Runaway Project

$10 REWARD. RANAWAY from the subscriber, about the 1st day of October last, my negro boy, SYLVESTER; five feet, 8 or 9 inches high; large front teeth, tolerable quick spoken. Said boy has a wife at S. M. Williams', about 8 miles south of Raleigh, on the Fayetteville road, and is supposed to be lurking in the neighborhood of the said Williams. The above reward will be paid for his delivery to me, six miles south of Raleigh, or Raleigh Jail, so I can get him again. JAMES PENNY. Nov. 5. 1855. 89-tf.

In October 1855 I ran from the farm of James Penny, which was 6 miles south of Raleigh, NC. I had a wife who lived on Simeon M. Williams’ farm, not far away. Penny would have hunted me there, but I was still free in December 1855. My name was SYLVESTER. #slavery #freedomseekers #blackhistory

TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD - Ran away from the subscriber, on Saturday night last, near Beltsville, Prince George's county, Md., my Negro Man ISAAC BEALL, about 30 years of age, of copper complexion; about 5 feet 6 inches high; stammers, and when confused can hardly be understood. Left in company with two of Mr. Richard B. Walker's men - and without provocation. I will give the above reward if delivered to me in Baltimore. PHILIP T. BELT. Baltimore Sun 1850-10-10

Near Beltsville, Maryland, I ran from Philip T. Belt in October 1850, in company with two men from the neighboring Vansville plantation of Richard Beall Walker. We may have run towards Baltimore to the northeast, or towards Washington, which was nearer. My name was ISAAC BEALL. #slavery

$10 Reward. Ranaway from the subscriber on the 9th inst., a negro boy by the name of WESLY. Said negro is 27 years of age; about five feet nine inches high ; weighs about 160 or 65 pounds ; has rather a saucy look ; with a scar running across the forehead, above the eye-brow, and he is of a dark copper color. He has a large natural gap between the upper front teeth. The above reward will be paid for his apprehension and delivery to me, or for putting him in any jail so that I can get him again. Any information concerning him will be received if directed to me at Rollins’ Store, Moore county, N. C. THOS. HARRINGTON. Sept 21, 1850 604-tf North-carolinian 1850-09-21

I ran from Thomas Harrington’s Moore County, NC farm in September 1850. He offered only $10 for my capture, but raised it to $25 before giving up in March 1851. I might have found work in Fayetteville or hid in the forest nearby. My name was WESLY. #blackhistory #slavery #freedomseekers

TAKEN UP. WAS COMMITTED TO THE JAIL, of Red River county, at Clarksville, on Thursday the 19th inst., a negro boy who calls his name HARRY, and says he belongs to Mr. Richard Elliott, living within five miles of Boston, Bowie county. Harry is about 30 years old, 5 foot 8.5 inches high, of a dark copper color. Had on when arrested a white cotton Linsey roundabout and pants, and white cotton shirt. The owner of said negro is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take him away or he will be dealt with as the law directs, in such cases and provided. ADAM RIBBLE, Jailor, Red River county, Texas. Sept. 21, 1850.--No. 4.--3ts.--Prs. fee $4. The Northern Standard 1850-09-21

I was caught and held in the Clarksville, TX jail in September 1850, after running away from Bowie County, about 40 miles to the east. I might have run from Bertram Elliott, the son of old Richard Elliot, a minister. My name was HARRY. #slavery #blackhistory

$100 REWARD. RUNAWAY from this city, on the night of Monday, the 26th instant a negro man, belonging to Nat Lewis, named John, from forty to fifty years old, about six feet high, spare and thin, somewhat bow-legged, sedate and quiet in his demeanor. One hundred dollars will be paid for his delivery here. LEWIS and GROESBEECK. San Antonio August 29, 1850. 46::tf Western Texan 1850-09-19

In August 1850, I ran from Nathaniel Lewis, one of the merchant partners in the supply train freight business of Lewis and Groesbeeck of San Antonio, Texas. I was about 45 years old when I ran, and they were still looking for me in October 1851. My name was JOHN. #slavery #blackhistory

$50 REWARD. Ran away from the subscriber, living in Prince George's county, near Upper Marlboro', a negro boy named Hannibal Butler, about twenty years of age, brown color, five feet six inches high, spare make. No marks recollected. Had on when he went away a black cloth coat, plaid cloth pants, and took with him other clothing not recollected. I will give the above reward if taken in Maryland or the District, and secured so that I get him again. sep 18 LEVI OSBOURN. Daily National Intelligencer 1850-09-18

