistress' Hand upon Forfeiture of Five Pounds for every Night or Day, to the Master or Mistress of such Slave or Slaves, so that the Penalty o

53 minute read

Read Chapter

50. New York:—Punishment of runaways to Canada. [§ 8.]

50. New York:—Punishment of runaways to Canada. [§ 8.]

1705. An act to prevent the Running away of Negro Slaves out of the City and County of Albany , to the French at Canada. "Whereas the City and County of Albany are the Frontiers of this Province toward the French of Canada; and that it is of great concern to this Colony, during this time of War with the French, that no Intelligence be carried from the said City and County to the French at Canada: ... Be it enacted, and it is hereby enacted by his Excellency the Governor, Council and Assembly, et

1 minute read

Read Chapter

51. New York:—Act of 1702 revived.

51. New York:—Act of 1702 revived.

1705. An act for Reviving and continuing an Act, Intituled, An Act for Regulating Slaves, 1702 (expired in 1712).— Acts of the Province of New York, 79....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

52. Virginia:—Runaway servants and slaves.

52. Virginia:—Runaway servants and slaves.

1705, October. Chap. XLIX. An Act concerning Servants and Slaves. XXI. Penalty for entertaining runaway servants without a certificate shall be for every day sixty pounds of tobacco. XXIII. Persons rewarded for taking up runaway according to the distance.— Hening, Laws of Virginia, II. 447....

14 minute read

Read Chapter

53. Massachusetts Bay:—Regulation of free negroes. [§ 4.]

53. Massachusetts Bay:—Regulation of free negroes. [§ 4.]

1707. An Act for the regulating of free negroes. "Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, that every free negro or mulatto who shall harbour or entertain any negro or mulatto servant in his or her house, without the leave or consent of their respective masters or mistresses, shall forfeit and pay the sum of five shillings to the use of the poor of the town, for each offence."— Charters and General Laws of the Colony and Province of Massachusetts Bay, 386....

25 minute read

Read Chapter

54. South Carolina:—For the better ordering of slaves.

54. South Carolina:—For the better ordering of slaves.

1712. Statutes at Large of South Carolina, II. 381....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

55. New Jersey:—Regulation of slaves.

55. New Jersey:—Regulation of slaves.

1713. An Act for Regulating of Slaves. Sec. 2. "Negroes, etc., not having a pass may be taken up if 5 miles from Home whipped, and Persons so taking up have 5s." Sec. 3. "Negro belonging to another Province not having license, to be whipped, and the Taker of them to have 10s."— Acts of the Assembly of New Jersey, 18....

19 minute read

Read Chapter

56. New Jersey:—Regulation of white servants.

56. New Jersey:—Regulation of white servants.

1713. An Act for regulating of White Servants, and taking up Soldiers and Seamen deserting Her Majestys Service, and coming into this Colony. Sec. 2. "Servants absenting without leave to be adjudged by any one Justice to serve double the time, and pay or serve for costs." Sec. 3. "Those who counsel, aid, etc. such Servants to runaway, to forfeit 10£" etc. Sec. 4. "Those who knowingly conceal them, to pay 10s. per Day." Sec. 5. "Those who take up Runaways and carry them back to have 15s. and 6d.

38 minute read

Read Chapter

57. Rhode Island:—Ferriage of runaways. [§ 4.]

57. Rhode Island:—Ferriage of runaways. [§ 4.]

1714, Oct. 27. "Whereas, several negroes and mulatto slaves that have run away from their masters or mistresses, under pretence of being sent or employed by their masters or mistresses upon some service, and have been carried over the ferries, out and into the colony, and suffered to pass through the several towns under the aforesaid pretence, to the considerable damage and charge of their owners, and many times to the loss of their slaves;—Be it therefore enacted by this Assembly, and by the au

1 minute read

Read Chapter

58. South Carolina:—Additional Act to Act of 1712.

58. South Carolina:—Additional Act to Act of 1712.

1714. Statutes at Large of South Carolina, II. 620....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

59. New York:—Act of 1705 revived. [§ 8.]

59. New York:—Act of 1705 revived. [§ 8.]

1715. An Act for Reviving and Continuing an Act, Intituled an act to prevent the Running away of Negro Slaves out of the city and county of Albany to the French at Albany, 1705.— Laws Province of New York, 218....

14 minute read

Read Chapter

60. North Carolina:—Servants and slaves.

60. North Carolina:—Servants and slaves.

1715. An Act concerning servants and Slaves. Title only given.— Laws of North Carolina, 21, 27....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

61. New Hampshire:—Runaway minors and servants.

61. New Hampshire:—Runaway minors and servants.

1715. An Act for preventing Men's Sons or Servants absenting themselves from their Parents or Masters Service without Leave.—"That no commander of any private man of war, or master of any merchant ship or vessel coming into, tarrying or abiding in, or going forth of any port, harbour, or place within this province, shall receive, harbour, entertain, conceal or secure on board such ship or other vessel, or suffer to be there harbour'd or detain'd any man's son, being under age or apprentice or co

1 minute read

Read Chapter

62. South Carolina:—Additional Act against runaways.

62. South Carolina:—Additional Act against runaways.

1717. Statutes at Large of South Carolina, III. 39....

5 minute read

Read Chapter

63. Massachusetts Bay:—Transportation of apprentices and servants.

63. Massachusetts Bay:—Transportation of apprentices and servants.

1718, October. An Act for the preventing of persons under age, apprentices or servants, being transported out of the province without the consent of their masters, parents, or guardians. "Every master of any outward bound ship or vessel that shall hereafter carry or transport out of this province any person under age, or bought or hired servant or apprentice, to any parts beyond the seas, without the consent of such master, parent or guardian, signified in writing, shall forfeit the sum of fifty

29 minute read

Read Chapter

64. South Carolina:—Regulation of Slaves.

64. South Carolina:—Regulation of Slaves.

1722. An Act for the better ordering and governing of slaves.— Statutes at Large of South Carolina, 193....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

65. Pennsylvania:—Regulation of negroes.

65. Pennsylvania:—Regulation of negroes.

1725. An Act for the better Regulating of negroes in this province. "And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that no Person or Persons whatsoever shall imploy, or knowingly harbour, conceal, or entertain other Peoples slaves at their Houses, Out Houses, or Plantations, without the Masters or Owners consent, excepting in stress of weather or other Extraordinary Occasion, under the Penalty of Thirty Shillings for every Twenty four Hours he or they shall entertain or harbour him or th

26 minute read

Read Chapter

66. Virginia:—Earlier act amended.

66. Virginia:—Earlier act amended.

1726, May. Chap. III. The clause in regard to imprisonment when slave would not give name of master has proved very inconvenient. Chap. IV. An Act for amending the Act concerning Servants and Slaves; and for the further preventing the clandestine transportation of Persons out of this colony. IV. The sheriff or under sheriff to whom the slave is committed shall cause a notice containing a full description of the runaway to be posted on the door of the court-house, and shall send a copy to each ch

2 minute read

Read Chapter

67. Connecticut:—Runaway servants and slaves.

67. Connecticut:—Runaway servants and slaves.

1730 (probably). An Act concerning Indian , Molatto , and Negro Servants and Slaves. "That whatsoever Negro , Molatto , or Indian Servant, or Servants shall be found wandering out of the Bounds of the Town, or Place to which they belong, without a Ticket or Pass in writing, under the Hand of some Assistant or Justice of the Peace, or under the Hand of the Master, or Owner of such negro , molatto , or Indian Servants shall be deemed and Accounted to be Run-aways, and may be Treated as such; and e

1 minute read

Read Chapter

68. New York:—Slave insurrections, etc.

68. New York:—Slave insurrections, etc.

1730. An Act for the more effectual preventing and punishing the conspiracy and Insurrection of negroes and other Slaves; for the better regulating them, and for repealing the acts therein mentioned, relating thereto. Passed the 29th of October, 1730. No fugitive slave provision. Penalty for entertaining Slaves as in 1702. Also Persons who do not discover those that entertain slaves shall pay Forty Shillings.— Acts of Province of New York, 193....

21 minute read

Read Chapter

69. South Carolina:—Regulation of slaves.

69. South Carolina:—Regulation of slaves.

1735. Statutes at Large of South Carolina, III. 405....

5 minute read

Read Chapter

70. Delaware:—Regulation of servants and slaves.

70. Delaware:—Regulation of servants and slaves.

1740. An Act for the better regulation of Servants and Slaves within this government (a). Sec. 5. "Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that from such time as any servant shall absent him or herself from his or her masters or mistress' service, without leave first obtained for the same, every such servant, for such absence, and the expenses of taking up, shall at the expiration of the time of his or her servitude, make satisfaction by servitude, according to the judgement of any court of Qu

1 minute read

Read Chapter

71. Delaware:—Regulation of servants and slaves.

71. Delaware:—Regulation of servants and slaves.

1740. An Act for the better regulation of Servants and Slaves within this Government. "Sec. 14. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that who so ever shall take up any negro or mulatto slave at above ten miles distance from his or her masters or mistress' dwelling or habitation, and not having leave in writing from his or her master or mistress, or not being known by the taker-up to be about his or her master's or mistress' business or service, and shall convey him or her to th

1 minute read

Read Chapter

72. South Carolina:—Regulation of slaves.

72. South Carolina:—Regulation of slaves.

1740. Statutes at Large, South Carolina, III. 568....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

73. North Carolina:—Entertainment of runaways, etc. [§ 3.]

73. North Carolina:—Entertainment of runaways, etc. [§ 3.]

1741. XXVII. Any person harbouring a runaway shall be prosecuted and compelled to pay the sum of twenty-five pounds or serve the owner of the slave or his assigns five years. If he actually carry away the slave, he shall be convicted of felony and suffer accordingly. XXVIII. Seven shillings and sixpence, Proclamation money, reward for taking up runaways. For every mile over ten, threepence. XXXIV. Runaways when taken up shall be whipped. XXXV. Constables must give a receipt for runaway. Any fail

42 minute read

Read Chapter

74. Virginia:—Ferriage of runaways.

74. Virginia:—Ferriage of runaways.

1748, Oct. An Act for the Settlement and Regulation of Ferries, and for the Despatch of Public Expresses. VI. All constables and their assistants charged with conducting any runaway servant shall be passed ferry free. The ferriage shall then be paid by the owners of the runaways.— Statutes at Large, Hening, VI. 22....

16 minute read

Read Chapter

75. South Carolina: Act additional to Act of 1740.

75. South Carolina: Act additional to Act of 1740.

1751. Statutes at Large of South Carolina, III. 738....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

76. Rhode Island:—Assistance of runaways.

76. Rhode Island:—Assistance of runaways.

1766-1798. An Act relative to Slaves, and to their Manumission and support.—Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, that if any person shall conceal any negro or mulatto slave, or shall in any manner assist such slave in escaping from the lawful authority of his or her master, the person so offending shall forfeit and pay the sum of three hundred dollars, to be recovered by action of debt, one moiety thereof to and for the use of the State, and the other moiety thereof to and for the use of the perso

31 minute read

Read Chapter

77. North Carolina:—Slave stealing.

77. North Carolina:—Slave stealing.

1779. An Act to prevent the stealing of Slaves, or by Violence, Seduction, or any other Means, taking or conveying away any Slave or Slaves the Property of another, and for other Purposes therein mentioned. IV. And whereas many evil disposed Persons frequently entice or persuade Slaves (without any Intention to steal them) and Servants, to absent themselves from their Master or Mistress, and often times harbour and maintain runaway Servants and Slaves; Be it therefore further enacted by the auth

58 minute read

Read Chapter

78. Connecticut:—Escape of negroes and servants.

78. Connecticut:—Escape of negroes and servants.

No date given. An Act to prevent the Running away of Indian and Negro Servants. "Be it enacted by the Governour, Council, and Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by the Authority of the same, that whatsoever Negro or Indian Servant or Servants shall at any time after the publication hereof be found wandering out of the Town Bounds, or Place to which they belong, without a Ticket or Pass in writing under the Hand of some Assistant or Justice of the Peace, or under the Hand of the Mas

1 minute read

Read Chapter

79. Connecticut:—Pursuit of runaways.

79. Connecticut:—Pursuit of runaways.

No date given. "It is also ordered, that when any servants shall runn from theire Masters, or any other inhabitants shall privately goe away with supition of ill intentions, It shall bee lawfull for the next Magistrate, or the constable and two of the chiefest inhabitants where no magistrate is, to press men and boates or pinnaces, at the publique charge, to persue such persons by sea or land, and bring them back by force of armes."— 0 Colonial Records of Connecticut, I. 539....

25 minute read

Read Chapter

80. Pennsylvania:—Harboring fugitives.

80. Pennsylvania:—Harboring fugitives.

Anno Regni Duodecimo Georgii Regis. [1726?] An Act for the better regulating of Negroes in this Province. "And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, that no Person or Persons whatsoever shall Employ, or knowingly harbour, conceal, or entertain other Peoples Slaves at their Houses, Out-houses, or Plantations, without the Master or Owner's consent; excepting in Distress of weather or other Extraordinary Occasion, under the Penalty of Thirty Shillings for every twenty-four Hours he or t

44 minute read

Read Chapter

Treaties and First Act.

Treaties and First Act.

1778, Aug. 7. Art. IV. "And it is further agreed between the parties aforesaid, that neither shall entertain or give countenance to the enemies of the other, or protect in their respective States, criminal fugitives, servants, or slaves, but the same to apprehend, and secure and deliver to the State or States to which such enemies, criminals, servants, or slaves respectively belong."— Statutes at Large, VII. 14. 1782-83. 1782, Nov. 13. Provisional articles. 1783, Sept. 3. Definitive treaty. "His

7 minute read

Read Chapter

Bills and Propositions.

Bills and Propositions.

1801, Dec. 18. "The bill contemplates inflicting a penalty of five hundred dollars on any person harboring, concealing, or employing runaway slaves. Every person employing a black person, unless he had a certificate with a county seal to it, or signed by a justice of the peace, would be liable to the penalty." 1802, Jan. 15. A motion was made to strike out the second section of the bill, which would create therein and inflict the penalty for employing a person of color who has not a certificate

7 minute read

Read Chapter

Prigg Decision. Resolutions.

Prigg Decision. Resolutions.

1842. "Upon this ground we have not the slightest hesitation in holding that, under and in virtue of the Constitution, the owner of a slave is clothed with entire authority, in every state in the Union, to seize and recapture his slave, whenever he can do it without any breach of the peace, or any illegal violence." "The clause is found in the national Constitution, and not in that of any state. It does not point out any state functionaries, or any state actions to carry its provisions into effe

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Resolutions. Bill of 1850.

Resolutions. Bill of 1850.

1848, April 18. Mr. Giddings introduced the following resolution:— "Whereas, more than eighty men, women, and children, are said to be now confined in the prison of the District of Columbia without being charged with crime or any impropriety other than an attempt to enjoy that liberty for which our fathers encountered toil, suffering, and death itself, and for which the people of many European governments are now struggling; And whereas said prison was erected, and is now sustained, by funds con

6 minute read

Read Chapter

Second Fugitive Slave Act.

Second Fugitive Slave Act.

1850, Sept. 18. " An Act to amend, and supplementary to, the Act entitled 'An Act respecting Fugitives from Justice, and Persons escaping from the Service of their Masters,' approved February twelfth, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three. " Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled , That the persons who have been, or may hereafter be, appointed commissioners, in virtue of any act of Congress, by the Circuit Courts of th

12 minute read

Read Chapter

Act of 1850. Resolutions.

Act of 1850. Resolutions.

