African
Americans, Enslaved & Free, at Washington Navy Yard
and Daniel and Mary Bell and the Struggle for Freedom
by John G. M. Sharp
Table II Footnotes's 225 to 277
225 Charles Ball, 1780 to after 1837, worked for two years in the ordinary. The following account of his time in the navy yard is from his Narrative. "Saturday evening, when I came home from the cornfield; my master told me that he had hired me out for a year at the city of Washington, and that I would have to live at the Navy Yard. On the New Year's day following, which happened about two weeks afterwards, my master set forward for Washington on horseback and ordered me to accompany him on foot. It was night when we arrived at the Navy Yard, and everything appeared very strange to me. I was told by a gentleman who had epaulets on his shoulders that I must go on board a large ship which lay in the river. He, at the same time, told a boy to show me the way. This ship proved to be the Congress frigate, and I was told that I had been brought here to cook for the people belonging to her. In the course of a few days the duties of my station became quite familiar to me; and in the enjoyment of a profusion of excellent provisions, I felt very happy. I strove by all means to please the officers and gentlemen who came on board, and in this I soon found my account. One gave me a half-worn coat, another an old shirt, and a third a cast off waistcoat and pantaloons. Some presented me with small sums of money, and in this way I soon found myself well clothed, and with more than a dollar in my pocket. My duties, though constant, were not burdensome and I was permitted to spend Sunday afternoon in my own way. I generally went up into the city to see the new and splendid buildings; and often walked as far as Georgetown, and made many new acquaintances among the slaves, and frequently saw large numbers of people of my color chained together in long trains, and driven off towards the south. At that time the slave trade was not regarded with so much indignation and disgust as it is now. It was a rare thing to hear of a person of color running away and escaping altogether from his master. I remained on board the Congress, and about the Navy Yard, two years, and was quite satisfied with my lot, until about three months before the expiration of this period. Ball later fought at the battle of Brandenburg, Md and after many misfortunes was able to make his escape to freedom. A Narrative of the life and adventures of Charles Ball, a Black Man, John T. Shyrock: Pittsburgh. Western Publisher, 1854, pp. 20-22.
226 District of Columbia, Deed Book, Liber M No. 12, 22 May 1805, Certificate of slaves "Thomas Washington, late of Stafford County Va., moved his slaves: James, Anthony, Tom, Dick, Henry, Charles, Fielding, Jacob William and Sarah on 30 December 1804 into the District for his own use and not for sale."227 District of Columbia, Deed Book, Liber AM No.37, 12 December 1816, 125, Indenture re. mortgage of Tom between Benjamin King and Griffin Coombe. King sells to Coombe Tom for $1.00 as security for certain suits brought against him. If King pays all advances on time, this sale is considered void
228 Benjamin King, master blacksmith, 1764-1840, an entrepreneur, veteran of the War of 1812 and inventor, left a wide mark on early Washington D.C. and the new navy yard. In his lifetime, King was perceived as intelligent, creative and clever but just as often thought of as outspoken, boisterous and occasionally cruel. People who met King were rarely indifferent to his larger than life character. King was born on the Isle of Man, circa 1764; little is known of his early life on this small rugged isle.
Like many King went to the Caribbean to make his fortune, he later claimed to have fought with the French armies in Santo Domingo over much of his adult life. How long King stayed in French service and what he made of France’s military defeat is unknown. He probably left with the defeated French forces. Ever resilient, he immigrated to Philadelphia and through contacts came to the notice of Commodore Thomas Tingey, first Commandant of the new navy yard and his senior officer Captain John Cassin. The Navy first appointed King, master blacksmith, on April 12,1804 (and later reappointed following the War of 1812 by the Board of Naval Commissioners on August 15, 1817) at a salary of $1.000.00 per year. As early as 1804, King installed some of first plumbing fixtures in the "water closet" of the new White House, then known as "the President’s House" for Thomas Jefferson. As late as April 29, 1807, King still worked on various jobs. Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the newly appointed Architect of the Capitol and engineer of the navy yard, worked closely with King. Latrobe writing to Jefferson recounts King’s work in a favorable light. "Having laid out the ground with the assistance of Mr. King, to whose kindness and skill I am under the greatest obligations…" King by 1811 supervised a large shop composed of 47 journeymen, apprentices, laborers and slaves. In 1818 a writer noted there were twenty-two forges and three furnaces. In addition, the blacksmith’s domain had a large new tilt hammer operated by a newly installed steam engine. The blacksmith shop, like other departments, made extensive use of slave labor. King owed five slaves and with other senior officers and civilians such as Tingey, Cassin, Davis of Abel, Peter Gardner, and Thomas Howard, leased their slaves to the navy yard. This was a profitable arrangement both for the slave owners who pocketed their slaves wages, and for the Navy since white blacksmiths were paid $1.81 per diem versus 80 cents per day for each slave worker. Most of these enslaved men were used for heavy work as strikers wielding large hammers to beat molten metal into anchors. The payroll for 1811 reflects as many as 19 slaves including the 5 owned by King himself.229 When the Secretary of the Navy sought to reduce slave labor, King protested that slaves were ideal for the blacksmith shop. "Experience has pointed out the utility of employing for Strikers Black Men in preference to white & of them Slaves before Freemen – The Strict distinction necessary to be kept up in the shop is more easily enforced – The Liberty white men take of going & coming is avoided the Master of Slaves for their own interest keep them at work- The Habits of Labor they are Inured to & then Ability to support it are striking Obvious – It also takes some time to learn their Business & the time a White Man learns, he quits us & the trouble is to be renewed." The blacksmiths had a reputation as a tough group of tradesman who were often unhappy over their wages and working conditions. The mix of slaves and free workers made for a volatile situation, and, as a complicating factor, as shipyard and naval customs allowed men to drink beer and grog during their work hours as"refreshment." Discord and occasionally violence flared up. Benjamin Henry Latrobe quickly came to see King in more critical light and, while still willing to concede King’s ability as a craftsman, he found the master mechanic too out spoken and thought him a severe and harsh task master. "Ben. King, He has been swearing and whipping his black Strikers at a terrible rate these two days past ..." During the war of 1812 King, age fifty, volunteered and fought heroically at the Battle of Bladensburg. King died in September 12, 1840, at his residence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His obituary remembered "he was esteemed by the public authorities and by all who knew him as an honest and kind-hearted man as well as for his preeminent skill in his profession."