I ran from the Upper Marlboro, MD plantation of Levi Osbourn in September 1850; I might have hoped to get to DC and find shelter there, but I was caught. In October 1850, I was shipped from Baltimore to New Orleans by slave trader J.S. Donovan. My name was HANNIBAL BUTLER. #slavery #blackhistory

$20 Reward. RAN away from the subscriber on the 25th August, a negro man named William, (or Bill) about 28 years of age, small and thin, light black, with down countenance, very humble, looks in bad health, reads and writes, and is a barber. He formerly belonged to a Mr. Davis, and sold to Mr. Jonakin, all of Panola County, Texas, and passed from Mr. Jonakin to Judge Paskall of Galveston, of whom the subscriber purchased. He has been wagoning to and from Cincinnati, and will no doubt make his way by said place Eastward to Shreveport. I will pay the reward named, for his apprehension and safe delivery in any jail, well ironed, so that I get him again; or will pay the same with any reasonable charges, if delivered to me, 6 miles below Brazoria, on the Brazos. JAMES P. CALDWELL. 28th August, 1850. 4w 769 Democratic Telegraph and Texas Register 1850-09-18

In August 1850, I ran from James P. Caldwell’s sugar plantation on the Brazos River, near Brazoria, Texas. He had bought me from Judge George Paschall of Galveston, to serve him as a barber. I may have fled towards Mexico, and might have been caught in 1851. My name was WILLIAM. #slavery

$125 REWARD will be paid for the delivery of the said HARRY to me at Tossnott Depot, Edgecombe county, or for his confinement in any Jail in the State so that I can get him, or One Hundred and Fifty Dollars will be given for his head. He was lately heard from in New-Berne where he called himself Henry Barnes (or Burns), and will likely to continue the same name, or assume that of Copage or Farmer. He has a free mulatto woman for a wife, by the name of Sally Bozeman, who has lately removed to Wilmington, and lives in that part of the town called Texas, where he will likely be lurking. Masters of vessels are particularly cautioned against harboring, employing, or concealing the said negro on board their vessels, as the full penalty of the law will be rigorously enforced. GUILFORD HORN June 29th, 1850,-----36.---tf-eow. FotM East Carolina Republican 1850-09-18

I had been hired out to the railroad company for carpentry work by Guilford Horn, and I ran in September 1849 from the Toisnot depot in Edgecombe Co. NC. Horn advertised for my return, or my death, for over a year, until his own death in May 1851. I called myself HARRY BARNES.

$20 REWARD.-Ran away from the subscriber, on or about the 15th July last, a NEGRO WOMAN, named Alevia, about 45 years of age; blind in one eye, and of very dark complexion; she is a muscular and well proportioned woman; when walking, of erect carriage; and is addicted to intemperance. The above reward will be given, if taken here or elsewhere, and brought home or lodged in jail, so that I obtain her. GEORGE W. PAPPLER, Hampstead Hill, Baltimore. 1t* Baltimore Sun 1850-09-17

In July 1850 I ran from butcher George W. Pappler of Baltimore, Maryland, near Hampstead Hill Street and Castle Alley. I managed to hide from him at least through September of that year. My name was ALEVIA. #blackhistory #slavery #freedomseekers

ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.-Ran away from near Elkridge Landing, Howard District, Maryland, on Wednesday, the 11th instant; my Negro Man, NED, who calls himself Ned Toogood. He about 23 years of age, very black, about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, good-looking, with considerable wool on his head-carries himself very erect, and when spoken to shows his teeth, which are very good, and speaks quick. Whoever takes up said Negro and secures him in jail so that I get him again, shall receive, if taken in the State, $50; or, out of the State, the above reward. I understand he went off with Mrs. Bradford's man, living near the above place. JNO. H. BROWN, s 17-5t* near Millersville, A. A. Co., Md. Baltimore Sun 1850-09-17

In September 1850, I ran from the area near Elkridge Landing on the Patapsco River, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland; I left with a friend from the nearby Bradford farm. I might have found help and shelter in Baltimore. My name was NED TOOGOOD. #slavery #maryland #blackhistory #freedomseekers

ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD-Ranaway from the estate of J. Mayo, on Elkridge, on the 15th inst., a NEGRO MAN named JAMES HUNTER, about 27 years of age; black; rather under size; sharp features; somewhat bowlegged. The above reward will be paid on his delivery in any of the jails. s17-3t* Baltimore Sun 1850-09-17

I ran from the Mayo estate in Elkridge, Maryland, then in Anne Arundel County, in mid-September 1850. I may have been making a break for freedom and running north. My name was JAMES HUNTER. #freedomseekers #slavery #blackhistory

Ran away , on Thursday , the 5th inst., the subscriber’s servant, a mulatto , named James Adams, about 16 years old. He has a scar on his cheek, which connects with the lower part of his nose. This is to warn all persons from employing or harboring the said boy, as the utmost penalty of the law will be enforced against any so offending. And I will, furthermore, give a liberal reward for information that will lead to the detection of the person or persons who have or are now harboring him. WM. H. Byrne, Corner Harrison and Fayette Streets. Baltimore Sun 1850-09-16

I ran from Maryland grocer William H. Byrne in September 1850, when I was 16 years old. I had been living in his Baltimore household as a servant, but I was a free person; I most likely had relatives who could harbor me for a while. My name was JAMES ADAMS. #baltimore

$100 REWARD. We will give $100 reward for a negro man named HANNIBAL, if delivered to us at Halifax Court House, Va., or $50 reward if secured in jail in Fayetteville, or any other jail, so that we get him again. The said negro man Hannibal is about five feet high, rather a brown complexion. He has a scar over one of his eyes, and has one or two of his front teeth out. About 28 years of age. We will give the above reward to any person who will secure the said negro so that we get him again. POINDEXTER & EDMONDSON. Sept. 14, 1850 603-tf North-carolinian 1850-09-14

I escaped and ran after William G. Matthews, town clerk of Fayetteville, NC sold me to Poindexter & Edmondson of Halifax, VA in September 1850. My fate might have been to be shipped to New Orleans, but they were still looking for me in September 1853. I was called HANNIBAL. #slavery

ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD will be given for the apprehension and delivery to me of my NEGRO WOMAN BETSY. She is of very dark mulatto color, has a down sly look when spoken to. 18 years of age, and is well formed. She wore when she left a red striped cotton Osnaburg dress, and carried nothing with her. As she has a stepfather living at Mrs. Brown's, in Charles county, near the Potomac river, it is likely she will found in that neighborhood; but, as she left without provocation, she may have started for Pennsylvania. I will give the above reward if taken out of the State of Maryland, or $50 if taken within the State of Maryland, and not in Calvert county, and $10 if taken in said county in either case to be returned to me or secured so that I get her. ELIZA W. MARTIN, Near Lower Marlborough, Calvert county, Md. s12-D&Wtf. Baltimore Sun 1850-09-14

I ran from Eliza Martin in September 1850; we were then living at the house of Dr. John Gibson, her brother, in Calvert County, Maryland. I wasn’t able to take much with me from the house, and I might not have gotten very far before I was captured. My name was BETSY. #slavery

STRAYED FROM THE SUBSCRIBER on Tuesday evening, about eight o'clock, a dark Mulatto Girl, 12 years of age, named MARIA. Had on when she left, a dark short calico dress; wore neither bonnet or shoes, or any other clothing. All persons are forewarned from harboring said girl under penalty of the law. A reasonable reward will be paid by returning her to No. 170 SHARP STREET, near Lee. s 14 - eo2t Baltimore Sun 1850-09-14

When I was 12 years old, I ran away from Number 170 South Sharp Street in Baltimore, Maryland. It was September 1850, and I left without shoes or a coat, only a short dress. My name was MARIA. #slavery #BlackHistory

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD. Ran away from the subscriber, on the 8th instant, a NEGRO MAN; he calls himself GEORGE WARFIELD; 21 years old; five feet eight or nine inches high; light yellow color; he has a scar on one of his feet, from the toe to the ancle, cut by an axe; also one near his eye; speaks low when spoken to, and has a down look when answering; not very intelligent. Had on when he went away, pale striped sack tweed coat, black cloth vest, white twilled cotton pantaloons, low quartered shoes. He is a stout and well made man. I will give $50 reward if taken 10 miles from home; if 20 miles, $75; $100 if in the State and beyond that distance; and if taken out of the State, $150. In either case he is to be securely lodged in jail so I can get him again. SETH W. WARFIELD, near Savage Factory, Howard District, Md. s11-D1tWft* Baltimore Sun 1850-09-11

