Capture of escaped slaves on the Pearl
Item
Title
Capture of escaped slaves on the Pearl
Description
In 1848, 77 enslaved African Americans, including the Edmonson sisters, attempted to escape their bondage in Washington, DC, by fleeing north to freedom via the ship the Pearl. Unfortunately, unfavorable winds slowed their escape, the ship was captured, and the escapees were brought back to Washington. This newspaper article details the attempted escape, capture, and a minor riot which broke out on the land that would become the National Mall as the Pearl's passengers were transported to jail.
Date
4/29/1848
Coverage
1830-1859
Source
The Examiner (Louisville, Kentucky).
topic
civil rights
politics & protest