James Bruce (b. circa 1803 - d. unknown)
MSA SC 5496-51392
War of 1812 Refugee, Prince George's County, Maryland
Biography:
James Bruce was born about 1803 in Prince George's County, Maryland to James and Nelly Bruce. James and his mother Nelly, and his siblings Adeline, Thomas, and Betty were the enslaved property of Joseph Coombs and his wife Mary Meeky Lyles. James' master Joseph Coombs sold him, along with his mother and his two older siblings Adeline and Thomas to his father in law William Lyles in 1808. James sister Betty had not been born at the time of the sale. Joseph Coombs died a few months later in April of the same year.
In 1814, America was at war with British forces. During this time the British forces lead by Admiral Alexander Cochrane placed a blockade on Maryland waterways. In April of 1814 Admiral Cochrane issued a proclamation offering immediate emancipation to any person who wanted to take up arms with the British or wished to settle in a British territory. James Bruce, who was 11 years of age, escaped to the British ships lying in the Potomac River. James left with his family and other enslaved families who were enslaved by Mary Coombs, by that time a widow.
The
British carried Maryland slaves to Halifax, Nova Scotia. James' parents
Jim and Nelly settled their family on the Windsor Road in Halifax. The
Bruce family lived near other enslaved families, including the Reeves
family, also owned by Mary Coombs. After the war many of Maryland's
slave owners submitted claims for compensation for the loss of their
property, which included enslaved people. Mary Coombs submitted a claim
for the loss of 16 slaves and was awarded money for each person that
escaped. James Bruce was valued at $250 because of his age, but Mrs.
Coombs received $280 for his loss.
Return to James Bruce's Introductory Page
|
Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!
|