In September 1850, I ran from Seth Warfield’s plantation near the Savage cotton mills in Howard District, Maryland, leaving behind my twin sister. I may have hoped to run to Washington, DC, or the North, and come back for her. I called myself GEORGE WARFIELD. #blackhistory

TEN DOLLARS REWARD, Ran away from the subscriber on Sunday morning, 8th inst., a dark MULATTO BOY, about 12 years of age. He is very much scarred by being whipped; has a scar on one of his ears; is supposed to be somewhere about the city. All persons are forewarned from harboring or employing hit under penalty of the law. The above reward will be paid on delivery at No. 92 DUGAN'S WHARF. Z. H. H. CROPPER. s10-4t* Baltimore Sun 1850-09-10

In early September 1850 I ran from the store of merchant Zora H. H. Cropper, at No. 92 Dugan’s Wharf, Baltimore, MD, where I was likely being offered for sale. I was 12 years old and already scarred from the beatings I had received. My name is UNKNOWN. #slavery #Baltimore

RAN AWAY. On Friday night. 6th inst., a Mulatto Girl, named RACHEL. She is short, thick lips and fleshy. She hesitates when spoken to, and frequently will not answer or speak at all. Had on when she left only her ordinary working clothes, with neither bonnet or shoes. A suitable reward will be paid for her recovery if brought home, or any information left at No. 11 S. EUTAW ST., regarding her whereabouts, will be received thankfully. se9 2t American and Commercial Daily Advertiser 1850-09-09

In September 1850, I ran barefoot from the Eutaw Street house of William H. McLean, a Baltimore, MD grocer. He only advertised for a couple of days; I might have been caught quickly and brought back to him. My name was RACHEL. #slavery #freedomseekers #BlackHistory #baltimore

Seventy five dollars reward. ran away from the plantation of M.S. Plummer, Esq., near Queen Ann. Prince George’s county, Md., on the 4th September , 1850, a negro man , named Anthony Gantt, about 26 years of age, five feet five or six inches high, stoutly built, dark complexion, bow legged, clothing not recollected, he has a large scar over one of his eyes. I will give fifty Dollars reward for his apprehension if taken in Prince George's or Anne Arundel Counties, and the above reward if taken elsewhere, and brought home or secured in jail, so that I get him again. William Wells, of George, near Upper Marlboro, P.G. Co., Md. Baltimore Sun 1850-09-07

I ran away from Mordecai Plummer’s plantation the second time in September 1850; the first time had been in April that year, when I was caught. William Wells had me hired out to his neighbor Plummer, of Marlborough, Prince George’s County, MD. My name was ANTHONY GANTT. #slavery #maryland

$25 Reward. BROKE Jail, in Pittsboro', Chatham County, on Sunday morning, the 11th inst., a negro man, by the name of HENRY, the property of Mr. William Merrit, of this County. Said boy is a dark mulatto, about 35 years of age, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches in height, and is much inclined to laugh when speaking ; has a tolerably bushy head of hair, and is much inclined to be straight. There is no particular scar or mark recollected, by which he could be described more accurately. He was formerly the property of a Mr. Brooks, of this County. I am authorized to offer the above reward for his apprehension and delivery to me in Pittsboro', or $10, for his apprehension and confinement in any Jail in the State, so that his owner can get him again. S. L. REDDLE, Jailor. Pittsboro', Aug. 31, 1850. (Pr. Adv. $3.) 71 6t Raleigh Register 1850-09-04

I broke out of the Chatham County, NC jail in August 1850; I may have headed back to see friends or family at the Brooks place, or gone to nearby Raleigh to live as a free man. They were still looking for me in October. My name was HENRY. #slavery #blackhistory #freedomseekers

Three hundred dollars reward ran away from the subscriber , living in Baltimore city, on Monday night, the 26th of August, my Negro man Sam, who calls himself Samuel Myers. He is about 24 years of age, about 5 feet 7 inches in height, tolerable well built for strength, tolerable thick lips, looks down when spoken to slow to speak, has a good set of teeth, one upper tooth out; took away with him a pair of black pants and black coat, other clothing not recollected. I will give the above reward to whoever takes up said negro and delivers him in Baltimore Jail so that I get him again. Gassaway Tucker. No. 254 Pratt street, Fell’s Point. [Baltimore Sun 1850-09-04]