230 Daily National Intelligencer, 22 June 1807, "Ran Away from the Subscriber living near the Eastern bridge a negro woman of about 32 years of age, of a middle stature, rather blacker then common, somewhat pitted with small pox about the nose; she has had liberty at different times to choose a master; she has left a suckling child and I believe has contacted an acquaintance with a certain Cato Day, a black man who has worked some years past in the Navy Yard in the City of Washington. I have reason to believe she is either harbored or rather conveyed from this place under him; she has change of clothing therefore cannot be well described by her dress. Whoever takes up the said negro and secures her so I can get her again shall have Ten Dollars Reward and all reasonable expenses if brought home. JOHN MASTERS, June 5th"
Cato Day worked at the shipyard for a few years as a caulker; Day was literate and may have taken the enslaved women, (possibly his wife) to Baltimore, where he again found work as a ship caulker at Fells Pont. John Masters, like many slaveholders never even listed the women's' names. Day was active in Baltimore’s large African American community and on 27 April 1815, Day and forty other ship caulkers notified the public that they "will not work for less than two dollars per day." Baltimore Patriot 27 April 1815. In 1819 Cato Day was listed in The Baltimore Directory, as: "caulker, 62 Strawberry Alley. Fells Point." In 1832 Day filed for insolvency in a Baltimore court and died sometime after, see Baltimore Gazette and Daily Advertiser, 26 May 1832.
231 Washington Bowie is listed as a slave by Tingey to Smith 16 April 1808. The slaveholder is recorded as Gustavius Ward. Tingey informed Smith that he had discharged Bowie and twenty other slaves in accord with Smith's instruction. Bowie was sold to Walter Cox and re employed at the shipyard.
232 Buller Cocke, Purser USN, 1771 -1838, appointed 1798, later Naval Store Keeper, resigned 1816. Cocke owned a number of slaves, and although no name is given, is probably Frank, see District of Columbia Deed Book Liber L , No. 11, 1804, 167. "At the request of Buller Cocke the certificate of slaves was recorded on 4 September 1804. The following negroes bought by Buller Cocke from the Borough of Norfolk, Virginia, where he resided and then moved to the District of Columbia and taken up residence. The slaves are his property and all are native of Virginia: Frank, age 47 years, Silvy about 45 years and Ruben a boy about five years, by right of purchase. Also Charlotte, about 25 years by right of gift."
233 Reports of Cases argued and determined in the Court of Appeals of Maryland Volume VIII (Baltimore: John B. Toy Printers 1839), 391-394 Negro John, and others VS William Morton Administrator of James Clagett – December 1836: "That the said James Clagett, in and by the said paper writing, purporting to be his last will and testament, disposed of his estate, real and personal, and among other clauses was the following, to wit: "I give full power to my executors, and I direct them immediately after my decease, to manumit and release from slavery my two negro men, Robert and Aaron, to whom I hereby give the use and quiet possession, rent free, of my tenement and garden in Georgetown, late in the possession and occupancy of Mrs. Rabbitt, to hold and continue such use and possession for their joint lives, and the life of the survivor of them." The appellate court decided in favor of William Morton and against the petitioners and Robert and Aaron remained enslaved. Clagett rented slaves for the construction of the U.S. Capitol, see Robert Arnebeck Use of Slaves to Build and Capitol and White House 1791-1801, chapter 4, http://bobarnebeck.com/slavespt4.html accessed by the author 3 March 2010. Clagett, in addition provided enslaved labor for the construction of the famous Octagon House, see Orlando Ridout, Building the Octagon (American Institute of Architects: Washington D,C. 1989) pp.137, 157.
