1708 Rhode Island Colonial Document Defending Rights of Freed African American

Autograph document signed by Clerk of Writs John Cary recording Benjamin Head accused of abusing a freed African American: Whereas Benjamin Head of Little Compton within sd. Stands on file presented for Abusing Mabud a Blackman. 1708 RHODE ISLAND COLONIAL DOCUMENT RECORDING THE ABUSE OF A FREED AFRICAN AMERICAN.

A rare and unusual colonial document associated with early African American History. Since Rhode Island outlawed slavery in 1652, the present document is an example of how the state tried to maintain the rights of freed African Americans. WHEREAS BENJAMIN HEAD OF LITTLE COMPTON WITHIN SD. STANDS ON FILE PRESENTED FOR ABUSING MABUD A BLACKMAN.

Contains one page with a red wax seal and docketing on the verso, measures 6.125 by 4.25 inches, created on December 17, 1708 in Little Compton, Rhode Island, and in fine condition with dampstaining and creasing.

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