In August 1850, I ran from ship captain Gassaway Tucker, who lived near Baltimore harbor on Fell’s Point. I may have changed my name and found work as a free man elsewhere in Baltimore. I called myself SAMUEL MYERS. #blackhistory #freedomseekers #slavery #Baltimore

$50 REWARD.- Ran away from the subscriber, on Tuesday, the 15th instant. NEGRO WOMAN DIODEMA, about 28 years of age; five feet high, with a notable scar or mark upon her face. The above reward will be given for her apprehension, if taken out of the county and lodged in jail. WILLIAM GRAY, Port Republic. Calvert. County. Md. a21 Baltimore Sun 1850-09-16

In August 1850, I ran from the farm of William Gray in Port Republic, Maryland, near the Chesapeake River. I may have had to leave my children behind when I ran. He was still looking for me a month later. I was called DIODEMA. #BlackHistory #slavery #freedomseekers #maryland

RUNAWAY NEGROES. RANAWAY or absconded from Preston Worthy, on the 12th August, 1850, two Negro Men, one named BOB, and the other MOSES. DESCRIPTION OF MOSES. Inclined to be fleshy, about five feet seven or eight inches high, about 40 years old, front teeth out, weighs about 160 pounds, speaks very slow when spoken to, and has a scar on his under lip. Moses had on when he left a blue linsey surtout coat; when walking he steps very short, and holds himself erect. Color, very dark, has a very sullen look, a bunch of gray hair on the right side of his head. DESCRIPTION OF BOB.-He has a very dark complexion, about five feet six inches high, near thirty-six years old, and weighs about 160 lbs, eyes very red, when spoken to he speaks quick, had on whiskers when he left. His dress consisted of a white homespun frock coat, pantaloons of the same, inclined to be parrot toed. As these Negroes were purchased in Richmond, it is more than likely they have attempted to get back. N. B. A reward of ...

We ran from Preston Worthy’s farm in Chester County, SC in August, 1850; we had both been bought in Richmond, VA in April. MOSES may have headed back to Duplin, NC where he was from; I was still free in December 1851, possibly near my wife in Warrenton, VA. My name was BOB.

Ranaway! LEFT my House, on the night of the 25th inst., a NEGRO WOMAN, named Phillis, aged about 35. Said negro is about 5 feet high, has no front teeth, is of a dark black color, and quite likely, and is just on the eve of confinement. To any person who will deliver her to the subscriber, or lodge her in any jail in the State, so that I can get her again, I will give a Reward of Ten Dollars. WM. STRONACH. Raleigh, August 26th, 1850. 5t 69. Weekly Raleigh Register 1850-08-28

I was very near the end of my pregnancy when I ran from Scottish stonemason William Stronach’s house in Raleigh, North Carolina in August 1850. I may have wanted to give birth at a friend or relative’s house in peace and freedom. My name was PHILLIS. #blackhistory #slavery #RaleighNC

$200 REWARD! STOLEN NEGRO. FROM Bossier Parish, Louisiana, on the 1st day of August, by two white men, a NEGRO MAN, aged about 22 years; of the following description: he stands about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches in height; round face, black complexion, with wide teeth, rather discolored; his right name is Toby, but the parties who have abducted him call him John. The thieves may be traced by the following description: One of them is about 20 years of age and 6 feet high; red face, dark hair, and has the following names--Vic Williams and Cheatem. The other thief is between 30 and 35 years old; dark complexion, with black whiskers, and is thought to be a foreigner from the fact that he talks in a broken English. These parties were in the neighborhood of Austin on Wednesday and crossed the river below the city. 200 DOLLARS REWARD will be paid for the capture of the Negro and the thieves, or 150 DOLLARS FOR THE BOY ALONE, if lodged in any jail, and information forwarded to the subscriber. R. T. S

In August 1850, I was either stolen or went voluntarily with two men, away from the Bossier Parish, Louisiana plantation of Robert T. Stinson. We were sighted in Texas, crossing the Colorado River below Austin. I was called TOBY or JOHN. #blackhistory #slavery #Texas #Louisiana