234 Tingey to Paul Hamilton, 1 August 1809. Henry Adams, a free black caulker, had served as a seaman on American merchant vessels and had worked as a caulker in Europe. In July 1809 Adams unsuccessfully wrote the Secretary of the Navy, Paul Hamilton, requesting higher wages. Today we only have Commodore Thomas Tingey's response to Secretary Hamilton but even this limited one-sided glimpse reflects Henry Adams had the courage to speak to power.
Sir, I have been duly honored with your letters of the 24th & 31 ultimo accompanying letters from Henry Adams, which I am concerned that you should be thus pestered with, and will certainly endeavor to discover, who it is thus prone to disturb or destroy the regulations & discipline of this yard, by aiding such men as Adams with their pens and stimulating them to troublesome acts. Henry Adams, Sir, is an ignorant impertinent Negro man, who however it is allowed, is a good journeyman caulker, but his assertion that he "has much experience in his trade as a caulker in France & England" is certainly devoid of truth: for by his own verbal account, he merely "helped" to caulk a merchant vessel he belonged to while laying in France. And his operations in England, it is presumed, are not superior, if he were worked there at all. The particulars relative to caulking & in his last letter are certainly correct, but they are such as have been in constant practice long before Adams came into existence, and such as have been invariably practiced on the public Ships repaired at this place. I have been thus prolix on his subject in the hope that no more of his letters may be suffered to trouble you otherwise than as clue to lead to the writers.
235 Nicholas Franklin, freeman and ship caulker, was one of the founders of the Bell School. See District of Columbia Deed Book, Liber A.G. 32, 303, for his free status. In 1827, according to the Washington Directory, Franklin lived in K Street and 4 East.236 Moses Liverpool, Senior, 1773-1845, began life enslaved in Virginia. Slaveholder Moore Fauntleroy manumitted him in his will of 15 December 1801, see District of Columbia Deed Book Liber L no 11 Folio 179. In Fauntleroy’s will he is described as "a good Cooper & house Carpenter & is a little acquainted with the Ship Carpenter business…" Shortly afterwards he moved into the District of Columbia. In the District he used his carpentry and boat building experience to work as a caulker at the Yard. Liverpool and two other free black men, Nicholas Franklin also a caulker at the shipyard and George Bell, founded the "Bell School" in 1807. The Bell school was the first school for African Americans in the District of Columbia. Although he was probably illiterate, he knew from his own experience the value of education. Liverpool lived on L Street near Joseph Cassin, a Justice of the Peace and brother to Captain John Cassin USN who was frequently assigned to the navy yard
237 District of Columbia, Deed Books, Liber AU No.45, 1819, pages old 145 and new 102, documents the manumission of Henry Hicks, by Lucy Evans, Jesse Barnes and James Spaulding.
Henry Hicks, born circa, 1787, was manumitted on June 21, 1819. He worked with the caulkers and carpenters as a laborer. His name is found on the 1811 muster roll as Harry Hicks, where he signs for his own pay, perhaps he was freed earlier and this 1819 manumission was a formality?
238 Samuel Nicholas Smallwood 1772-1824. Smallwood worked the most important and prestigious construction projects in the new capital: his white workers and slaves quarried rock for the foundation of the White House. Smallwood was also overseer of the slaves who built the U.S. Capitol in 1795. By about 1804 he was one of the leading merchants of lumber and building supplies in the city. He owned one of the major wharves in the city water front, e.g. Smallwood's Wharf, on the Anacostia River (then known as the "Eastern Branch") in southeast Washington, D.C. In addition he was a bank director and an incorporator for the Washington Canal that was built in 1815. Smallwood was friend and business associate of George Blagden, James Claggett and William B. Magruder. They all rented their slaves to the U.S. Capitol construction and later with Commodore Thomas Tingey to the Navy. Smallwood became Mayor of Washington in 1819. In 1820, the United States Congress amended the city charter to allow the Mayor to be popularly elected to a two-year term, and Smallwood was elected in 1820.
239 Joe AKA Joe Thompson listed as a slave of Walter Clarke, see Tingey to Smith, 25 April 1808. Thompson is also enumerated on the Pay Roll of Mechanics and Laborers of July 1811 and listing of employees for April 1829, Appendix B, where Thompson is a freeman working as a striker in the Blacksmith shop.240 Joe AKA Joe Smoot is enumerated a slave of Alexander Smoot in a letter Tingey to Smith 25 April 1808.
241 Luke Cannon, mentioned as a slave of Thomas Fenwick, see Tingey to Smith 25 April 1808 RG45/M125, NARA. Cannon is later listed as a freeman on the Pay Roll of Mechanics and Laborers of July 1811 where he is enumerated as working in the Blacksmith Shop.
242 George Fenwick, surveyor and slaveholder, worked on the construction of the U.S. Capitol and his enslaved workers appear on the pay documents for 1794-1795, see Allen, William C History of Slave Laborers in the Construction of the United States Capitol, Government. Printing Office: Washington D.C. 2005), http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/art_artifacts/slave_labor_reportl.pdf accessed by the author 2 January 2010 .
