Autograph Letter Signed

Abolition of This Species of Servitude, Etc.

Whipple discusses his efforts, at the direction of Mr. Wolcott, to restore to Mrs. Washington her escaped servant. He notes that many servants have escaped from the southward into Massachusetts which is injurious to many valuable estates in that region. For the good of society and individual interests, he wishes that some means be adopted of a public nature to prevent the growing contemplation of the abolition of this species of servitude (slavery).

1796

12

22

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Partly illegible.
Joseph Whipple's own copy of his answer to General Washington.

George Washington

Joseph Whipple

servant

slave

Oney Judge

Martha Washington

citizens

free negroes

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Alexandria

Philadelphia

Massachusetts

southern States

vessel bound for Alexandria or Philadelphia

marriage

slave

employment

popular opinion of the moment

marriage certificate

escape

slavery

1796122290001

1

3

u [undecipherable] n
Joseph Whipple's
own copy of his
answer to gen [c?]
Washington
Portsmouth New Hampshire Dec 22, 1796
Sir
I had the honor to receive your letter of the 28th [?] and I lament the ill success of my endeavors to restore to your Lady her Servant on the request of Mr. Wolcott -
It had indeed become a Subject of Anxiety to me in an Idea that her services were very valuable to her mistress & not readily to be replaced. -
My mode of proceeding then was adapted to my feelings on The occasion for I conceived that a Servant, in her employment especially returning voluntarily of infinitely more value in the [?] of her employer than one taken forceably like a felon for punishments - wherefore I gave her notice - This notice however was not given untill the Vessel intended to convey her in was on the [verge?] of sailing nor would it then have been given had I not [?] from you acknowledgement of a [?] return before [?] know was anything to send her back - It was the circumstance of her acquaintance discovering her intention that defeated it.
[?] well now; Sir agreeably to your desire send her to Alexandria if it be possible without the consequences which you expect - that of creating a riot or a mob - or creating uneasy sensations in the minds of well disposed Citizens - the first cannot be calculated therefore as it will be governed by the popular opinion of the moment - and circumstances that may arise in the transaction - The latter may be [thought?] into & judged of by conversing with such persons without discovering the occasion - So far as I have that opportunity [I appreciate?] that different sentiments are entertained on this subject. - At present there is no Vessel bound for Alexandria or Philadelphia when there is for M?] place I shall if practical without such disagreeable consequences as I may think repugnant to your wishes execute your directions -
I have deferred answering your letter some days to find out the present retreat of the Girl & yesterday discovered that She is lodged at
[?] Three Negroes - that She is published for marriage, agreeable to our [?] in [?] to a Mulatto - I have applyed to the Officer who certified the publications & required him to withhold the Certificate - The further Measures that may be proper I will carefully attend to. -
It has been remarcked that there are many servants who have escaped from the Southern States into Massachusetts & came to [?] - If the practice increases it will be very injurious to many valuable Estates to the Southward - & Such numbers of persons unused to providing for themselves will become miserable and be a nuisance to the public - It were to be wished for the good of society as well as for that of the individuals interested that some means should be adopted of a public nature to prevent this growing evil & that the abolition of this Species of Servitude should in general [& has?] been therefore contemplated - I have the [?] of perfect respect. Sir Jam. M. [?]
G. Washington
President of the U.S.