Richard Gantt
(b. - d. circa 1823)
MSA SC 5496-50944
War of 1812 Refugee, Calvert County, Maryland
Biography:
Richard “Dick” Gantt was an enslaved man who was owned by Dr. Thomas Gantt of Calvert County, Maryland. In August of 1814, Richard Gantt escaped from Dr. Gantt. Nineteen year old, Richard fled with Harry alias Henry Gantt, a slave belonging to Dr. Gantt's brother, Edward. The two men went on board the British frigate Loire. The two men enlisted in the Colonial Marines, a corps of black soldiers that fought for the British. Richard Gantt was enslisted in the second company of the Colonial Marines. They were seen onboard the vessel by Calvert resident, Joseph W. Reynold’s, who was taken prisoner by the British. Gantt was valued at $500 when he escaped from Thomas Gantt. The War of 1812 ended when the Treaty of Ghent was signed. Richard Gantt remained on a British vessel in the Chesapeake after peace was established between the United States and Great Britain.
Many of the escaped slaves that fled during the War of 1812 were resettled in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where they formed new communities. However, some enslaved people were resettled in other British territories, including the island of Trinidad where Colonial Marines were offered land. Richard Gantt was one of a few Colonial Marines who decided to resettle in Trinidad. Not much is known about Gantt's life in Trinidad, but by 1823 he was deceased.
Following the war, many Maryland residents filed claims for indemnity with the Department of State for losses that they suffered during the war. The claims that were submitted were for the destruction of property and loss of enlaved people, livestock, vessels, tobacco, and household items. A board of commissioners was formed to handle the claims and decided that Maryland and Virginia residents would be awarded $280. All other claims were rejected based on a lack of sufficient evidence. Dr. Gantt filed a claim for the loss of his enslaved men. Joseph W. Reynolds, who was taken prisoner by the British, gave testimony that he saw Richard Gantt on board of the Loire and that shortly after he was dressed in the uniform of the marines. Thomas C. Gantt was awarded $280 for each of the men that escaped from his property.
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