Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Daniel
MSA SC 5496-51933

Biography:

Daniel was an enslaved African American man who lived in Dorchester County, Maryland. He belonged to a man named James Wright, who lived near Cabin Creek.

Daniel was born around 1804, and was around 5 feet 10 or 11 inches tall at age 28. He was "rather stout made, somewhat knock kneed, rather a dark Mulatto."1 Of his demeanor, Wright wrote that he "[had] a down look when spoken to."2 

On July 13, 1824, when he was nineteen or twenty years old, Daniel took one of James Wright's horses and attempted to run away.3 That summer day-- or night, more likely-- he wore a kersey wool over jacket, a shirt and trousers made of tow linen, and a fur hat with a small brim. The horse he took for his escape was a roan with a white blaze on its face and a white mane and tail. Daniel absconded on horseback with the bridle and saddle. James Wright advertised for Daniel's return inthe Easton Gazette. He offered a $10 reward for Daniel's capture, although if he was found outside of Dorchester county Wright would pay $20, and if he Daniel found outside of the state, he offered $30, along with "all reasonable charges". He also offered $5 for the horse, and up to $10 if it was caught outside of the state.4

Daniel was recaptured after his bid for freedom in 1824, but when James Wright died around 1832, Daniel was presented with another opportunity to escape. In January of 1832, Daniel ran away again.5 This time he was dressed for the winter, and took with him "a blue camblet cloak, a blue cloth coat, a fur hat, a new suit of blue country kersey, with an old suit of blue and white striped kersey." The administrator of James Wright's estate, Martin L. Wright, advertised in the Cambridge Chronicle and The Delaware Journal for Daniel's return. Daniel eluded capture for at least several months-- he ran away in January and Wright's advertisement appeared in late April.6

It is unknown if Daniel was able to remain free after his escape in 1832.

1. "$100 Reward."Cambridge Chronicle. May 12, 1832.

2. "$30 Reward." Easton Gazette. July 24, 1824.

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. "$100 Reward."

6. Ibid.

Researched and written by Emily Huebner, 2014.

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