1851, Jan. 13. Mr. McLanahan moved that the rules be suspended to enable him to introduce the following resolution, viz., " Resolved , That it would be inexpedient and improper to repeal the law passed at the last session of Congress, entitled 'An act to amend, and supplementary to, the act entitled An act respecting fugitives from justice and persons escaping from the service of their masters,' approved Feb. 12, 1793." House refused to suspend the rules.— House Journal, 31 Cong. 2 Sess., 139; C

4 minute read

Read Chapter

1. President Buchanan's message. [§ 86.]

1. President Buchanan's message. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 4. Paragraph on the return of fugitive slaves: Senate Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 18....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

2. Cochrane's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

2. Cochrane's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 12. To amend the Constitution, for the return of fugitives: House Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 61; Cong. Globe, 77....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

3. Morris's Resolution. [§ 86.]

3. Morris's Resolution. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 12. To amend the Fugitive Slave Law: House Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess. 63; Cong. Globe, 77....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

4. Leake's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

4. Leake's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 12. Amendment to the Constitution: House Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 65; Cong. Globe, 77....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

5. Cox's Resolution. [§ 86.]

5. Cox's Resolution. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 12. To amend the Fugitive Slave Law: Senate Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 66; Cong. Globe, 77....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

6. Stevenson's Resolution. [§ 86.]

6. Stevenson's Resolution. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 12. To amend the Fugitive Slave Law: House Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 67; Cong. Globe, 77....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

7. Niblack's Resolution. [§ 86.]

7. Niblack's Resolution. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 12. To amend the Fugitive Slave Law: House Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 69; Cong. Globe, 77....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

8. English's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

8. English's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 12. Amendment to the Constitution on the return of fugitives: House Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 68; Cong. Globe, 78....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

9. McClernand's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

9. McClernand's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 12. Amendment to the Constitution, on fugitive slaves: House Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 68; Cong. Globe, 78....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

10. Hindman's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

10. Hindman's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 12. Amendment to the Constitution for the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Law: House Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 70; Cong. Globe, 79....

10 minute read

Read Chapter

11. Kilgore's Resolution. [§ 86.]

11. Kilgore's Resolution. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 12. To amend the Fugitive Slave Law: House Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 70; Cong.Globe, 78....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

12. Johnson's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

12. Johnson's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 13. Amendment to the Constitution for the return of fugitive slaves: Senate Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 41; Cong. Globe, 83....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

13. Crittenden's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

13. Crittenden's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 18. Amendment to the Constitution for payment for fugitive slaves: Cong. Globe, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 114....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

14. Douglas's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

14. Douglas's Joint Resolution. [§ 86.]

1860, Dec. 24. Amendment to the Constitution for payment for fugitive slaves: Senate Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 61; Cong. Globe, 183....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

15. Florence's Joint Resolution.

15. Florence's Joint Resolution.

1861, Jan. 15. Amendment to the Constitution for payment for fugitive slaves: Cong. Globe, 36 Cong.2 Sess., 378....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

16. Morris's Joint Resolution.

16. Morris's Joint Resolution.

1861, Jan. 23. Amendment to the Constitution on the return of fugitive slaves: Cong. Globe, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 527....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

17. Douglas's Bill to amend the Fugitive Slave Laws. [§ 101.]

17. Douglas's Bill to amend the Fugitive Slave Laws. [§ 101.]

1861, Jan. 28. Introduced: Cong. Globe, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 586....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

18. Florence's Joint Resolution.

18. Florence's Joint Resolution.

1861, Jan. 28. Amendment to the Constitution against the obstruction of the Fugitive Slave Law by States: Cong. Globe, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 598....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

19. Kellogg's Joint Resolution.

19. Kellogg's Joint Resolution.

1861, Feb. 1. Amendment to the Constitution on the power of Congress over fugitive slaves: Cong. Globe, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 690....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

20. Kellogg's Joint Resolution.

20. Kellogg's Joint Resolution.

1861, Feb. 26. Same as above: Cong. Globe, 36 Cong. 2 Sess, 1243....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

21. Kellogg's Joint Resolution.

21. Kellogg's Joint Resolution.

1861, Feb. 27. Similar to above: House Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 410; Cong. Globe, 1259....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

22. Peace Convention Amendment to the Constitution. [§ 85.]

22. Peace Convention Amendment to the Constitution. [§ 85.]

1861, Feb. 27. Reported by select committee: Senate Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 332, 637, Cong. Globe, 1254....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

23. Clarence's Joint Resolution.

23. Clarence's Joint Resolution.

1861, Feb. 27. Amendment to the Constitution for payment for fugitive slaves: Cong. Globe, 36 Cong.2 Sess., 1260....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

24. Crittenden's Joint Resolution.

24. Crittenden's Joint Resolution.

1861, Feb. 28. Amendment to the Constitution on the power of the States over fugitive slaves, etc.: Cong. Globe, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 1270....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

* 25. Compromise Bill to amend the Fugitive Slave Act. [§ 87.]

* 25. Compromise Bill to amend the Fugitive Slave Act. [§ 87.]

1861, Mar. 1. Bill reported by the select committee of thirty-three for the amendment of the act for the rendition of fugitives from labor: Cong. Globe, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 1327. —— Mar. 1. Vallandigham's amendment to the above: Cong. Globe, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 1328. —— Mar. 1. Bill passed the House: Cong. Globe, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 1327, 1328. —— Mar. 2. Bill read in the Senate. Cong. Globe, 36, Cong. 2 Sess., 1350....

26 minute read

Read Chapter

26. Pugh's Joint Resolution.

26. Pugh's Joint Resolution.

1861, Mar. 2. Amendment to the Constitution on the return of fugitive slaves: Senate Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 378; Cong. Globe, 1368....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

27. Johnson's Joint Resolution on the return of fugitives.

27. Johnson's Joint Resolution on the return of fugitives.

1861, Mar. 2. Amendment to the Constitution: Senate Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 382; Cong. Globe, 1401....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

28. Powell's Joint Resolution on the return of fugitive slaves.

28. Powell's Joint Resolution on the return of fugitive slaves.

1861, Mar. 2. Amendment to the Constitution: Senate Journal, 36 Cong. 2 Sess., 384, Cong. Globe, 1404....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

29. Lovejoy's Resolution against the return of fugitives by the Army. [§ 95.]

29. Lovejoy's Resolution against the return of fugitives by the Army. [§ 95.]

1861, July 9. Introduced: House Journal, 37 Cong. 1 Sess., 653; Cong. Globe, 32....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

30. Trumbull's confiscation Bill. [§ 90.]

30. Trumbull's confiscation Bill. [§ 90.]

1861, July 15. Introduced: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 1 Sess., 42; Cong. Globe, 120....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

** 31. Chandler's confiscation Act. [§ 90.]

** 31. Chandler's confiscation Act. [§ 90.]

1861, July 15. Introduced: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 1 Sess., 44; Cong. Globe, 120. —— July 22. Trumbull's amendment: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 1 Sess., 70; Cong. Globe, 218. —— July 22. Passed the Senate (yeas and nays not given): Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 1 Sess., 71; Cong. Globe, 219. —— July 23. Senate bill introduced into the House and referred: House Journal, 37 Cong. 1 Sess., 136; Cong. Globe, 231. —— Aug. 2. Reported with amendment in the House: House Journal, 37 Cong. 1 Sess., 197; Cong. G

50 minute read

Read Chapter

32. Wilson's Joint Resolution for discharge of fugitives from the Washington jail. [§ 97.]

32. Wilson's Joint Resolution for discharge of fugitives from the Washington jail. [§ 97.]

1861, Dec. 4. Introduced and referred: Senate Journal, 37 Cong, 2 Sess., 24; Cong. Globe, 12....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

* 33. Wilson's Resolution on repeal of the black code in the District of Columbia. [§ 97.]

* 33. Wilson's Resolution on repeal of the black code in the District of Columbia. [§ 97.]

1861, Dec. 4. Introduced and agreed to: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 22; Cong. Globe, 12....

10 minute read

Read Chapter

* 34. Clark's Resolution on persons in Washington jail.

* 34. Clark's Resolution on persons in Washington jail.

1861, Dec. 4. Introduced and agreed to: Senate Journal, 37 Cong.2 Sess., 22; Cong. Globe, 12....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

35. Lovejoy's Bill to prevent return by the Army. [§ 95.]

35. Lovejoy's Bill to prevent return by the Army. [§ 95.]

1861, Dec. 4. Introduced: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 16, Cong. Globe, 34....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

* 36. Sumner's Resolution on Army orders relating to fugitive slaves.

* 36. Sumner's Resolution on Army orders relating to fugitive slaves.

