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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC09028.02 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of documents relating to U.S. Marshal, Watson Freeman |
| Title | Albert Smith to Franklin Pierce discussing the possibility of appointing Watson Freeman as U.S. Marshall |
| Date | 3 December 1852 |
| Author | Smith, Albert (fl. 1852) |
| Recipient | Pierce, Franklin |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Smith writes to Pierce, the newly elected President of the United States, seeking Watson Freeman's appointment as U.S. Marshal. He lists Freeman's qualifications stating, "Mr. F has been, since he was first permitted to vote - for thirty-five years an active-hard working and unwavering democrat - never in a solitary instance having swerved from his fidelity ... and hence the opposition to him of abolitionists - free soilers, & coalitionists." Also describes Freeman's conduct in a recent case where slave owners were arrested for trying to reclaim their slaves. Mentions that Freeman posted their bail and "aided them to escape from the fury of the mob." Lists the accomplishments of Freeman's ancestors. Ends by stating that Freeman has never before asked favors of the administration. Marked as a true copy by Ben Freeman. |
| Subjects | Fugitive Slave Act Abolition African American History Law Slavery Runaway Slave President |
| People | Smith, Albert (fl. 1852) Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) Freeman, Watson (fl. 1827-1857) |
| Place written | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Theme | Slavery & Abolition; African Americans; The Presidency; Law |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | Freeman was the U.S. Marshal of Massachusetts charged with enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |