Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Fidelio
MSA SC 5496-51455
War of 1812 Refugee, Charles County, Maryland

Biography:

Fidelio was an enslaved man who was owned by Josias B. Ford of Charles County, Maryland. 

In September 1814, Fidelio and another slave Peter Bell ran off from the farm of Josias B. Ford. The two men left in company with five enslaved people belonging to Benjamin T. Fendall. The group fled to British ships when they were descending the Potomac River the day succeeding the attack at Indian Head. At the time of the escape Fidelio was 19 years old and valued at $700.

Fidelio was taken to Nova Scotia like many of the escaped slaves who fled to British vessels during the War of 1812. Upon arrival he was ill and taken to the Poor House, where it is believed he never recovered.
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