James Mercer Slave Pass October 29-30, 1771.

Access and use

Location of collection:
Colonial Williamsburg
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
P.O. Box 1776
Williamsburg, VA 23187
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Douglas Mayo
Phone: (757) 565-8521
Phone: (757) 565-8520
Fax: (757) 565-8528

Background

Scope and content:

Safe conduct pass for two slaves, "Negro Bobb, coachman & Negro George, postillion", to travel from Fredericksburg, Virginia to Williamsburg "with a coach and six horses". Signed by Mercer's steward, Thomas Oliver. Requests the slaves be afforded hospitality at inns along the way; reverse contains an account of expenses signed by Jonathan Martin.

Biographical / historical:

James Mercer was a planter and politician of Fredericksburg, Va. He served in the House of Burgesses, General Assembly, the Virginia constitutional convention of 1776, the committee of safety, and in the Continental Congress. He also served as a judge of the general court and of the court of appeals.

Acquisition information:
Gift, 1975.
Physical description:
1 item.