Jane Stewart
MSA SC 5496-50846
War of 1812 Refugee, Calvert County, Maryland
Biography:
Jane Stewart was an enslaved girl who was owned by Elizabeth Ballard of Calvert County, Maryland. Jane was born in Maryland to Charles and Sarah Stewart who were both slaves. Her father Charles was enslaved by Levin Ballard, while Jane's mother and sisters were also owned by Elizabeth Ballard. Levin Ballard was the son of Elizabeth Ballard.
America went to war with Britain in 1812. British ships came to America and placed a blockade on American waterways. By 1813, the ships were blocking Maryland waterways and British soldiers were plundering the homes of residents. Maryland slaves took this opportunity to escape to British Vessels. In April of 1814, British Admiral Alexander Cochrane issued a proclamation offering immediate emancipation to any person wishing to take up arms with the British military or wanting to relocate to a British territory. In 1814, Jane was lead by her father Charles and uncle Adam Green, to British ships lying in the Patuxent River. Thirteen slaves escaped from Mrs. Ballard during this time.The British vessels carried the family to Nova Scotia. The War of 1812 ended when the Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24, 1814.
After the war, Maryland slaveholders filed claims seeking compensation for the loss of their property, including slaves, tobacco, livestock, and household items.A commission was formed through the Department of State to handle the claims. It was decided by the commission that property owners in Maryland and Virginia would receive $280 for each slave that was lost to the British. Jane Stewart who was only 4 years old when she escaped was worth $175. Levin W. Ballard filed a claim with the Department of State as acting executor of his mother Elizabeth Ballard. The commission awarded Elizabeth Ballard $3,640 for the loss of thirteen slaves.
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