Reuben
MSA SC 5496-51109
War of 1812 Refugee, Charles County, Maryland
Biography:
Reuben was an enslaved man who was owned by Sarah “Sally” Dyson
of Charles County, Maryland. In 1814, Reuben was hired out to Mrs. Mary
Ann Mitchell where he worked as a hand at her farm. Mrs. Mitchell’s
overseer Jesse Posey looked after Reuben while he was working.
America
had been at war with Britain since 1812. The following year British
officers arrived in Maryland, placing a blockade on all waterways. On
April 2, 1814, British Admiral Alexander Cochrane issued a proclamation
offering immediate emancipation to any person wanting to take up arms
with the British military or looking to relocate to a British
territory. Reuben, made his escape to the British on August of 1814. He
absconded from the farm of Mary Ann Mitchell to the British
Squadron, which was lying in the Potomac river. Mrs. Mitchell’s farm
was located along the Potomac river making it easy for Reuben to gain
access to the British. Reuben who was about 35 years old when he
absconded, fled with the slaves of Major Alexander Greer.
Following
the war, Maryland slave owners submitted claims for lost property to
the Department of State. A commission was formed to handle the claims
and it was decided that Maryland slave owners would be compensated $280
for the loss of their slaves. The claims included written depositions
which were sworn before local Justices of the Peace for various
counties in Maryland. Sally Dyson gave a testimony giving details of
the escape of Reuben from Mrs. M. A. Mitchell. Additional testimony was
given by Jesse Posey, overseer for Mrs. Mitchell. Dyson was awarded
$280 for the loss of her enslaved man Reuben who was worth $500.
Return to Reuben's Introductory Page
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