Fifty Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the Subscriber, on the night of the 22nd ult., HIS NEGRO MAN, JOHN, about 24 years of age, near 6 feet 6 inches high, black complexion, with a large visible scar on his right cheek bone occasioned by the kick of a horse. He wore off a blue casinet round-coat, a cloth cap, light pants, a striped homespun shirt, and carried with him a blue flannel shirt and blue cloth pants, half worn or more; and rode off a fine dark chesnut sorrel horse, with a fine Spanish saddle, (black,) with silver-plated stirrups, a double rein-bridle, and martingales, with pearl rings, all new and black. He also carried off MY NEGRO WOMAN, MARTHA, with her infant daughter, 2 1/2 months old, from Mrs. Stinsons, where I had placed her for trial before trading to Mrs. Stinson. Martha is of middle size, and about 25 years of age. It is supposed that JOHN has a free pass, and aims to get to a free State, or back to Baltimore, Md, where I bought him, on the 24th of last June, ...

When MARTHA and I were sold in June 1850, I carried a free pass with me all the way from Baltimore, MD to Eli Bishop’s farm in Lancaster, SC. On August 22, 1850, I took a horse, got MARTHA and our daughter from the Stinson farm, and rode to freedom. My name was JOHN. #slavery #freedomseekers

ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD. Ran away on the 20th instant, my NEGRO MAN, named OLIVER TURNER. He is about 25 years of age; about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches in height; stoutly made; pleasant when spoken to; wore a grey cloth jacket, blue cotton pants, and straw hat. I will give the above reward if he is taken out of the State of Maryland, or $50 if taken in the State-in either case he is to be properly secured so that I can get him again. NICHOLAS M. BRIAN, Rossville, Baltimore county, Md. a22-6t* Baltimore Sun 1850-08-22

I ran from the farm of Nicholas Brian on this day in 1850. The farm was in Rossville in eastern Baltimore County, Maryland, not far from the Chesapeake. I might have followed the river north in search of freedom. My name was OLIVER TURNER. #BlackHistory #slavery #freedomseekers

$20 Reward. Ranaway from the subscriber on the 16th Aug., a mulatto man named CARY. He is 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, well built, bright complected, bushy hair, sharp features; has a slight stoppage or impediment in his speech. He is about 30 years of age, and can read tolerably well. He has a wife at Mr Jas.Kirkpatrick’s, below the mouth of Rockfish, where he is supposed to be lurking, or about Fayetteville. The above reward will be given for his delivery to me, or confinement in any jail so that I can get him. MALCOM McGREGOR. 14 miles west of Fayetteville. Aug. 31, 1850. 601-tf [North-carolinian 1850-08-31]

I ran from the farm of Scotsman Malcom McGregor on August 16, 1850; I may have gone to nearby Fayetteville, North Carolina to find paying work, or I might have hid in the woods. McGregor was still searching for me in December 1850. My name was CARY. #blackhistory #slavery #northcarolina

TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.- Ran away from the subscriber, near Woodbine,Carroll county, Md., on Saturday night, 10th of August, my NEGRO MAN WESLEY, who calls himself Wesley France. He is about 26 years of age, of dark copper color, about 5 feet 11 inches high, stout made, tolerably thick lips, looks down when spoken to, and speaks slow. Who ever takes up said negro and delivers him in jail in Frederick, Westminister or Baltimore, shall be entitled to the above reward. He went off in company with others belonging to Charles W. Hood and Albert G. Warfield. RICHARD MERCER. a19-14t* Baltimore Sun 1850-08-19

I ran from Richard Mercer, a farmer of Carroll County, MD in August 1850, along with Henry and Basil Lee and Benjamin Dorsey. We were caught and in November 1850 we were all shipped to New Orleans by slave trader J.S. Donovan. My name was WESLEY FRANCE. #blackhistory #slavery #maryland

Slave Manifests of Coastwise Vessels Filed at New Orleans, Louisiana, 1807–1860; NAID: 5573655; Microfilm Publication M1895, 30 rolls; Records of the U.S. Customs Service, 1745 - 1997, Record Group 36; The National Archives in Washington, D.C. Roll12.

The Lee brothers (Henry and Basil), Wesley France, and Benj. Dorsey are all on the slave manifest aboard the Ship Narragansett, shipped by slave trader J. S. Donovan out of Baltimore 27 November 1850; arrived in New Orleans Dec 23, 1850.