Rhea, Jonathan (1758-1815) [Manumission of a mulatto slave named Benjamin Harkimon (or Harkinson)]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00340 Author/Creator: Rhea, Jonathan (1758-1815) Place Written: Trenton, New Jersey Type: Manuscript document signed Date: 13 April 1813 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 32 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Sends John B. Timberlake, bursar of the frigate United States commanded by Commodore Decatur, an official document freeing thirty-three-year-old Harkimon (or Harkinson), who was aboard the United States, with the stipulation that Harkimon pay $200. Notarized by James Linn, "one of the Masters of the Court of Chancery of the State of New Jersey." Written on the same paper as a letter to Timberlake introducing the document. Contains a red wax seal.
Written during the War of 1812. On 3 March 1813, the U.S. Navy authorized enlistment of free blacks because of manpower shortages.
It is possible this document was written by Jonathan Rhea (1758-1815), attorney and clerk of the Monmouth County Court of Common Pleas.
James Linn was a United States Representative from New Jersey (1799-1801), was appointed by President Jefferson to be supervisor of the revenue (1801-1809), and was New Jersey secretary of state (1809-1820).
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