1861, Dec. 4. Introduced and agreed to: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 19; Cong. Globe, 9....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

37. Trumbull's Confiscation Bill.

37. Trumbull's Confiscation Bill.

1861, Dec. 5. Introduced and read twice: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 27; Cong. Globe, 10....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

* 38. Fessenden's Resolution on the Washington jail. [§ 97.]

* 38. Fessenden's Resolution on the Washington jail. [§ 97.]

1861, Dec. 9. Introduced: House Journal, 37 Cong.2 Sess., 54; Cong. Globe, 36. —— Dec. 9. Aldrich's amendment: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 36. —— Dec. 9. Lovejoy's amendment: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 36. —— Dec. 9. Passed as amended: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong., 2 Sess., 36....

18 minute read

Read Chapter

39. Bingham's Resolution on the Washington jail. [§ 97.]

39. Bingham's Resolution on the Washington jail. [§ 97.]

1861, Dec. 9. Introduced and referred: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 52; Cong. Globe, 35....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

40. Morrill's confiscation Joint Resolution. [§ 91.]

40. Morrill's confiscation Joint Resolution. [§ 91.]

1861, Dec. 11. Introduced and referred: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 36; Cong. Globe, 49....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

* 41. Hale's Resolution on the slaves of rebels. [§ 95.]

* 41. Hale's Resolution on the slaves of rebels. [§ 95.]

1861, Dec. 16. Introduced and agreed to: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 45; Cong. Globe, 88....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

42. Wilson's Bill for emancipation in the District of Columbia. [§ 98.]

42. Wilson's Bill for emancipation in the District of Columbia. [§ 98.]

1861, Dec. 16. Introduced and read twice: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 47; Cong. Globe, 89. —— Dec. 19. Referred: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 153. [See No. 54. ]....

14 minute read

Read Chapter

* 43. Sumner's Resolution against the surrender of fugitives by the Army. [§ 95.]

* 43. Sumner's Resolution against the surrender of fugitives by the Army. [§ 95.]

1861, Dec. 18. Introduced and agreed to: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 130; Cong. Globe, 130....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

44. Lovejoy's confiscation and emancipation Resolution. [§§ 91, 95.]

44. Lovejoy's confiscation and emancipation Resolution. [§§ 91, 95.]

1861, Dec. 20. Introduced and laid on the table: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 106; Cong. Globe, 158....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

* 45. Julian's Resolution to amend the Fugitive Slave Law. [§ 95.]

* 45. Julian's Resolution to amend the Fugitive Slave Law. [§ 95.]

1861, Dec. 20. Introduced and adopted: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 103; Cong. Globe, 158....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

46. Shank's Resolution on the return of fugitives by the Army. [§ 95.]

46. Shank's Resolution on the return of fugitives by the Army. [§ 95.]

1861, Dec. 20. Introduced and referred: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 102, 124; Cong.Globe, 158, 172....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

* 47. Wilson's Resolution for articles of war. [§ 95.]

* 47. Wilson's Resolution for articles of war. [§ 95.]

1861, Dec. 20. Introduced: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 103; Cong. Globe, 158. —— Dec. 23. Adopted: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 109, 114; Cong. Globe, 159, 168....

12 minute read

Read Chapter

48. Wilson's Bill on the arrest of fugitives by the officers of the Army and Navy. [§ 95.]

48. Wilson's Bill on the arrest of fugitives by the officers of the Army and Navy. [§ 95.]

1861, Dec. 23. Introduced: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 167; Cong. Globe, 161, 209. —— 1862, Jan. 7. Committee Amendments: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 88; Cong. Globe, 207. [See No. 53. ]...

16 minute read

Read Chapter

49. Howe's Bill for repeal of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. [§ 101.]

49. Howe's Bill for repeal of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. [§ 101.]

1861, Dec. 26. Introduced: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 74; Cong. Globe, 177....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

50. Davis's confiscation Bill.

50. Davis's confiscation Bill.

1861, Dec. 30. Introduced and referred: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 75; Cong. Globe, 178....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

** 51. Grimes's Act on criminal justice in the District of Columbia [§ 97.]

** 51. Grimes's Act on criminal justice in the District of Columbia [§ 97.]

1861, Dec. 30. Introduced: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 75; Cong. Globe, 182. —— 1862, Jan. 6. Reported: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 199. —— Jan. 10. Committee amendments: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 98; Cong. Globe, 264. —— Jan. 10. Powell's amendment: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 98, 109; Cong. Globe, 264, 319. —— Jan. 14. Pearce's two amendments: Senate Journal. 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 109; Cong. Globe, 319. —— Jan. 14. Ten Eyck's amendment: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 109,

52 minute read

Read Chapter

52. Trumbull's Bill for the confiscation of property of rebels and to free the slaves of rebels. [§ 91.]

52. Trumbull's Bill for the confiscation of property of rebels and to free the slaves of rebels. [§ 91.]

1862, Jan. 15. Reported from the Senate Committee on Judiciary: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 113; Cong. Globe, 334. [See No. 57. ]...

14 minute read

Read Chapter

53. Amendments to Wilson's Bill on Army and Navy officers. [§ 95.]

53. Amendments to Wilson's Bill on Army and Navy officers. [§ 95.]

1862, Jan.16. [See No. 48. ] Collamer's amendment: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 116; Cong. Globe, 358. —— Jan. 16. Saulsbury's amendment: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 116; Cong. Globe, 358. —— Jan. 16. Rice's amendment to Saulsbury's amendment: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 359....

18 minute read

Read Chapter

54. Wilson's District of Columbia Bill. [§ 98.]

54. Wilson's District of Columbia Bill. [§ 98.]

1862, Feb.12. [See No. 41. ] Reported: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 785....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

* 55. Wilson's Resolution on the management of the Washington jail.

* 55. Wilson's Resolution on the management of the Washington jail.

1862, Feb. 18. Introduced and agreed to: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 217; Cong. Globe, 861....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

56. Wilson's Bill to repeal the black code in the District of Columbia. [§ 98.]

56. Wilson's Bill to repeal the black code in the District of Columbia. [§ 98.]

1862, Feb. 24. Introduced and referred: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 263; Cong. Globe, 917....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

57. Amendments to the confiscation Bill. [§ 91.]

57. Amendments to the confiscation Bill. [§ 91.]

1862, Feb. 25. [See No. 52. ] Trumbull's amendment: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 239; Cong. Globe, 942. —— Feb. 25. Sumner's amendment: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 239; Cong. Globe, 946. —— Feb. 27. Davis's substitute: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 986. [See No. 59. ]...

19 minute read

Read Chapter

** 58. Blair's Act prohibiting return by the Army. [§ 95.]

** 58. Blair's Act prohibiting return by the Army. [§ 95.]

1862, Feb. 25. Introduced: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 358; Cong. Globe, 955. —— Feb. 25. Bingham's amendment: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 358; Cong. Globe, 955. —— Feb. 25. Passed the House (yeas 95, nays 51): House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 265; Cong. Globe, 958. —— Mar. 10. In the Senate; Davis's amendment. Senate Journal, 37 Cong, 2 Sess., 285; Cong. Globe, 1142. —— Mar. 10. Saulsbury's amendment: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 284; Cong. Globe, 1142. —— Mar. 10. MacDougall's

48 minute read

Read Chapter

59. Harris's confiscation Bill. [§ 91]

59. Harris's confiscation Bill. [§ 91]

1862, Mar. 14. Introduced and referred: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 304; Cong. Globe, 1228. [See No. 63. ]...

9 minute read

Read Chapter

60. Report of House Judiciary Committee on confiscation.

60. Report of House Judiciary Committee on confiscation.

1862, Mar. 30 Adverse to all bills referred by the House: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 1303. [See No. 64. ]...

10 minute read

Read Chapter

61. Wilson's Resolution on the return of fugitives by the Army and Navy.

61. Wilson's Resolution on the return of fugitives by the Army and Navy.

1862, Apr. 3. Introduced: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 361, Cong. Globe, 1546. [See No. 70. ]...

10 minute read

Read Chapter

* 62. Bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. [§ 98.]

* 62. Bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. [§ 98.]

1862, Apr. 3. Passed the Senate: Cong.Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 1648. [See No. 65. ]...

