-
Identifier
-
NJS-SRC-00606
-
Source Type
-
Article
-
Item
-
Kidnapping (opinion piece from Philadelphia)
-
Headline
-
KIDNAPPING
-
Publication
-
New-York Daily Advertiser
-
Date of Issue
-
5 June 1818
-
Page
-
2
-
Description
-
Article about kidnapping and trafficking of Black persons in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Maryland. Authored under the pseudonym "JUSTICE."
The article specifically mentions the slave trading ring operating in South River, New Jersey. Although the names of the slave traders are not printed in this article, the South Amboy ring refers to Middlesex County Judge Jacob Van Wickle and his associates, including his brother-in-law Charles Morgan.
-
Transcript
-
From Poulson's American Daily Advertiser.
KIDNAPPING.
In Relf's Philadelphia Gazette of the 20th inst. the public are informed that a gang of kidnappers have been discovered on South-River about eight miles from Amboy, where about thirty blacks of different ages were confined, and were just on the point of being sent off into unconditional bondage.
In the publication, the names of several persons engaged in this infamous traffick in Human Flesh, are given at full length, and among them one is stated to be a Magistrate, and another a Lawyer.
If such a noble example as this, were generally followed by those who come to the knowledge of circumstances so disgraceful to humanity, great service would be rendered to the cause of the oppressed Africans.
I have long believed that justice requires that the names of those monsters in human shape, who are engaged in this most detestable species of robbery, should be carefully held up to public view. A cause of legal proceeding against such persons, although always important, yet in many instances it is too limited in its operation, and too slow in its progress to produce its full effect unless aided by the public papers.
It is therefore anxiously wished that well attested instances of this kind, may be published in the newspapers throughout the United States; it would be desirable to give not only the names of these Robbers of Blood, but also an exact description of their persons and places of residence, that they may be identified and treated accordingly.
Can we doubt that a man holding the office of Magistrate in the State of New-Jersey, shall escape the punishment of the Law, which it was his duty to support; certainly we must conclude that for such an act as is now publicly charged against him, (if proved to be true,) he will not only be visited with a full measure of violated justice, but that among his fellow citizens at large, his character, as an honest and respectable citizen will be laid low.
And as it relates to the Lawyer who is thus charged, I have too much reliance on the honour and integrity of the Bar of New Jersey not to believe, that an act of such atrocity, committed by one of its members, would at once consign him to as much indignation, and merited neglect, as if he were a common thief or a highwayman.
In a late paper it was announced, that in the vicinity of Elkton, in Maryland, several humane citizens had promptly stepped forward to advocate the cause of some free blacks, that had been sold to Southern Traders by persons in that neighborhood—but the names of the offenders were not annexed.
It has also been publicly announced in the Newspapers, that in Maryland (a Merchant) actually sold his own Son to the Southern traders (commonly called Georgiamen.)
The youth thus sold was a fine Mulatto Lad, and he fled to a friend of color for protection; but mark, his Father was his Master, and the Law of the Land permitted the act; the tears the agonizing intreaties of the unhappy lad were unavailing—he was sold to the Georgiamen, and was dragged in chains into perpetual Slavery.
On this occasion, I particularly regretted that the name of the Monster did not appear—and if this publication should meet the eye of any persons that can legally substantiate the fact—it is not yet too late to furnish through the medium of the Newspapers, the name of the father of the lad, his occupation and place of residence, with a particular description of his person.
Let him be so completely identified that in any part of the United States he may be known as a depraved wretch that actuated by avarice, sold the fruit of his own body—let him be pointed at as though he were an assassin, that if he could escape the law, might be hired to plunge a dagger into the hearts of the very Parents that gave him birth.
The high price given for Coloured Persons to the Southward, has proven a strong stimulus to Kidnappers, even in Philadelphia and its vicinity.
Our citizens generally, are not aware of the extent to which this cruel and abominable traffic in human flesh is now carried—but I hope the day is not far distant when some of the infamous authors of these barbarous practices will be exhibited to their fellow citizens in their real characters.
The citizens of Philadelphia are for the present informed that it is very common practices for these Men stealers, when they seize a victim and are dragging him along our streets to give out as they pass, that the poor black man has committed some criminal act: such as house breaking, stealing, &c.—This falsehood calculated to full unsuspecting citizens into security and affords an opportunity to the Kidnapper to carry off the victim of his villany—it is therefore strongly recommended that persons dragging blacks through our streets may be closely watched until it is clearly ascertained that they are acting in a lawful manner.
JUSTICE.
-
Language
-
English
-
Record Contributor
-
Jesse Bayker
