1823 Slave Bill Indenture Samuel Boyer Davis War Of 1812 Bombardment Of Lewes For Sale

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1823 Slave Bill Indenture Samuel Boyer Davis War Of 1812 Bombardment Of Lewes :
$8500.00

This is a rare opportunity to own a museum level quality piece of history. As of this publication we have not been able to find another \"signed document\" either offered for sale or acquired in private hands of the United States Military war hero, Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis.

This 1823 slave bill and indenture was drawn up for and signed by Col. Samuel Boyer Davis, a resident of Lewes, Delaware during the War of 1812, was in charge of U.S. forces defending America from the British during the bombardment of Lewes. The document is a valuable collectible that reveals the historical context of slavery and war in the early 19th century. It is an original artifact with a unique story that will be a great addition to any collection of historical documents from this period. 

Slave documents originating from the state of Delaware are very scarce and difficult to find on their own but having ties to a significant person such as Col. Davis are near impossible. The fact that the document is signed by noted military leader Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis, makes this document quite rare. Again, we have been unable to find any documents bearing his signature that have a recent sale history or are in the possession outside of an institution. A full life portrait of Colonel Davis was made by Thomas Sully and was purchased in the Walton family museum in Arkansas. This document has been part of a private family collection, and this is the first time being offered to the public in over 50 years. 

According to this document, the man who became the indentured servant in 1823 should have had his freedom given to him around the age of 55. According to Delaware records (a copy of which are now attached) Mr. Davis lived a long and happy life, living on Col. Davis\' estate, Delamore Place in Wilmington until his death in December 18, 1851 according to his death record at the age of 84! Meaning this indenture appears to have taken place at the time he was turning 55 and may have been some loophole to give William his freedom. Son while it appears at first to be a SLAVE INDENTURE it may actually be a slave emancipation, once again signifying the amazing character that Col Davis possessed.

In March of 1813, the Royal Navy established a blockade of the Delaware Bay and River. The British squadron, under the command of Commodore John P. Beresford, RN, took up stations off Lewes and the Delaware Capes, and began to conduct raids along the coast in an effort to disrupt maritime commerce and shipping. Many small actions resulted with numerous vessels being captured and destroyed. On this location was one of two fortifications that were built to protect the town of Lewes. These earthworks mounted several cannons and were manned by militia under the command of Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis. After Delaware authorities refused a demand to provide supplies, the British ships took up bombardment positions off the town. From April 6th into the 7th, Lewes was shelled for 

2. The Bombardment of Lewes Marker

twenty-two hours, with the British firing as many as 800 projectiles into the town. This was the first use of the Congreve rocket against the Americans during the War of 1812. Naval fire was successful in striking and damaging the fortifications and many buildings in the town. Although short of ammunition, the American batteries were able to effectively reply and cause damage to enemy vessels. On April 7th the British withdrew to more distant positions. They continued to maintain the blockade until 1815.

Davis later went on into politics and found Delamore place in Wilmington, the area of which still exists today. A Large monument marks his resting place.

\"Printed by J, Wilson, 105, Market St, Wilmington.

THIS INDENTURE

Witnessed That William Davis, A Blackman, here tofor a slave, of Col Samuel B Davis, hath put himself, and by these Presents doth voluntarily, and of his own free Will and Accord, Pu* himself Apprentice to the Said Col Samuel B Davis

after the Manner of an Apprentice, to serve him, his heirs and assigns, from the day of the date hereof, for and during and to the full end and term of ten years, or until he, the said Apprentice, shall be FORTY-Five years of age: during all which term, the said Apprentice his said Master faithfully shall serve, his Secrets keep, his lawful Commands every where readily obey, and in all things behave himself as a faithful Apprentice ought to do. And the said Master shall use the utmost of his endeavors to teach or cause to be • taught or instructed the said Apprentice in the Trade or Mystery of WAITER SLAVE SERVANT and procure and provide for him sufficient Meat, Drink, lodging and washing, fitting for an Apprentice, during the said term of

or until the said Apprentice shall be Fifty-FIVE

years of age

and for the performance of all and singular the Covenants and Agreements said Parties bind themselves each unto the other firmly by these Presents. And witnessed whereof,

M.G. Williamson

& ????? ???????

The said interchangeably set their Hands and Seals hereunto. Dated the FIFTH day of JULY Anno Domini, One thousand eight hundred and Twenty Three.

aforesaid,

WILLIAM DAVIS (Signed with an X as his MARK)

and Colonel Samuel B Davis.

State of Delaware

New Castle County

Personally appeared before me Samuel B Davis & William Davis, a black man, that they knownigly acknowledge the within instrument liens act? and deed with my appreciation. 

July 5, 1823

H??? W.? Lenowd J.A.\"

A Bit of Background on Colonel Davis:

Son of John Samuel Davis and Elizabeth (Boyer)Davis

Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis, born at Lewes, Delaware, Dec. 25, 1765; died at Delamore Place just outside the city limits of Wilmington, Delaware on Sept. 6, 1854. He had acquired a love of the sea and made many voyages to France where he joined the French Navy. In helping to rescue the family of Baron De Boisfontaine from the island of Santo Domingo during the 1792 slave insurrection, he met and married the baron\'s daughter Rose. They settled in New Orleans, and Davis became a wealthy landowner.

Receiving a commission in the U.S. Army at the outbreak of the War of 1812, Davis was made lieutenant-colonel of the 32nd U.S. Infantry and assigned to head the forces defending the entrance to Delaware Bay.

He built an imposing dwelling on a farm outside Wilmington and called it Delamore Place. While living in Philadelphia he served several terms as a member of the Pennsylvania legislature, but returned to Delaware after tasting defeat in his 1834 offer for Congress.

In 1837 Samuel Davis at the age of 71 years he married Sally Jones who was more than 50 years his junior.

They had five children before he died in 1854.

“The Honour of the State has not been Tarnished”

Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis was a notable figure from Lewes, Delaware, with a rich history tied to the early 19th century. Here\'s a brief biography and his roles in the events you mentioned:

**Biography of Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis:**

- **Born:** December 25, 1765, in Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware².

- **Died:** September 6, 1854, at Delamore Place, just outside the city limits of Wilmington, Delaware².

- **Family:** Son of John Samuel Davis and Elizabeth (Boyer) Davis².

- **Career:** He had a love for the sea and made many voyages to France, where he joined the French Navy².

**Role in the Bombardment of Lewes:**

During the War of 1812, Lewes was bombarded by the British on March 13, 1813. Colonel Davis, as the commander of American troops, refused a demand from the British for fresh provisions. In response, the British fleet, under Commodore Beresford, bombarded Lewes for twenty-two hours, firing as many as 800 projectiles into the town. Despite being short on ammunition, the American batteries under Colonel Davis\' command were able to effectively reply and cause damage to the enemy vessels, leading to the British withdrawal on April 7, 1813.

**Founding of Delmore Place:**

Colonel Davis died at Delamore Place, which suggests he had a significant connection to the location. However, the specific details of his founding of Delmore Place are not readily available in the search results. It\'s possible that Delmore Place was his residence or an estate he developed, but further research would be needed to confirm the details of its founding.

Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis\' legacy is remembered for his leadership during a critical moment in American history and his contributions to the state of Delaware.

(1) Col Samuel Boyer Davis (1765-1854) - Find a Grave Memorial. dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;\">(2) Bombardment of Lewes - Delaware Public Archives. dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;\">(3) The War of 1812: Delaware\'s role in Americas Second War for .... dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;\">(4) War of 1812: Delawares native sons, war heroes | Delaware First Media. dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;\">(5) Sussex County Delaware Genealogy and History. dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;\">(6) 1813: Lewes under siege by British warships | Cape Gazette. dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;\">(7) Davis, Samuel Boyer - TSHA. dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;\">Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis (1765-1854) was a prominent figure in the early history of Delaware. His life and achievements are woven into the fabric of the state’s heritage, particularly his role in the War of 1812, his command during the bombardment of Lewes, and his establishment of Delamore Place. This essay explores Davis’s contributions to Delaware and his lasting legacy.

Early Life and Maritime Career

Born in Lewes, Delaware, on December 25, 1765, Davis developed a love for the sea early in life. His maritime career took him on many voyages, including to France, where he joined the French Navy. This experience would later prove invaluable during his military service in the War of 1812.

The Bombardment of Lewes

As a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, Davis was placed in command of the defenses at Lewes when the War of 1812 broke out. In April 1813, Lewes came under attack by the British Navy. Davis’s strategic acumen was on full display as he successfully defended the town from the British bombardment, an act that earned him a promotion to colonel. His leadership during this critical moment not only protected Lewes but also bolstered American morale during a challenging period in the nation’s history.

Formation of Delamore Place

After the war, Davis turned his attention to domestic affairs. He acquired land just outside the city limits of Wilmington, Delaware, where he established Delamore Place1. This estate became a symbol of his status and a testament to his success. It also served as a gathering place for prominent figures of the time, further cementing Davis’s role in the social and political spheres of Delaware.

Other Historical Achievements

Davis’s impact extended beyond military and personal achievements. He was instrumental in blocking access to Silver Lake during the War of 1812, strategically keeping vital resources out of British hands3. This move demonstrated his understanding of the broader implications of warfare and his commitment to the American cause.

Legacy

Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis passed away on September 6, 1854, at Delamore Place. His legacy lives on in Delaware, where he is remembered as a war hero and a founding figure. His life’s work contributed significantly to the state’s development and its place in American history.

Conclusion

Colonel Samuel Boyer Davis’s relationship with Delaware is marked by his leadership, strategic prowess, and civic engagement. From defending Lewes against British forces to establishing Delamore Place, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the state. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the courage and dedication that shaped Delaware and the nation during its formative years.

The sale is for the slave indenture document only. The graphic photo\'s are included for informational purposes and are not included with the sale.

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