Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
A group of Louisiana planters wrote to Brig. Gen. George F. Shepley, military governor of New Orleans, in October 1862, asking for return of their slaves who had joined regiments "purporting to be composed of free men of color."
They noted that the slaves' actions were in violation of an order by Major Gen. Benjamin Butler of the Union Department of the Gulf.
Shepley, a Portland lawyer, had gone to Louisiana as commander of the 12th Maine Volunteers, but was soon promoted to the 3rd Brigade before becoming the state's military governor after Union victories.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: Planters' request for return of slaves, New Orleans, 1862
- Creator: I. C. Cofield
- Creation Date: 1862-10-06
- Subject Date: 1862
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Media: Ink on paper
- Local Code: Coll. 117, Box 2/2
- Collection: George Foster Shepley papers
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Slavery--Louisiana--New Orleans
- Slaves--Louisiana--New Orleans
- Military occupations--Louisiana--New Orleans
- Seizures--Louisiana--New Orleans
- United States--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Military service--1860-1870
- Fugitive slaves
- Contraband
People
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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