243 William Small, master instrument maker, complained to Secretary of the Navy Robert Smith regarding paying his enslaved worker out of his own pocket, see Smith to Tingey 17 March 1807 RG45/M125, NARA. Mr. Small states that he has a boy with him whose services have been given to the public without his having received any compensation. How is this Fact? "Later that year Small was apparently being compensated for his slave but was still displeased. Small to John Cassin 7 October 1807 RG45/M125, NARA, "Let it be remarked that except [for the] the services of a common black laborer every assistance afford has been at my own cost, and new patterns for castings all tools except files have been made & except in repairs by myself and when cold weather or other casualties occurred, so that I could not work at the fine work, as my attention was turned to forging & filing and preparations for the furnishing requisite to commence more beneficial labors, when apartments with convenient room was afforded one to complete the different objects may be pointed out, hints of which have been given in by late requests." The black laborer Small refers to is likely Joe Button. William Small’s salary was $1,000.00 per annum.
244 Smith to Tingey 19 May 1808 RG45/M125, NARA, "I have received your letter of the 18 inst. In my letter to you the 16 inst. enumerating the Slaves to be retained in the Service of the Yard, you will strike from the list the name of Bill Hamilton and insert in his stead Red Nevitt and you will also retain Wm. Baker the driver of the Oxen."
245 Sawyers cut the many logs and large pieces of wood used to create staves, keels and bows of wooden ships. Ship carpenters couldn't carry out their trade without the sawyer supplying him with dressed and prepared lengths of different woods. This sawing of logs was often done in a pit by two men, the journeyman sawyer on top (Top Sawyer) typically did the actual cutting for which he received higher wages, while an apprentice or Pit (Pit Sawyer) literally stood in a pit to steady the log. In the District sawyers were often blacks, the work was both difficult and dangerous.
246 Peter Gardner to Tingey 29 June 1808, and attached affidavits of Talburt and Barnes, both 28 June 1808, NARA RG45/M125. David or "Davy" Gardner, enslaved apprentice, of master mast maker, Peter Gardner. Gardner and his boss, Josiah Fox, were unusual in having enrolled both their own slaves as apprentices in what came to be considered elite shipyard trades, that is, ship joiner and mast maker respectively. While it’s not possible to determine their actual motivation, perhaps altruism, more likely profit or maybe a combination of both. Such apprenticeships were rare and may well have angered white employees. Indeed Davy Gardener and Josiah Fox’s two enslaved ship joiners Edwin Jones and William Oakley AKA William Fox were the last African Americans to work in either of these trades at the yard for over a century.247 District of Columbia, Deed Book, Certificate of slaves, Liber M No. 12, 22 May 1805, "Thomas Washington, late of Stafford County Va., moved his slaves James, Anthony, Tom, Dick, Henry, Charles, Fielding, Jacob, William and Sarah on 30 December 1804 into the District "for his own use and not for sale."
248 District of Columbia Archives, manumission: Thomas Tingey, to Abraham (Lynson) Liber, W No. 22, 21 July 1809, (pages new 146, 147).Negro Abraham [Lynson]
District of Columbia, Washington County to wit: To all it may concern be it known that I Thomas Tingey, of the County and district aforesaid for divers and good causes, and considerations, me therefore moving, as also the sum of one dollar current money to me in hand paid have released from slavery liberated manumitted and set free, and by these presents do hereby release from slavery and set free my negro man named Abraham being of age twenty nine years, and able to work and gain sufficient livelihood and maintenance and him the said negro man named Abraham I do declare to henceforth free from all manner of servitude or service to me, my Executors or administrators forever. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 21st day of July in the year of our Lord 1809.
249 Dr. Thomas Beale Ewell 1785-1826. Ewell was the author of the American Family Physician first published 1824. In his book Ewell discussed medical care ’from infancy to old age," with instructions for birthing women "and the diseases peculiar to the sex." Ewell added an appendix "Hints respecting the Treatment of Domestic Animals, and The Best Means of Preserving Fish and Meat." In 1813 Thomas Ewell's disagreements and conflicts with the Navy Department became public when he wrote: Conclusion of the Evidence of the Corruption of the Chief Clerk of the Navy Department followed in 1814 by his broadside: The subscriber owes it to his detestation of slandering and to his regard for truth, to offer a few remarks on the guilt of the chief clerk of the Navy Department. In both works he defended his own conduct while attacking that of Charles W. Goldborough, Chief Clerk, Navy Department over Goldsborough’s allegations of irregularities in Ewell's production and purchase of gunpowder, his medical practice and apothecary business. Ewell resigned from the Navy in 1815 after a series of business failures at his gun powder factory and repeated conflicts and disputes with Tingey and other navy yard employees.
