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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC00340 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1813 |
| Title | Manumission of a mulatto slave named Benjamin Harkimon (or Harkinson) |
| Date | 13 April 1813 |
| Author | Rhea, Jonathan (1758-1815) |
| Additional authors | Linn, James (1749-1821) Timberlake, John B. (d. 1828) |
| Document Type | Legal document |
| Content Description | Sends John B. Timberlake, bursar of the frigate United States commanded by Commodore Decatur, an official document freeing thirty-three-year-old Harkimon (or Harkinson), who was aboard the United States, with the stipulation that Harkimon pay $200. Notarized by James Linn, "one of the Masters of the Court of Chancery of the State of New Jersey." Written on the same paper as a letter to Timberlake introducing the document. Contains a red wax seal. |
| Subjects | African American History Manumission Emancipation Slavery Navy Maritime Law Finance Recruitment War of 1812 Military History African American Troops |
| People | Rhea, Jonathan (cb. 1754-1815) Linn, James (1749-1821) Timberlake, John B. (d. 1828) Harkimon, Benjamin (fl. 1813) |
| Place written | Trenton, New Jersey |
| Theme | Naval & Maritime; Law; Slavery & Abolition; African Americans; War of 1812 |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | Written during the War of 1812. On 3 March 1813, the U.S. Navy authorized enlistment of free blacks because of manpower shortages. It is possible this document was written by Jonathan Rhea (1758-1815), attorney and clerk of the Monmouth County Court of Common Pleas. James Linn was a United States Representative from New Jersey (1799-1801), was appointed by President Jefferson to be supervisor of the revenue (1801-1809), and was New Jersey secretary of state (1809-1820). |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |