Identity elements
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File
Title
Autograph letter signed as Governor Stevens of Maryland regarding the arrest of Emory Sadler
Date(s)
- circa 1822-1826 (Creation)
Extent
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
"Autographed Letter signed as Governor of Maryland regarding a captured slave on free soil. [Maryland: circa 1822-1826]. Folio leaf written on both sides, not dated but docketed in Stevens' hand 'copy of a letter to Messrs. Brown and Morris of Philadelphia relative to Jacobs.' Some browning and aging but near fine. A letter from Samuel Stevens (1778-1860), governor of Maryland 1822-1826, to Philadelphia attorneys Brown and Morris in which Stevens refers to a request from the governor of Pennsylvania to arrest a Mr. Arnold Jacobs for taking captive one Emory Sadler, a man of color. This action was viewed as contrary to an act of the Commonwealth of 27th March 1820. However, while Stevens acknowledges the illegality of taking a slave from free soil and even admits Jacobs should be punished, he states that unless papers manumitting Sadler are presented, he can do nothing. This, in spite of a letter from Jacobs to Sadler's mother that indicated he had freed Sadler- 'which is liable to be revoked at any minute.' Stevens adds, 'Think not for a moment that I justify the conduct of Jacobs...'" -Nicholas D. Riccio Rare Books and Prints