250 Master Commandant Nathaniel Haraden had long service in the US Navy, serving as Sailing Master, Lieutenant, and promoted April 16, 1816 to the rank of Master Commandant. Harraden served the last decade of his life at the navy yard as executive officer to Thomas Tingey. Haraden died at his house near the Yard gate on January 20, 1818. After Haraden's death his widow, Susan, hard pressed by her creditors was forced to sell much of her property including three slaves. They are 24 year old Alan, and the unidentified 19 year old mother and her child. Three other slaves are listed as belonging to the Haradens, John Russell, "servant", Philip Greyhook "servant" and Thomas Downs, apprentice, see 1808 Muster Roll for Ordinary.
251 Dr. Alexander McWilliams, born in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, in 1775, entered the navy (1802) as assistant surgeon and afterwards was ordered to sea in one of Jefferson's gun-boats. He served during the Tripolitan War and was present at the burning of the Philadelphia. On his return voyage he was taken ill with a continued fever and was left at Gibraltar, remaining there several weeks, finally returning home on the frigate Constitution and getting a post at the navy yard. McWilliams resigned his commission shortly after and began private medical practice, settling near the navy yard, He was an honorary M. D., 1841, Columbia College, District of Columbia; an incorporator of the Medical Society, District of Columbia, under both charters; assistant surgeon, United States Navy, 1802-05, and president of the Medical Association, District of Columbia, 1847-50. Howard Atwood Kelly, A Cyclopedia of Medical Biography, The Norman Remington Corporation Baltimore 1920, pp. 754-755.
252 Tunis Craven, 1781-1866, Purser USN. Craven was Thomas Tingey’s son-in-law. In November 1808 Tingey wrote Secretary Smith regarding Craven's enslaved man servant who worked in the ordinary. Tingey to Smith 4 November 1808: "Mr. Tunis Craven of this City, a short time past, applied to me to receive into the ordinary, an indented Negro man servant – which after consideration was acceded to, on condition that it received your approbation – otherwise he was to receive no pay for the Services of said Negro – and to reimburse the ration supplied. The multiplicity of material business at your office, prevented the report being made thereof – Nor was it material Yesterday when Mr. Craven had notice to come & receive his servants wages – the Pay roll being made up to the 1st instant. I have refused to permit the payment being made until your pleasure is known. I beg leave to observe that the said servant does the duty of Cook to the Ordinary – a station we find it difficult to get steadily filled. And understanding he gives much satisfaction, I respectfully recommend the measure for your approbation." It's unclear if Smith gave his consent. Craven had legal possession of a number of slaves, District of Columbia, Deed Book, Liber T No.19, 40, Certificate of Slavery 2 June 1808, "Tunis Craven states he brought from Virginia a Negro boy named Charles, about seven years old, for his own use and not for sale." Other Craven slaves, 19 year old Grace and 21 year old Gabriel ran away, see Meaders, Daniel Advertisements for Runaway Slaves in Virginia, 1801-1820 (Routledge: New York 1997), pp. 84, 98.253 District of Columbia, Deed Book, Liber No 30 p.212, Benjamin King to John Davis of Able and John Cassin re Bill of Sale for George Plowden and Jim Smith, 2 April 1813. Benjamin King states in consideration of John Davis of Able and John Cassin, two negro men George Plowden and Jim Smith as security to hold as their property in case he does not pay the debts as specified on or before 23 August 1813.
254 Daily National Intelligencer 16 June 1809. Reward One Hundred Dollars For apprehending the following NEGRO MEN, the property of the subscriber, residing at Washington City and who run away on the night of the 14th inst. DAVID is of a dark color, about 25 years of age, and has lost a joint off one finger of his right hand. The other by the name of JIM, about 35 years of age, also stout made, has been sickly and is of a jet black. David was bought of Major Calvert, Mount Airy, and is expected will be about there. Jim was bought from Mr. Samuel G. Griffith, of Baltimore, and will no doubt make for that city. They are both old runaways, and will try to pass for freemen. The above reward will be given for both or half for either with reasonable charges. June 16 – JAMES CASSIN.
255 Edwin Jones manumitted by Josiah Fox 1763–1847 master shipwright and naval architect, see District of Columbia Deed Books, Liber X, no 23 Folio 279 and 280
256 William Oakley, AKA William Fox, 1789-? See District of Columbia Deed Books, Liber X, no 23 Folio 279 and 280. William Oakley was purchased by Josiah Fox. Fox made Oakley one of his apprentices and trained him as a shipwright. Fox’s placing Oakley into a coveted shipwright apprenticeship was resented by the white workforce and Secretary Hamilton specifically stated that Oakley "be dismissed immediately" Hamilton to Tingey 11August 1809. Fox manumitted Oakley on 12 December 1809. After his manumission Oakley continued to work for Fox.