10 minute read

Read Chapter

63. Sherman's Amendment to Harris's confiscation Bill.

63. Sherman's Amendment to Harris's confiscation Bill.

1862, Apr. 10. [See No. 59. ] Introduced: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 1652. [See No. 67. ]...

9 minute read

Read Chapter

64. Wilson's Bill to amend the Fugitive Slave Act. [§ 101.]

64. Wilson's Bill to amend the Fugitive Slave Act. [§ 101.]

1862, Apr. 11 Introduced: Senate Journal, 37 Cong.2 Sess., 385, Cong. Globe, 1624. —— Apr. 14. Harris's amendment: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess, 1652. —— Apr. 14. Grimes's amendment: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess, 393, 439; Cong. Globe, 1692....

16 minute read

Read Chapter

*65. Bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. [§ 98.]

*65. Bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. [§ 98.]

1862, Apr. 16. [See No. 62. ] Passed the House: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 1686. Approved by the President....

12 minute read

Read Chapter

66. Lovejoy's Bill on return of fugitives by the Army. [§ 95.]

66. Lovejoy's Bill on return of fugitives by the Army. [§ 95.]

1862, Apr. 16. Reported adversely from the Committee on Judiciary in the House: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 1682....

10 minute read

Read Chapter

67. Harris's confiscation Bill. [§ 91.]

67. Harris's confiscation Bill. [§ 91.]

1862, Apr. 16. [See No. 63. ] Reported from the Senate Committee on Judiciary: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 400; Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 1678. —— Apr. 22. Walton's amendment: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 1771. —— Apr. 22. Porter's amendment: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 703; Cong. Globe, 1767, 1772. —— Apr. 22. Bingham's amendment: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 1767. —— Apr. 22. Collamer's amendment: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 1782, 1895. —— Apr. 24. Motion to recommit: S

33 minute read

Read Chapter

68. House confiscation Bill. [§ 91.]

68. House confiscation Bill. [§ 91.]

1862, Apr. 23. A Select Committee raised in the House: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 602; Cong. Globe, 1788, 1820....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

69. Eliot's confiscation and emancipation Bill. [§ 91.]

69. Eliot's confiscation and emancipation Bill. [§ 91.]

1862, Apr. 30. Introduced: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 625; Cong. Globe, 1886. [See No. 73. ]...

9 minute read

Read Chapter

70. Saulsbury's amendment of Wilson's Resolution.

70. Saulsbury's amendment of Wilson's Resolution.

1862, May 1. [See No. 61. ] Introduced: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 439; Cong. Globe, 1894....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

71. Harris's confiscation Bill recommitted. [§ 91.]

71. Harris's confiscation Bill recommitted. [§ 91.]

1862, May 6. [See No. 67. ] Wilson's amendment of Collamer's amendment: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 450; Cong. Globe, 1954. —— May 6. Final vote: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 450; Cong.Globe, 1954, 1965....

13 minute read

Read Chapter

72. Clark's confiscation Bill. [§ 91.]

72. Clark's confiscation Bill. [§ 91.]

1862, May 14. Reported: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 476; Cong. Globe, 2112. —— May 14. Discussed but not acted upon: C ong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 2163, 2188, 2219, 2842....

12 minute read

Read Chapter

73. Confiscation and emancipation Bill. [§ 91.]

73. Confiscation and emancipation Bill. [§ 91.]

1862, May 14. [See No. 69. ] Reported in the House: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 683; Cong. Globe, 2128. [See No. 75. ]...

11 minute read

Read Chapter

74. Sumner's Resolution on fugitive slaves.

74. Sumner's Resolution on fugitive slaves.

1862, May 22. Introduced: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 520; Cong. Globe, 2275. —— May 23. Grimes's amendment: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 523; Cong. Globe, 2306. —— May 26. Walton's emancipation bill amendment: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 2362, 2363....

15 minute read

Read Chapter

75. Emancipation Bill.

75. Emancipation Bill.

1862, June 4. [See No. 73. ] Recommitted: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 799; Cong. Globe, 2561. [See No. 76. ]...

9 minute read

Read Chapter

76. Julian's Bill to repeal the Fugitive Slave Act. [§ 101.]

76. Julian's Bill to repeal the Fugitive Slave Act. [§ 101.]

1862, June 9. Introduced with a resolution: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 826; Cong. Globe, 2623....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

77. Colfax's Resolution demanding trial by jury for fugitives.

77. Colfax's Resolution demanding trial by jury for fugitives.

1862, June 9. Introduced: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 828; Cong. Globe, 2624....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

*78. Bill for emancipation of fugitives from disloyal masters. [§ 91.]

*78. Bill for emancipation of fugitives from disloyal masters. [§ 91.]

1862, June 17. [See No. 75. ] Reported in the House: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 874; Cong. Globe, 2764. —— June 18. Eliot's substitute: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 282; Cong. Globe, 2793. —— June 18. Emancipation bill passed the House (yeas 82, nays 54): Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 2793. —— June 23. Clark's Senate amendment to Eliot's substitute: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 2879, 2996. —— June 28. Trumbull's Amendment: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 2999, 3006....

29 minute read

Read Chapter

** 79. Progress of the confiscation Bill. [§ 91.]

** 79. Progress of the confiscation Bill. [§ 91.]

1862, June 28. Passed the Senate (yeas 28, nays 13): Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 726. —— July 11. Report of Conference Committee adopted by the House: House Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 1045; Cong. Globe, 3267. —— July 12. Report of Conference Committee adopted by the Senate: Senate Journal, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 814; Cong. Globe, 3275. —— July 17. Approved by the President: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 2 Sess., 3403....

24 minute read

Read Chapter

80. Bills for the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Act. [§§ 101-103.]

80. Bills for the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Act. [§§ 101-103.]

1863, Feb. 8. Ten Eyck's report on Wilson's repeal bill: Cong. Globe, 37 Cong. 3 Sess. —— Dec. 14. Stevens's repeal bill: House Journal, 38 Cong. 1 Sess., 43; Cong. Globe, 19. —— Dec. 14. Julian's repeal bill: House Journal, 38 Cong. 1 Sess., 43; Cong. Globe, 20. —— Dec. 14. Ashley's repeal bill: House Journal, 38 Cong.1 Sess., 43; Cong. Globe, 29. —— 1864, Feb. 8. Sumner's repeal bill: Senate Journal, 38 Cong. 1 Sess., 133; Cong. Globe, 521. —— Feb. 8. Spalding's repeal bill: House Journal, 38

39 minute read

Read Chapter

81. Saulsbury's substitute on the validity of personal liberty laws in the States, etc.

81. Saulsbury's substitute on the validity of personal liberty laws in the States, etc.

1864, Apr. 8. Joint resolution for an amendment to the Constitution: Senate Journal, 38 Cong. 1 Sess., 311; Cong. Globe, 1489....

10 minute read

Read Chapter

82. Discussion of the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law. [§ 101.]

82. Discussion of the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law. [§ 101.]

1864, Apr. 19. [See No. 80. ] Sherman's amendment: Senate Journal, 38 Cong.1 Sess., 348; Cong. Globe, 1710, 1714. —— Apr. 19. Henderson's amendment to Sherman's amendment: Cong. Globe, 38 Cong. 1 Sess., 1710. —— Apr. 19. Saulsbury's amendment: Senate Journal, 38 Cong. 1 Sess., 348, 621; Cong. Globe, 1715, 3191. —— Apr. 19. Hale's amendment to Saulsbury's amendment: Senate Journal, 38 Cong.1 Sess., 358; Cong. Globe, 1782. —— Apr. 21. Howard's amendment: Senate Journal, 38 Cong. 1 Sess., 358; Cong

30 minute read

Read Chapter

** 83. Act repealing the Fugitive Slave Acts. [§§ 101-104.]

** 83. Act repealing the Fugitive Slave Acts. [§§ 101-104.]

1864, June 6. [See No. 82. ] Hubbard's repeal resolution: House Journal, 38 Cong. 1 Sess., 749. —— June 6. House substitute for repeal bill, reported by the Committee on Judiciary: House Journal, 38 Cong. 1 Sess., 755; Cong. Globe, 2774. —— June 13. Passed House (yeas 82, nays 57): House Journal, 38 Cong. 1 Sess., 503; Cong. Globe, 2920. —— June 15. Referred in the Senate: Senate Journal, 38 Cong. 1 Sess., 561; Cong. Globe, 2963. —— June 23. Saulsbury's amendment: Senate Journal, 38 Cong. 1 Sess

57 minute read

Read Chapter

1. New Netherlands and Hartford controversy. [§ 11.]

1. New Netherlands and Hartford controversy. [§ 11.]

1646. Escapes from both colonies: Winthrop, History of New England, 383; Moore, Notes on History of Slavery in Massachusetts, 28; Doyle, English in America, I. 391....

