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Chase, Samuel, 1741-1811 to James Winchester

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04765 Author/Creator: Chase, Samuel, 1741-1811 Place Written: Baltimore, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 May 1803 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; Height: 33.3 cm, Width: 20.3 cm Order a Copy

Discussing appropriate division of compensation among sailors who salvaged the French ship "Blaireau." Chase discusses the situation and offers his advice. On subject of a black sailor who helped during the salvage, says if he is free he deserves a share, though less than white sailors, and if a slave, still deserves some small payment for taking risks to assist in the salvage. Chase acknowledges the case may be appealed to him in the Supreme Court, and one year later it was, in the case of "Mason v. Ship Blaireau." Among the rulings of the court was that the compensation for the black sailor, who was a slave, should be paid to his master.

Chase, Samuel, 1741-1811
Winchester, James, 1772-1806

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