Office of the Mayor bills relating to the Anthony Burns case

Series — Box: SB - 011, Folder: 7

Identifier: 0200.020

Staff Only

Scope and Contents note

This collection contains bills and receipts in conncection with the military services of various cavalry, infantry, and artillery units of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Payments are detailed for ammunitions supplies such as musket balls, carbine cartridges, and ball cartridges purchased from William Read. Co. The file also includes several writs of attachment which seem to have resulted from a contractual dispute over unpaid bills for refreshments for the Light Guards.

Dates

Creation: 1854-1855

Creator

Boston (Mass.). Office of the Mayor (Organization)

Historical note

Anthony Burns, who had escaped from slavery in Virginia, was arrested in Boston on May 24, 1854 for violating the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. When a group of abolitionists stormed the courthouse in an attempt to rescue Burns two days later, a deputy was killed. Military forces were called in to prevent further violence.

After a trial, Burns was remanded to his owner. City police, the militia, and federal troops were all on hand to preserve order when Burns was escorted to the wharf on June 2 to return to Virginia.

The case was important in terms of unifying opposition to the Fugitive Slave Act.