257 District of Columbia Deed Book, Liber A.M. No 37, 19. 7 August 1816 William Winters re Certificate of Freedom: "William Winters a coloured man aged forty-two years was sold by me in the year eighteen hundred to serve six years and then to be manumitted when the period expired. A bill in chancery was filed against me by him for his freedom. I confess the facts stated by him and requested that the Court would declare him free he has not served me for I think nine or ten years during which time he constantly resided in this City as a house keeper and acted in all respects as far as I know as a free man. Given under my hand and seal at Washington City the sixth of August one thousand eight hundred and sixteen. [signed] Lund Washington"
258 John Davis of Abel, master blacksmith and plumber, born in Newark, Delaware, September 27, 1774, and died January 22, 1853, in the District of Columbia. In the year 1797 Davis went to sea in the American merchant vessel Fidelity. In the harbor of St. Pierre, on the island of Martinique, Davis was impressed (forcibly recruited) by the British Navy and was only released through the good offices of the American Consulate in St. Pierre. John Davis most likely met Benjamin King senior, while the two were in the Caribbean. Davis may have first worked as a Blacksmith in Baltimore with King and through Benjamin King's introduction moved into the District of Columbia about 1800 working as a master plumber for King. When Commandant Thomas Tingey decided to hire Davis he noted: "The industry, sobriety and abilities of Mr. Davis are, I presume, sufficiently known to the Board to need no observations of mine thereon farther then to state that in my opinion his immediate services will be peculiarly advantageous to this establishment," Tingey to BNC 17 September 1815.
In 1804 Benjamin King and John Davis both worked in President Thomas Jefferson's White House installing the first water closets and rain gutters. John Davis's reputation as a highly skilled and dependable workman led to other calls over the years for his expertise at the White House and for the Congress. As the master blacksmith and plumber, Davis was a salaried employee and was initially hired at the annual salary of $1,000.00 per annum. Davis' high salary, plus others economic incentives, made him among the most prosperous of the yard workers. Davis had a farm on the heights of Georgetown called "Oak View." Davis seems to have been respected by the Yard workers and in 1807 was elected Sergeant of the Navy Yard Rifle Company. American militia units typically elected their officers and noncommissioned officers. The Yard Rifle Company was created as a result of the martial fervor aroused by the Chesapeake affair of 1807 when the British Navy stopped the American vessel on the high seas and forcibly impressed American sailors. In the years 1812 and 1813 Davis was elected to civic office as alderman and a member of the District of Columbia City Council. In 1813 he was responsible for drawing up some of the plans for the defense of the City. Davis at various times had numerous apprentices and owned many slaves whom he hired out to the Yard to work in his shop. Tingey to BNC 15 August 1815, "Mr. Davis is now appointed, I mention to the Board that he owns a Black man who has worked in the Shop for several years at full wages, he owns a black apprentice at 75 cts per day and has a white apprentice – it is his wish to employ them in the Shop, if this indulgence is allowed the Board will find there never will be any end to the applications for apprentices."
259 See endnote 22.
260 District of Columbia, Deed Book, Certificate of slaves, Liber M No. 12, 22 May 1805, Thomas Washington, late of Stafford County Va, moved his slaves James, Anthony, Tom, Dick, Henry, Charles Fielding, Jacob William and Sarah on 30 December 1804 into the District for his own use and not for sale.
261 Henrietta Vermillion’s family included David, Dennis and John Vermillion, all employed as boat builder apprentices in 1812. http://www.genealogytrails.com/washdc/appind_vermillion_j.html. She was apparently financially pressed for she wrote BNC to restore her son Dennis to the rolls.
"Upon the subject of the enclosed letter from Mrs. Henrietta Vermillion requesting that her son Dennis may be permitted to resume his former occupation in the yard, the Board of Navy Commissioners desire that you will act as may under all circumstances appear to you expedient." BNC to Tingey 9 September 1818."262 David Dobbins, AKA Dobbin, Overseer of the Yard Laborers, Unk-1816, a fixture in the navy yard for some years is enumerated on the 1808 list of employees as paid 1. 50 per day see Appendix A. Over the years, Dobbins’s appears to have owned numerous slaves, among those listed in navy yard records are: Joe Edward, or Edwards, employed in the Blacksmith Shop as a striker at a rate of 80 cents per day and Charlie Brisco, listed on April 16, 1808, enumeration of discharged slaves. The 1811 employee list reflects the employment of another of Dobbins bondsman, Gerard Brooks, at 75 cents per day. Brooks is enumerated as a laborer and most likely worked in the navy yard in the Blacksmith or Anchor Shops. See: http://genealogytrails.com/washdc/wny1811.html In addition to leasing his own slaves to the Yard, Dobbins kept slaves for a slave dealer. See Daily National Intelligencer 11 September 1815. In his will Dobbins mentioned two slaves "Moses" and "Sam," though it is unclear if either worked at the navy yard. See District of Columbia Archives, Will Book No. 2 Folio 6.7, 9 February 1816.
263 Daily National Intelligencer 2 June 1812
264 George Beale AKA Beal, a nephew of Thomas Tingey through his first wife Margaret Murdoch. Tingey helped Beale with his nail manufacturing business, see McKee p. 84.
265 Timothy Winn to Tingey 16 September 1816 RG45/M125, NARA. Purser Winn writes Tingey that George Milton in ordinary was found in the Purser's store attempting to draw whiskey.