10 minute read

Read Chapter

2. Escape to Manhattan. [§ 7.]

2. Escape to Manhattan. [§ 7.]

1659. Four men escaped from New Amsterdam: New York Colonial Manuscripts, XIII. 238; Documentary History of N. Y. Colony, II. 556 (Ch. I. p. 4)....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

3. Escape of white servants to Cape May. [§ 9.]

3. Escape of white servants to Cape May. [§ 9.]

1661. Virginian white colonists escape: New York Colonial Manuscripts, XIII. 346....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

4. Escape to the Indians. [§ 8.]

4. Escape to the Indians. [§ 8.]

The negro servants of the Governor of Virginia: New York Colonial Manuscripts, II. 637....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

5. Escape from English to French. [§ 11.]

5. Escape from English to French. [§ 11.]

1748. Negro servant escapes from English to Canada: New York Colonial Manuscripts, X. 209....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

6. Crispus Attucks. [§ 5.]

6. Crispus Attucks. [§ 5.]

1750, Oct. Escaped from Framingham, Mass.: Boston Gazette, Oct. 2, 1750; Liberator, Mar. 16, 1860; Nineteenth Anniversary of Boston Massacre, W. C. Neil, Address; Williams, History of the Negro Race in America, I. 330....

12 minute read

Read Chapter

7. Glasgow. [§ 12.]

7. Glasgow. [§ 12.]

Slave freed in Glasgow: Mass. Historical Society Collections, Third Series, IX. 2....

5 minute read

Read Chapter

8. Shanley v. Haney. [§ 12.]

8. Shanley v. Haney. [§ 12.]

1762. Slave freed in England: Quincy, Reports of Cases, 96....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

9. Somersett case. [§ 12.]

9. Somersett case. [§ 12.]

1772. England will not return a fugitive slave: Moore, Slavery in Mass., 117; Cobb, Historical Sketch of Slavery, 163; Goodell, Slavery and Antislavery, 44-52; Hurd, Law of Freedom and Bondage, I. 189-193; Broom, Constitutional Law, 6-119; Howells, State Trials, XX. 1; Tasswell-Langmead, English Constitutional History, 300, n....

15 minute read

Read Chapter

10. Ship Friendship, case of. [§ 5.]

10. Ship Friendship, case of. [§ 5.]

1770. Harbored a slave: Moore, Slavery in Mass., 117....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

11. John. [§ 17.]

11. John. [§ 17.]

1778. Free negro kidnapped in Pennsylvania: Am. State Papers, I. 39; Cong. Globe, 31 Cong. 1 Sess., Appendix, 1585....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

12. Quincy's case. [§ 34.]

12. Quincy's case. [§ 34.]

1793. First case in Boston after 1793: Edw. C. Learned, Speech on The New Fugitive Slave Law, Chicago, Oct. 25, 1850; Whittier, Prose Works, 11, 129, A Chapter of History; Goodell, Slavery and Antislavery, 232; Boston Atlas, Oct. 15, 1850....

13 minute read

Read Chapter

13. Washington's slave. [§ 35.]

13. Washington's slave. [§ 35.]

1796, Oct. President Washington demanded a slave from Portsmouth, N. H.: Magazine of American History, Dec., 1877, p. 759; Charles Sumner, Works, III. 177....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

14. North Carolina fugitives. [§ 19.]

14. North Carolina fugitives. [§ 19.]

1796. Annals of Congress, 1796-7, p. 2015, 1801-2, p. 343....

5 minute read

Read Chapter

15. Columbia case.

15. Columbia case.

1804. General Boude defends a runaway: Smedley, Underground Railroad, 26....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

16. Solomon Northup. [§ 38.]

16. Solomon Northup. [§ 38.]

1808. Kidnapping at Saratoga, N. Y.: Solomon Northrup, Autobiography....

5 minute read

Read Chapter

17. Williams case.

17. Williams case.

1815. Claimed as a fugitive in Philadelphia: Greeley, American Conflict, I. 216....

5 minute read

Read Chapter

18. Prigg case. [§ 27.]

18. Prigg case. [§ 27.]

1832. 16 Peters, 539; Report of Case of Edward Prigg, Supreme Court, Pennsylvania; Cobb, Historical Sketch of Slavery; Bledsoe, Liberty and Slavery, 355; Clarke, Antislavery Days, 69; Hurd, Law of Freedom and Bondage, II. 456-492; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, I. 472-473; Von Holst, Constitutional History, III. 310-312....

16 minute read

Read Chapter

19. Kidnapping of Jones. [§ 37.]

19. Kidnapping of Jones. [§ 37.]

1836. Kidnapping in New Jersey: Liberator, Aug. 6, 1836....

5 minute read

Read Chapter

20. Chickasaw rescue. [§ 42.]

20. Chickasaw rescue. [§ 42.]

1836. Rescue of two colored women on brig Chickasaw: Liberator, Aug. 6, 1836....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

21. Schooner Boston case. [§ 47.]

21. Schooner Boston case. [§ 47.]

1837. Georgia and Maine controversy: Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, I. 473. Niles's Register, LIII. 71, 72, LV. 356; Senate Journal, 1839-40, pp. 235-237; Senate Doc., 26 Cong. 1 Sess., Vol. V. Doc. 273....

13 minute read

Read Chapter

22. Philadelphia. [§ 43.]

22. Philadelphia. [§ 43.]

1838. Attempted rescue: Liberator, March 16, 1838....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

23. Escape of Douglass. [§§ 68, 75.]

23. Escape of Douglass. [§§ 68, 75.]

1838. Escape of Frederick Douglass: Life and Times of Douglass; Williams, Negro Race in America, II. 59, 422; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, I. 501, 502....

12 minute read

Read Chapter

24. Isaac Gansey case. [§ 47.]

24. Isaac Gansey case. [§ 47.]

1839. Virginia and New York controversy: U. S. Gazette, Case of Isaac, Judge Hopkinson's speech; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, I. 474; Seward, Works, II. 449-518; Von Holst, Constitutional History, II. 538-540; Senate Documents, 27 Cong. 2 Sess., Vol. II. Doc. 96....

15 minute read

Read Chapter

25. Van Zandt case. [§ 50.]

25. Van Zandt case. [§ 50.]

1840. Prosecution for aiding escape: Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, I. 475; T. R. Cobb, Historical Sketch of Slavery, 207....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

26. Oberlin case. [§ 50.]

26. Oberlin case. [§ 50.]

1841 (about). Liberator, May 21, 1841....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

27. Thompson case.

27. Thompson case.

1841, July. Prosecution for aiding escapes: Thompson, Prison Life and Reflections; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 69; Goodell, Slavery and Antislavery, 440....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

28. Latimer case. [§ 44.]

28. Latimer case. [§ 44.]

1842. Famous fugitive slave case, Boston: Liberator, Oct. 25, Nov. 11, Nov. 25, 1842, Feb. 3, 7, 17, 1843, and Aug. 16, 1844; Law Reporter, Latimer case; Eleventh Annual Report of Mass. Antislavery Society; Mass. House Journal, 1843, pp. 72, 158; Mass. Senate Journal, 1843, p. 232; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, I. 477....

18 minute read

Read Chapter

29. Goin case.

29. Goin case.

1844. Attempted seizure of fugitive: Liberator, April 19, 1844....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

30. Thomas case.

30. Thomas case.

1844. Seizure in Marietta, Penn.: Liberator, June 14, 1844....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

31. Walker case. [§ 50.]

31. Walker case. [§ 50.]

1844. Prosecution for aiding escapes: Trial and Imprisonment of Jonathan Walker, Liberator, Aug. 16, 31, Sept. 6, 13, Oct. 18, 25, and Dec. 27, 1844, Aug. 8, 15, and July 18, 1845....

