Enslavement

Harry Washington: An Enslaved Man’s Quest for Freedom

Escape from Slavery

Harry Washington, an enslaved man at George Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation, escaped to freedom in 1771. He fled again in 1776, joining the British forces in the American Revolutionary War.

Emancipation

In 1775, British Governor John Murray issued a proclamation offering freedom to enslaved people who joined the British army. Harry seized this opportunity, becoming one of over 20,000 self-emancipated people who fought for the British.

The Role of Enslaved People in the War

Despite the Patriots’ rhetoric of freedom, enslaved people were excluded from the Continental Army until 1776. However, Black soldiers played a significant role in the war, participating in major battles such as the Siege of Yorktown.

The Treaty of Paris

The Treaty of Paris (1783) ended the war and stipulated the withdrawal of British troops without enslaved people. However, British General Guy Carleton interpreted this to include self-emancipated individuals who had previously been freed.

Flight to Nova Scotia

To avoid re-enslavement, Harry fled to Nova Scotia with the British in 1783. He was listed in the Book of Negroes as a 43-year-old man who had escaped from Washington seven years earlier.

Resettlement in Sierra Leone

Faced with poverty and discrimination in Nova Scotia, Harry and 1,200 other former slaves sailed to Sierra Leone in 1792. The Sierra Leone Company promised equal rights and land ownership, but the colony faced challenges and imposed oppressive measures.

Harry’s Legacy

Harry Washington’s story highlights the complex experiences of enslaved people during and after the American Revolutionary War. He defied the boundaries of slavery and fought for the liberty that was denied to him and others.

Contradictions of Loyalist Refugees

Harry Washington and other Loyalist refugees were caught in a web of contradictions. They were British subjects who supported the King, but they also resisted imperial authority. They were Americans who rejected the republic, but they later returned to the United States after the War of 1812.

The Meaning of Liberty

Harry Washington’s lifelong pursuit of freedom demonstrates the enduring value of liberty. He risked everything to escape slavery and live as a free man, a goal shared by countless enslaved people throughout history.

Graves of Enslaved People Discovered on Founding Father’s Delaware Plantation

Discovery of Graves

Archaeologists have uncovered the likely graves of at least 25 enslaved people on the Dover, Delaware, plantation of John Dickinson, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. The discovery was made after a two-year search of 450 acres of the property.

Researchers believe the burial ground dates back to as early as 1720 and measures approximately 170 feet by 160 feet. The absence of gravestones and other markers made locating the site a challenge, but maps of the property from the 1930s and 1940s helped the team narrow its search.

John Dickinson and Enslavement

John Dickinson, known as the “penman of the Revolution,” was a wealthy American statesman who played a significant role in the fight for independence from British rule. However, like many of his contemporaries, Dickinson also enslaved people.

At his 5,000-acre plantation, Dickinson may have enslaved as many as 59 individuals at one time. The enslaved people primarily farmed tobacco, a lucrative crop at the time.

Historical Significance

The discovery of the burial ground is a reminder of the often-overlooked experiences of enslaved people during the founding era of the United States. It also highlights the importance of preserving and honoring the memory of those who were forced to endure the horrors of slavery.

The National Park Service (NPS) has stated that the site will be treated with the “honor and respect it deserves.” Plans are underway to protect the site and engage with the community about how to proceed with further research and interpretation.

Community Involvement

Researchers are working with community members to attempt to identify the names and biographies of the individuals buried on the land. Those who may have relevant information are encouraged to contact the team.

The team hopes to uncover the stories of not only the enslaved individuals but also the other people who lived and worked on the plantation, including indentured servants, tenant farmers, tradesmen, craftsmen, and free Black people.

Further Research

Archaeological investigations into the burial site are ongoing. Researchers hope to learn more about the lives of the enslaved people and the conditions under which they lived and died.

The team also plans to conduct further research with community members to uncover the broader history of the plantation and its inhabitants.

Preserving the Past

The discovery of the burial ground on John Dickinson’s plantation is a valuable opportunity to learn more about the complex history of slavery in the United States. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring the memory of those who were enslaved and of continuing to strive for a more just and equitable society.

Harry Washington: An Enslaved Man’s Unwavering Pursuit of Liberty