266 Tingey to BNC 3 October 1816 "… a slave belonging to Capt. Haraden, who is employed in the Yard as sawyer."
267 Daily National Intelligencer 11 November 1817. Fifty Dollars Reward Absconded from the Subscriber, living near Bladensburg, Prince George's county, MD, on the 27th of May last a Negro man named JOE, who calls himself Joe Mason. He is rather of a small size, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, a little bow legged, and has lost one of his jaw teeth next his middle teeth. He is of a dark appearance, but speaks orderly in conversation, but low. His clothing, when he went away, were a black hat, nearly new, a dark colored coat, a little worn, with yellow buttons, a dark colored vest, a common coarse pair of linen trousers and old boots. The above slave I purchased two years ago of the administrators of Ann Ray, who formerly kept him hired out in the city of Washington and Georgetown, & a considerable time at the Navy Yard, a part of which time he lived with Capt. John Cassin as waiter and is very well known by the great part of the inhabitants of that quarter of that city and has many acquaintances in every part of the city and Georgetown. Joe is a handy fellow, a tolerable waiter and good laborer, and has been a little by water, and I have some apprehension he may endeavor to get off in that way, having in his possession some money. If he is taken ten miles from home I will give ten dollars, if twenty, fifteen dollars, and if out of the District of Columbia and State of Maryland, I will give the above reward, if secured in jail so that I get him again. All masters of vessels and other persons are cautioned against employing and carrying away the above slave. OFFA WILSON.
268 Daily National Intelligencer, April 25, 1818: "For apprehending, and securing so that I get him again, my Negro man Henry; well known in this city by the name of Henry Carroll. He ran away in June last, and had been sometimes well fixed, probably as a thief, or receiver of stolen goods, in New York. He was sent from thence by the municipal authorities on board the sloop Eagle, - Wright master, and arrived at Alexandria yesterday; when, by an unaccountable carelessness or delinquency, he was suffered to escape. As he cannot be far off, but may be in part of the district or its vicinity, where unknown - he is about 5 feet 8 inches high, yellow complexion, rather large round and full eye, and when spoken too sternly gets easily alarmed; and at such times hesitates, or rather stammers in his speech. All persons whatever are forbid harboring him, under pain of having every nerve of the law strained to obtain satisfaction." Thos. Tingey, Navy Yard, Washington .
269 Daily National Intelligencer 2 March 1825
270 Elliot S. A., The Directory of Washington, D.C. - 1827. Showing the Name, Occupation, and Residence of each Head of a Family & Persons in Business. Washington D.C.: S.A. Elliot, 1827, p. 15.
271 Lieutenant John Kelly, a relation of Thomas Tingey.
272 James Tucker, 1786-1865, master blacksmith, worked at the Yard for over half a century. In April 1861 a reporter for Harpers Weekly visited the Yard and wrote a brief description of the yard and it’s Commandant John A. Dahlgren. The reporter noted, "All the anchor and chain cable for the Navy are made the eye of that faithful old Vulcan, James Tucker. This has been his province for nearly half a century, and though scarcely as active as he has been he is yet to be seen early and late in the active performance of his business in the vigor of a green old age." In 1862 as part of the District of Columbia Manumission, Tucker received compensation for Caroline described as 48 years of age and the property of James Tucker.
273 United States Telegraph 24 July 1829 Washington DC. TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD. "ABSCONDED from the subscriber on the night of the 21st inst. a dark mulatto man who calls himself JAMES WOODLAND. Said mulatto is supposed to be about twenty five years of age, and five feet nine or ten inches high. Has a large scar on his nose, occasioned by a fall when young; also one on his forehead, not clearly perceptible but on close examination. He had on when he left home, a blue coat, not half worn, black fur hat about half worn, a pair of osnaburg pantaloons, and a pair of coarse shoes, but may have changed them since, having carried other clothing with him. I have reason to believe he has forged free papers, and is making his way to Pennsylvania by way of Baltimore. I will give for the apprehension of the above described negro, if taken any where out of the District twenty dollars – if taken in the District, ten dollar. Any person shall receive the above reward for securing him in any jail so that I may get him again. THOMAS TALBERT"
274 Daniel Bell, blacksmith striker (1804-1877) was one of the leaders in a daring attempted escape on the Schooner Pearl.
