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Identifier
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NJS-SRC-00608
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Source Type
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Article
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Printer
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Richard Bache
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Publication
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Franklin Gazette
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Date of Issue
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May 22, 1818
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Page
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2
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Description
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Article implicating Jacob Van Wickle, Nicholas Van Wickle, Charles Morgan, and Peter Ferron Hendry in kidnapping and human trafficking. Judge Jacob Van Wickle's "house on South River, about 8 miles from South Amboy" was described as the location where about thirty Black people were held under guard "almost like a garrison" awaiting departure to the South. The report originated in Philadelphia and then circulated in New Jersey newspapers.
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Transcript
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We are authorized, by a gentleman of unimpeachable honor and veracity, to state the following facts; and we fell at a loss to find time adequate to express our indignation and horror at the cupidity and barbarity which they display. Our informant states, that a black boy belonging to him, some months ago, eloped from his service, but not very anxious to recover him, he took the usual precaution of advertising a small reward for his apprehension. He heard nothing of the runaway for a considerable time; and the first information was from a person who offered to purchase his time. The master declining the offer, and upon enquiry, found that the person proposing to buy the boy, had already kidnapped and sold him, to be transported as a slave to the southward!!!
With a zeal and humanity which reflect honor upon his character, he immediately made arrangements for the recovery of the unfortunate boy, and he was not only successful in reclaiming his servant from the foulest bondage, but has ben the instrument, under Providence, of exposing a scene of villainy almost unexampled.
The officer who was despatched for the purpose, reached a house on South River, about 8 miles from South Amboy, occupied or owned by a Jacob Vanwickle, (magistrate.) The house was almost like a garrison, so well was it guarded and watched. But the officer made his way, and reclaimed the boy, just on the eve, with about thirty others of different ages, of being consigned to a perpetual and cruel slavery.
We are requested to state, that this abominable traffic in human flesh is carried on by men holding offices of respectability and trust, & that Jacob Vanwickle, a magistrate, & Nicholas Vanwickle, his son, and Charles Morgan, his son-in-law, are knowing to be aiding and assisting, and even the purchasers in this nefarious business. Peter Ferron Henry of West-Windsor, well known in New-Jersey, has sold several negroes as slaves for life to the persons just named, and is the person who kidnapped and sold them the servant of our informant, whose name is at the service of any person complaining of this article; and we request publishers throughout the United States to give the foregoing an insertion.
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Language
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English
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Keywords
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Van Wickle slave trading ring
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kidnapping
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slave trade
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Record Contributor
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Jesse Bayker
