Statement of facts in the case of the State of Maryland vs Levi Rogers
Document
CH_CA_2021_SC_026_003
Community Archive
Levi Rogers was a free African American from Kent County. He was employed by Crosby P. Morton of Philadelphia. Morton also owned land in Queen Anne’s County where he harvested and shipped lumber by schooner to Baltimore and Philadelphia. Levi was master of the schooner and authorized to do business for Morton including pay the crew. Due to each state having its own laws regarding slavery it was illegal for a free man of Maryland to leave the state for an extended period of time. While Levi may have been free, he was still under strict laws and regulations to restrict his movements. This case alleges that while he was conducting his trips on behalf of Morton, he violated the Act of 1856. He was found guilty.
April 29 1859
English
legal documents
Criminal procedure--United States--Cases, Criminal courts--United States, Slavery--Law and legislation--United States--History, Free African Americans Chestertown
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