Adams, John (fl. 1858) to William McBlair
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00722.36 Author/Creator: Adams, John (fl. 1858) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 May 1858 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 20 x 12 cm. Order a Copy
Requesting permission to return to Liberia. States that he needs to return to personally report a death, or be liable for punishment under the laws of Liberia, of which he is a citizen. Written on board the U.S.S. "Dale." Adams is not in the May 1857 list of crew members. Adams's name and the content of his note suggest that he was likely a "Krooman" - one of many native Liberians who were recruited by American and European ship's captains. The Kroomen were often expert swimmers and fishermen, and had valuable knowledge of local geography, language and customs.
William McBlair was a United States naval officer in command of the ship "Dale," responsible for catching illegal slave trading ships off the coast of Africa. Later served in the Confederate Navy.
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