Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Thomas Fuller
MSA SC 5496-51413
War of 1812 Refugee, St. Mary's County, Maryland

Biography:

Thomas Fuller was an enslaved child who was owned by Robert L. Young of St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Thomas was the son of enslaved parents Benjamin and Maria Fuller. His father Ben was owned by William C. Somerville while his mother was enslaved by Robert L. Young.

During the War of 1812, four enslaved people escaped from Young, who was a minor. The slaves were taken on board the British ship called the Dragon, lying in the Potomac River, which was commanded by Commodore Barry. 

At the end of the War of 1812, Maryland's slave owners were devastated at the loss of their enslaved people. They sent their complaints to the Department of State seeking to be compensated for the loss of property. A commission was established to handle the claims put forth by angry citizens. The commission decided that Maryland's property owners would be compensated $280 for each slave that escaped to the British. At the time of the escape Thomas Fuller was 2 years of age and valued at $60. Robert Young's claim was submitted by his guardian Henry Smith Hawkins. The commission awarded Robert Young $1120 for the loss of his five enslaved people.

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