Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Daniel Wright (b. circa 1776 - d. ?)
MSA SC 5496-51069
War of 1812 Refugee, Talbot County, Maryland

Biography:

Daniel Wright was an enslaved man who was owned by Francis Wrightson of Bayside, Talbot County, Maryland. His father lived in Piney Neck, Queen Anne's County, Maryland. Daniel was a highly skilled labourer who worked in ship yards and on a farm. Daniel Wright escaped from Francis Wrightson, December 3, 1808. His owner, Francis Wrightson, believed that he took the road to Philadelphia, as his father lived nearby and he had family members living near the Beaver Dams. 

America went to war with Great Britain in 1812. British ships arrived in Maryland in 1813 putting a blockade on all waterways. While the war was underway many enslaved people in Maryland escaped to the British ships. Daniel Wright escaped from Wrightson in August of 1813 and was accepted onto the British vessel St. Domingo. Daniel was among the earliest slaves to escape from Maryland during the War of 1812.

Following the war Maryland property owners submitted claims to the Department of State. Francis Wrightson died in 1825 prior to the award money being handed out. In 1828, Wrightson's wife, Mary Ann, wrote a letter of inquiry to Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams, in regards to having heard about the claims under the Treaty of Ghent. Mary Ann Wrightson was awarded $280 for the loss of Daniel Wright during the War of 1812.

 Return to Daniel Wright's Introductory Page


 
 
 


This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user.

Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!
© Copyright April 08, 2014 Maryland State Archives