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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC00722.36 |
| From Archive Folder | William McBlair collection |
| Title | John Adams to William McBlair requesting permission to return to Liberia |
| Date | 2 May 1858 |
| Author | Adams, John (fl. 1858) |
| Recipient | McBlair, William |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Military document |
| Content Description | Requesting permission to return to Liberia. States that he needs to return to personally report a death, or be liable for punishment under the laws of Liberia, of which he is a citizen. Written on board the U.S.S. "Dale." Adams is not in the May 1857 list of crew members. Adams's name and the content of his note suggest that he was likely a "Krooman" - one of many native Liberians who were recruited by American and European ship's captains. The Kroomen were often expert swimmers and fishermen, and had valuable knowledge of local geography, language and customs. |
| Subjects | African American History Africa African Squadron Global History and Civics Navy Maritime Slave Trade Slavery Military History Law |
| People | Adams, John (fl. 1858) McBlair, William (d. 1863) |
| Theme | Foreign Affairs; Naval & Maritime; Slavery & Abolition; African Americans; Law |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | William McBlair was a United States naval officer in command of the ship "Dale," responsible for catching illegal slave trading ships off the coast of Africa. Later served in the Confederate Navy. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |