Harry Hammet
MSA SC 5496-51191
War of 1812 Refugee, St. Mary's County, Maryland
Biography:
Harry Hammet was an enslaved man who was owned by John Mackall, Sr. of St. Mary's County. Hammet was listed as an infirm suffering from consumption. Although he suffered from a condition, Harry worked as a sawyer on Mackall's farm. He had a wife Lucy and a son Stephen who were also owned by Mackall. In 1813, John Mackall, Sr. died, leaving his slaves to be divided amongst his heirs. Harry Hammet and his family became the property of his former masters son, John Mackall, Jr.
During the war between America and Great Britain, Harry Hammet escaped from John Mackall, Jr. Hammet's wife Lucy and their son Stephen also fled from Mackall. The family were amongst a group of 19 enslaved people that escaped from Mackall and his son in law James M. Broome. The group fled to the British fleet, which was lying in the Potomac River off the coast of St. George Island. Harry Hammet was key in assisting the British soldiers in searching the homes of county residents. When the British landed at St. Inigoes, Harry Hammet and another enslaved man Harry Fox, accompanied them. British Admiral Cockburn authorized, Harry Hammet and Harry Fox to search the homes of county residents Susan Bayne, William Evans, and Robert Lilburn. When the two men were at the home of Robert Lilburn, they were asked by him "how they liked their new master." Hammet and Fox responded by turning their backs. At the time of his escape Harry was 40 years old and valued at $150.
The
war between the United States and Great Britain eventually came to an
end when the Treaty of Ghent was signed in December 24, 1814. Harry
Hammet was never seen or heard from again in Saint Mary's County.
Feeling that a financial loss was suffered at the hands of the
British during the war, Maryland property owners filed claims with the
Department of State. The claims for indemnity came once it was
established that the British government would be paying a lump sum of
money to the United States government in accordance with the terms of
the Treaty of Ghent. A commission was formed to handle the claims
for lost property. Residents wanted to be compensated for the loss
of tobacco, livestock, vessels, househould items, and enslaved people.
John Mackall, Jr. died before he could submit his claim. However, the
claim for his slaves was filed by his son-in-law James Mackall
Broome, whose slaves also escaped to the British. The commission
decided that Maryland property owners would be compensated $280 for
each enslaved person that ran off to the British. All other claims for
stolen and destroyed property were tossed out. Thomas Loker the
legal representative of John Mackall, Jr. became entitled to the award
money. He was paid $280 for the loss of Harry Hammet.
Return to Harry Hammet's Introductory Page
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