11 minute read

Read Chapter

32. Smithburg.

32. Smithburg.

1845. Battle between whites and ten runaways: Liberator, June 27, 1845....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

33. Kirk case.

33. Kirk case.

Between 1845 and 1849. Unsuccessful attempt to capture George Kirk in New York: Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 52. Supplement to New York Legal Observer, containing report of case, Boston Public Library....

11 minute read

Read Chapter

34. Brig Ottoman. [§ 45.]

34. Brig Ottoman. [§ 45.]

1846. Unsuccessful attempt to rescue slave on brig: Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 54....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

35. Kennedy case. [§ 43.]

35. Kennedy case. [§ 43.]

1847. Riot in Carlisle, Penn.: Liberator, Sept. 10, 27, 1847; Congressional Globe, 1860-61, pp. 801, 802, 908....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

36. Slaves on board Brazilian ship.

36. Slaves on board Brazilian ship.

1847. Attempt to rescue: Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 53; Liberator, Aug. 20, 1847....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

37. Ohio and Kentucky controversy. [§ 48]

37. Ohio and Kentucky controversy. [§ 48]

1848. Controversy on account of extradition demanded: Liberator, July 14, 1848....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

38. South Bend case.

38. South Bend case.

1847, Oct. 9. Fugitives discharged on trial in Michigan: South Bend Fugitive Slave case....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

39. Brig Wm. Purrington.

39. Brig Wm. Purrington.

1848. Escape from: Liberator, Dec. 31, 1848....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

40. Drayton and Sayres. [§ 50.]

40. Drayton and Sayres. [§ 50.]

1848. Prosecution for aiding escapes: Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 104....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

41. Crafts escape. [§ 69.]

41. Crafts escape. [§ 69.]

1848. Escape of William and Ellen Crafts: Liberator, Nov. 1, 1850; Still, Underground Railroad, 368; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 325....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

42. Washington case. [§ 39.]

42. Washington case. [§ 39.]

Between 1840-1850: Liberator, May 26, 1848....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

43. Hamlet case. [§ 53.]

43. Hamlet case. [§ 53.]

1850. Rendition in N. Y.: Fugitive Slave Bill, its History and Unconstitutionality, with an Account of the Seizure of James Hamlet, 3; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 304....

11 minute read

Read Chapter

44. Gannett case.

44. Gannett case.

1850, Oct. 18. Alleged fugitive discharged in Philadelphia: Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 326; May, Fugitive Slave Law and its Victims, 8....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

45. Gibson case.

45. Gibson case.

1850, Dec. 21. Rendition of an innocent man: Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 327; May, Fugitive Slave Law and its Victims, 8; Still, Underground Railroad, 349....

10 minute read

Read Chapter

46. Case in Pennsylvania.

46. Case in Pennsylvania.

1851, Jan. House of colored man entered by force: Liberator, Jan. 10, 1851....

5 minute read

Read Chapter

47. Sims case. [§ 54.]

47. Sims case. [§ 54.]

1851. Rendition in Boston: Liberator, April 17 and 18, 1851; Daily Morning Chronicle, April 26, 1851; Twentieth Annual Report of Mass. Antislavery Society, 1855, p. 19; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 333; New England Magazine, June, 1890; May, Fugitive Slave Law and its Victims, 16; Trial of Sims, Arguments by R. Rantoul, Jr. and C. G. Loring; C. F. Adams, Richard Henry Dana, I. 185-301....

21 minute read

Read Chapter

48. Shadrach case. [§ 57.]

48. Shadrach case. [§ 57.]

1851, Feb. Rendition in Boston: Liberator, Feb. 21, May 30, 1851; Cong. Globe, 31 Cong. 2 Sess., Appendix, 238, 295, 510; Von Holst, III. 21; May, Fugitive Slave Law and its Victims, 10; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 329; New England Magazine, May, 1890; Boston Traveller, Feb. 15, 1851; Boston Courier, Feb. 17, 1851; Washington National Era, Feb. 27, 1851; Statesman's Manual, III. 1919....

21 minute read

Read Chapter

49. Christiana case. [§ 60.]

49. Christiana case. [§ 60.]

1851, Sept. Riot in Christiana: Parker's account, The Freedman's Story, T. W. Higginson, Atlantic Monthly, Feb. and March, 1866; U. S. v. Hanway, Treason, 247; Smedley, Underground Railroad, 105, 107, 130, 223; May, Fugitive Slave Law, 14; Lunsford Lane, 114; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 324; History of the Trial of Castner Hanway and others for Treason; N. Y. Tribune, Sept. 12, 1851, and Nov. 26 to Dec. 12; Greeley, American Conflict, I. 215; National Antislavery Standard, Sept

30 minute read

Read Chapter

50. Miller. [§ 61.]

50. Miller. [§ 61.]

1851, Nov. Mr. Miller murdered: Liberator, Feb. 4, 1853; Lunsford Lane, 113; May, Fugitive Slave Law, 15; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 324....

9 minute read

Read Chapter

51. Jerry case. [§ 58.]

51. Jerry case. [§ 58.]

1851, Oct. Rescue in Syracuse, N. Y.: Liberator, Oct. 10 to 17, 1851; Life of Gerrit Smith, 117; Trial of H. W. Allen, 3; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 327....

12 minute read

Read Chapter

52. Parker rescue.

52. Parker rescue.

1851, Dec. 31. Rescue by Mr. Miller: Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 324; May, Fugitive Slave Law and its Victims, 15; Liberator, 1853, Feb. 4; Lunsford Lane, 113....

10 minute read

Read Chapter

53. Brig Florence.

53. Brig Florence.

1853. Rescue of slave on board by Mr. Bearse: Bearse, Reminiscences of Fugitive Slave Days in Boston, 34....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

54. Lewis case.

54. Lewis case.

1853. Escape of Lewis from trial: Liberator, Oct. 28, 1853....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

55. Glover case.

55. Glover case.

1854. Joshua Glover rescued by a mob at Milwaukee: Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, 444; Liberator, April 7, 24, 1854....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

56. Bath.

56. Bath.

1854. Escape to Canada from ship from Florida: Liberator, Oct. 6, 1854....

5 minute read

Read Chapter

57. Burns case. [§ 55.]

57. Burns case. [§ 55.]

1854. Rendition in Boston: Liberator, May, June, 1854, Aug. 22, 1861; Kidnapping of Burns, Scrapbook collected by Theo. Parker; Personal Statement of Mr. Elbridge Sprague, N. Abington; Accounts in Boston Journal, May 27, 29, 1854; Daily Advertiser, May 26, 29, June 7, 8, July 17; Traveller, May 27, 29, June 2, 3, 6, 10, July 15, 18, Oct. 3, Nov. 29, Dec. 5, 7, 1854, April 3, 4, 10, 11, 1855; Evening Gazette, May 27, 1854; Worcester Spy, May 31; Argument of Mr. R. H. Dana; May, Fugitive Slave Law

43 minute read

Read Chapter

58. Garner. [§ 56]

58. Garner. [§ 56]

1856. Rendition of a family in Ohio: Liberator, Feb. 8, 22, 29, 1856; May, Fugitive Slave Law and its Victims, 37; Lunsford Lane, 119; Greeley, American Conflict, I. 219, Lalor's Cyclopædia, I. 207; Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 446, 447....

14 minute read

Read Chapter

59. Williamson case.

59. Williamson case.

1856, Jan. Prosecution for aiding fugitives: Wilson, Rise and Fall of the Slave Power, II. 448; May, Fugitive Slave Law and its Victims, 9, 34; Annual Report of American Antislavery Society, N. Y., May 7, 1856, p. 24; Narrative of the Facts in the Case of Passmore Williamson, Penn. Antislavery Society....

15 minute read

Read Chapter

60. Johnson case.

60. Johnson case.

1856, July 16. Rescue of slave on ship from Mobile: Liberator, July 18, 1856....

