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