Huntington, Benjamin (1736-1800) [Oath certifying Cuffee Saunders's purchase to freedom]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00318 Author/Creator: Huntington, Benjamin (1736-1800) Place Written: Norwich, Connecticut Type: Document signed Date: 30 April 1781 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 32 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
One document certifying Cuffee Saunders's emanicipation dated April 30, 1781. States that Saunders, who at the time was still registered with the enslaved name, Wells, was enlisted to the Continental Army in May 1777. The document is composed of two oaths attesting to Saunders's freedom. The first stated by John Nutter and Richard Lamb that the public bounty paid to Saunders was transferred to the enslaver Wells which purchased his freedom. The second statement by Captain Jedediah Hyde of Norwich, whom was Saunders's former commander confirms that it was "always understood that the money that was given to Wells at his Enlistment Purchased his Freedom."
Cuffee Saunders, a freeman, had changed his name from Cuffee Wells after purchasing his freedom.
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