Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Chatham
MSA SC 5496-51062
War of 1812 Refugee, Prince George's County, Maryland

Biography:

Chatham was an enslaved man who was owned by Trueman Tyler of Prince George’s County. Chatham worked as a house servant and waiter in Tyler's Upper Marlboro home.

On August 23, 1814, Chatham and a fellow slave George, were carried away from the home of Trueman Tyler by the British army under the command of General Ross while they were marching to Washington city. A few days later the British army made a returning to Upper Marlboro on their retreat from Washington. George and Chatham, accompanied by British soldiers came to the home of Tyler. According to Trueman Tyler the two men stated that they did not wish to go with the British army on board their fleet. It was reported that Chatham was carried away by a Chaplain in the British army the morning of August 27, 1814. Chatham was taken on board the British ship Manly. At the time of his escape, Chatham was 21 years old and was valued at $800. 

Following the war, Trueman Tyler filed a claim for indemnity with the Department of State for the loss of his slaves during the War of 1812. A commission was formed to handle to claims for indemnity and were responsible for paying reward money to the claimants. Maryland residents would receive $280 for each individual slave that ran off to or were carried away by the British. Trueman Tyler was awarded $560 for the loss of George Carroll and Chatham.

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