Smith, W.T. (fl. 1857) to James Buchanan
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09028.06 Author/Creator: Smith, W.T. (fl. 1857) Place Written: Warrenton, Virginia Type: Manuscript letter Date: 16 March 1857 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 20.5 x 15.5 cm. Order a Copy
Smith writes to President Buchanan as a friend of Charles F. Suttle (owner of fugitive slave Anthony Burns), to support U.S. Marshal Watson Freeman and District Attorney for Massachusetts Benjamin F. Hallett for reappointment. States that Suttle desires an interview with the president. Marked as a copy.
Freeman was the U.S. Marshal of Massachusetts charged with enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act. Anthony Burns was the property of Charles Suttle of Alexandria, Virginia. Burns escaped slavery and fled to Boston. Suttle tried to reclaim Burns and Freeman, as U.S. Marshal, arrested Burns, enraging abolitionists. A mob descended on the courthouse where Burns was being held and attempted to free him. In the melee, a deputy was killed. Burns was convicted on 2 June 1854 and sent back into slavery. A few months later, a black Boston church raised the money to purchase his freedom.
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