Chapter XXVIII: Legal Status of the Negro During the Revolution

1775-1783.

The Negro was Chattel or Real Property.--His Legal Status
during his New Relation as a Soldier--Resolution introduced
in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to prevent the
selling of Two Negroes captured upon the High Seas--The
Continental Congress appoints a Committee to consider what
should be done with Negroes taken by Vessels of War in the
Service of the United Colonies.--Confederation of the New
States.--Spirited Debate in Congress respecting the Disposal
of Recaptures.--The Spanish Ship "Victoria" captures an
English Vessel having on Board Thirty-four Negroes taken
from South Carolina.--The Negroes recaptured by Vessels
belonging to the State of Massachusetts.--They are delivered
to Thomas Knox, and conveyed to Castle Island.--Col. Paul
Revere has Charge of the Slaves on Castle
Island--Massachusetts passes a Law providing for the
Security, Support, and Exchange of Prisoners brought into
the State.--Gen Hancock receives a Letter from the Governor
of South Carolina respecting the Detention of Negroes--In
the Provincial Articles between the United States of America
and His Britannic Majesty, Negroes were rated as
Property.--And also in the Definite Treaty of Peace between
the United States of America and His Britannic Majesty.--And
also in the Treaty of Peace of 1814, between His Britannic
Majesty and the United States, Negroes were designated as
Property.--Gen. Washington's Letter to Brig-Gen Rufus Putnam
in regard to a Negro in his Regiment claimed by Mr.
Hobby.--Enlistment in the Army did not always work a
Practical Emancipation. 370