5 minute read

Read Chapter

61. Gatchell case.

61. Gatchell case.

1857, Jan. Rendition of Philip Young: Chambers, Slavery and Color; Fugitive Slave Law, Appendix, 197....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

62. Oberlin-Wellington case. [§ 59]

62. Oberlin-Wellington case. [§ 59]

1858. Rescue at Wellington: Liberator, Jan. 28, April 29, May 6, June 3, June 10, 1859; Shepherd, Oberlin-Wellington Rescue; Lunsford Lane, 179, Anglo-African Magazine (Oberlin-Wellington Rescue), 209; May, Fugitive Slave Law and its Victims, 108....

12 minute read

Read Chapter

63. John Brown's Raid. [§ 62.]

63. John Brown's Raid. [§ 62.]

1858. Raid in Missouri: Sanborn, Life and Letters of John Brown, 420; Von Holst, John Brown, 104....

7 minute read

Read Chapter

64. Nalle case.

64. Nalle case.

1859, April 28. Rescue of Charles Nalle by a mob: Bradford, Harriet, the Moses of her People, Appendix, 143; Liberator, May 4, 1860....

8 minute read

Read Chapter

65. Anderson case. [§ 23.]

65. Anderson case. [§ 23.]

1860. Extradition case between U. S. and Canada: Liberator, Dec. 3, 1860; Pamphlets on Anderson Case, Boston Public Library; Life of Gerrit Smith, 15; Liberator, Jan. 22, 1861....

10 minute read

Read Chapter

66. Wisdom case. [§ 91.]

66. Wisdom case. [§ 91.]

1861. Rendition by army officers: Liberator, July 19, 1861....

5 minute read

Read Chapter

67. Major Sherwood's servant. [§ 91.]

67. Major Sherwood's servant. [§ 91.]

1861. Rendition ordered in army: Liberator, July 19, 1861....

5 minute read

Read Chapter

68. Norfolk case.

68. Norfolk case.

1863. Kidnapping by N. Y. Volunteers: Liberator, March 27, 1863....

4 minute read

Read Chapter

69. Archer Alexander.

69. Archer Alexander.

1863. Fugitive during the war: Archer Alexander....

33 minute read

Read Chapter

1. Sources of information.

1. Sources of information.

There are many sources from which material for a study of fugitive slaves may be gathered. Almost any work upon the slavery question touches sooner or later upon this topic, and the difficulties arise rather from the amount of the literature which must be examined than from lack of information. No formal bibliography of the subject, or of any phase of it, has been found; it has therefore been necessary to go through a large body of material, and to sift out references which bear upon the subject

26 minute read

Read Chapter

2. Libraries.

2. Libraries.

The labor has been much facilitated by the completeness and convenient arrangement of the literature bearing upon slavery in the libraries of Cambridge and Boston. The Harvard College Library possesses two unique collections of slavery pamphlets, one the bequest of Charles Sumner, the other the gift of Colonel T. W. Higginson; and the Card Catalogue of the Library is a comprehensive guide to a large alcove of other books. The great collections of the Boston Public Library have also been made acc

37 minute read

Read Chapter

3. Secondary works.

3. Secondary works.

The material upon fugitive slaves, as upon any topic, may be divided into two classes, secondary and original. The general and local histories which come under the first class have been of good service as guides to further investigation. The Rise and Fall of the Slave Power in America , by Henry Wilson , takes up the whole question of slavery in a thorough manner, and devotes special attention to the debates in Congress. Though long and ill-arranged, it is comprehensive and trustworthy. Unfortun

1 minute read

Read Chapter

4. Biographies.

4. Biographies.

Biographies of antislavery men are likely to contain information on fugitive slave cases. The Life of Isaac T. Hopper is full of accounts of his ways of aiding flight, and for the same reason the Life of Gerrit Smith is exceedingly interesting. Birney's Life of James G. Birney deals little with fugitives. The biographies of Mrs. Lydia Maria Child, Arthur and Lewis Tappan, John Brown, Garrison, Phillips, and the Grimké sisters, may also be mentioned. Others, like those of Jonathan Walker, L. W. P

39 minute read

Read Chapter

5. Original sources.

5. Original sources.

Very early in the preparation of this work it became evident that no writer had systematically examined and compared the legislation of the Colonies and States, or searched the records of Congress, or looked for contemporary accounts of any considerable number of escapes. I was therefore obliged to search for such original material as was within my reach. Doubtless some important books and pamphlets have escaped me, and an examination of other collections would enlarge the bibliography; but the

26 minute read

Read Chapter

6. Slave autobiographies.

6. Slave autobiographies.

Out of the great variety of original sources containing descriptions of slave life and escapes, the autobiographies of the slaves themselves are the most interesting, and often the saddest. The Rev. James Freeman Clarke says, in his Antislavery Days: "Even now, when it is all over, the flesh creeps and the blood curdles in the veins at the accounts of the dreadful cruelties practised on slaves in many parts of the South. I would advise no one to read such histories to-day unless his nerves are v

49 minute read

Read Chapter

7. Records of trials.

7. Records of trials.

Much descriptive detail can often be found in the published reports of trials. A volume is devoted to the Oberlin-Wellington case, and several volumes have been published on the Burns trial. For the Prigg and Hanway cases, and others of importance, the records of the Supreme Court and lower courts have been consulted. Most of the important cases were tried in State courts or before commissioners, and the only reports are fugitive pamphlets, of which many have been consulted and cited....

24 minute read

Read Chapter

8. Speeches.

8. Speeches.

In the study of public sentiment and for the weighing of argument the speeches of Phillips , Sumner , Seward , Giddings , Webster , Mann , Rantoul , Loring , and others, are of the greatest value. They often throw light upon obscure cases, and the fugitive slave stories brought in as illustrations have sometimes led to the discovery of interesting and forgotten cases....

21 minute read

Read Chapter

9. Reminiscences.

9. Reminiscences.

A valuable aid in reconstructing in the mind the conditions of the slavery struggle are the reminiscences of participants. Rev. James Freeman Clarke's Antislavery Days and Mr. Parker Pillsbury's book have been helpful in these chapters. A pamphlet by Mr. Austin Bearse describes the Fugitive Slave Laws in Boston, and relates the work of the Vigilance Committee in protecting escaped negroes. The books of Still , Smedley , and Coffin , on the workings of the Underground Railroad, are composed chief

27 minute read

Read Chapter

10. Reports of societies.

10. Reports of societies.

The reports of the various antislavery societies, especially of those of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, have also been examined with profit as to the work among the refugees in Canada, etc. For the colonial period the publications of the Massachusetts and New York Historical Societies are exceedingly important, and have been freely drawn upon....

16 minute read

Read Chapter

11. Periodicals and newspapers.

11. Periodicals and newspapers.

Not much has been gathered from periodicals. Poole's Index was used and occasionally something of importance was discovered. Thus The Freedman's Story in the Atlantic Monthly has furnished one of the most striking of the stories about resistance to escapes. Such articles are few, and occur long after the slavery period, when such disclosures were no longer unpopular. The Magazine of American History contains Several articles. Among newspapers, the Liberator is without doubt the most complete rec

56 minute read

Read Chapter

12. Materials bearing on legislation.

12. Materials bearing on legislation.

The materials for the study of colonial legislation must be gathered from many sources. The best collection of them in Boston may be found at the State Library. In some colonies there are carefully edited series of volumes chronologically arranged, but in others the records have been but irregularly printed. The laws of New Netherlands and of early New York are easily accessible in well printed volumes of a recent date. For the Southern States, the Hening edition of the Virginia Statutes at Larg

1 minute read

Read Chapter

13. Alphabetical list of works.

13. Alphabetical list of works.

This list includes all the books and articles which have been of service in preparing the monograph, except a few of the general histories. Adams, Charles Francis, Jr. Richard Henry Dana: a Biography. 2 vols. Boston, 1890. Allen, H. W. Trial of U. S. Deputy Marshal for Kidnapping, etc. Syracuse, 1852. Antislavery Almanacs , miscellaneous collection of, in the Library of Harvard College. Antislavery Pamphlets , miscellaneous collection of, unsuitable for binding, in the Library of Harvard College

33 minute read

Read Chapter