Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

George Carroll
MSA SC 5496-51063
War of 1812 Refugee, Prince George's County, Maryland

Biography:

George Carroll was an enslaved man who was owned by Trueman Tyler of Prince George’s County. George worked as a gardener, cook, and waiter at the Upper Marlboro home of Trueman Tyler. George had a wife Kitty and an infant son Henry, who were enslaved by Nancy Sprigg of Prince George's County.

On August 23, 1814, George and a fellow slave Chatham, were carried from the Upper Marlboro home of Trueman Tyler by the British army under the command of General Ross while they were marching to Washington city. At the same time George's wife Kitty escaped with their and son to the British shipping in the Patuxent River. 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. He also said that on August 27, 1814, George was forcibly taken by the British and placed on board one of their vessels. He enlisted in the Colonial Marines. At the time of his escape, George was 26 years old and was valued at $800. 

Following the war George Carroll settled in Halifax, Nova Scotia with his wife and son. His owner, 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. Israel T. Canby, a relative and legal representative of Nancy Sprigg, also filed a claim for the loss of George's wife Kitty Carroll and their son Henry. 
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