The North Star 13 October 1848 described Bell "as a robust, worthy, industrious man, a native of Prince George's county below Washington. He has worked most of the time for twenty years past at the Navy Yard, in the smith's shop, where heavy iron work is cast and molded. Many years since, the master of Bell, in a rage because the owner of his wife had set her free by deed, sold him to the speculators. They came into the shop while at his work - without warning, he was knocked flat to the floor by them, ironed and carried to the trader's pen, then kept in Seventh street, on the Avenue. Bell had friends who pitied him, and his distressed wife and children. They induced a Colonel somebody, of the marine corps, to purchase him, and give him a chance to work out his freedom. Bell was to pay a thousand dollars for himself. He had actually paid the amount, or near it, when his owner, the Colonel, was ordered to Florida, where he died. It was then found that he had mortgaged Bell to his sister-in-law, for a thousand dollars, before leaving home. She demanded of Bell the whole sum, but he sunk in despair, and told her he must die a slave after all, for he never could raise that amount. Through the intervention of a trusty friend, Thomas Blagden, who had from the first endorsed Bell's notes for him, he got the price finally reduced to five or six hundred dollars. The sum of the matter is, Bell has the receipts to show that he has actually paid $1,630 for himself! He got his freedom papers complete only last year, some time. His wife, some years since, when she had six children, was made free by the express deed of her master, which was to take effect at his death, and that took place a few days after the deed was executed. She was recorded in the Clerk's office as free, and remained so for eight years, having had two children in the time. Her children, by the deed, were to be free as they successively arrived at a certain age - say twenty-five. After a lapse of eight years, and when there were eight children and two grand children, the widow set up a claim to the whole group, eleven in all. Poor Bell had recourse to lawyers and courts, but with little prospect of a redress of grievances! The widow was constantly seeking to lay hands on them, to obtain the price of their sinews from the speculators, or she took their wages without allowing them the first red cent for clothes. This is the conduct of the widow Greenfield, living near the Navy Yard! As his last and only hope, poor Bell put his family on the Pearl. They were brought back, and with the exception of his wife and two younger children, were all sold and scattered over the South, God knows where!"
275 [Manumission] Whereas during my late residence at Washington in the District of Columbia, I purchased in proper form of Carey Seldon of said Washington, a certain negro or coloured man named John Ambler, as a slave, and whereas, I have recently given up my said residence at Washington, and being about to embark for Europe – Now, know all men by these presents, that I Isaac Hull in consideration of the premises and of the faithful and highly useful services of the said John Ambler, do hereby give, grant and confirm unto him his freedom during the remainder of his life, and do hereby absolve him fully, and to all intents and purposes from all obligation to me as a salve, by virtue of the aforementioned sale from the said Cary Selden, so that he is now, and for all times hereafter, at liberty to do business for himself, and to go and come whenever he chooses, free of any claim, whatever of me or my heirs. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 17th day of October A D 1835 [signed] Isaac Hull" Allen, Gardner Weld editor, Papers of Isaac Hull, Commodore United States Navy Boston: The Boston Athenaeum, 1929, p. 80-81.
Appendix A (see below)
276 Thomas Smallwood (1801-1883) born in Prince George County, MD. Slaveholder Reverend John B. Ferguson taught Smallwood to read and write and agreed to free Smallwood at age 30 for $500.00 which he paid in installments. Smallwood developed a fondness for British literature and particularly the works of Charles Dickens. Smallwood often used the nom de guerre "Samuel Weller" after one of Dickens most memorable characters. Smallwood known as "Smallwood of the Yard" first worked as shoemaker and later worked at the navy yard. As a free adult, Smallwood became interested in African colonization because he believed that it was the key to freedom for the black race. After the collapse of the colonization movement, Smallwood became an ardent abolitionist who pursued his activist leanings by working for the Underground Railroad. Beginning in the 1840’s Smallwood with his wife Elizabeth, the white Reverend Charles T. Torrey and white landlady Mrs. Francis Padgett, assisted hundreds of slaves in the D.C. and Maryland area to flee from slavery. One of their more daring tactics was they taunted, goaded and belittled slaveholders by writing letters both to the editor of local papers and to individual slaveholders. Taking increasingly bold risks, Torrey was arrested in 1844 and died in prison. Smallwood had to give up his Underground Railroad activities when he attempted to aid fourteen slaves escaping from Washington, D. C., but had to abandon his charges when the police went after him. After this disastrous attempt, Smallwood went back to Toronto, Canada, where he lived as a free man. Harrold, Stantley Subversives Antislavery Community in Washington, D.C., 1828-1865. Louisiana State University: Baton Rouge, 2003, pp. 64-93, Ricks, Mary K. Escape on the Pearl: The Heroic Bid for Freedom on the Underground Railroad. Harper Collins: New York, 2007, 34, and Smallwood, Thomas A Narrative of Thomas Smallwood, Colored Man, Giving an Account of His Birth – The Period He was Held in Slavery – His Release - and Removal To Canada, Etc.: Together with An Account of the Underground Railroad James Stephens: Toronto, 1851.
277 Anthony Blow, blacksmith striker, "A number of blacks in the District suffered arrest because of a suspicion that they had helped in the Pearl escape. One such victim was Anthony Blow, who had been rented out to the Washington Navy Yard, where he worked in the machine shop ..." After his arrest Blow was immediately sold by his owner and then transported to Norfolk, Va. He finally escaped to freedom in 1854 . Pacheco, p. 115.* * * * * * * * * *
Appendix A
1808 Muster of the Washington Navy Yard Prepared for Secretary of the Navy Robert SmithThe 1808 Muster of the civilian workforce transcribed below was composed at the direction of Secretary of the Navy, Robert Smith. Smith wanted updated information on the exact number of civilian employees, their occupations and especially whether they were black and if they were free or slave. Smith’s motive was to prepare to reduce his Department’s civilian workforce; his actions were in reaction to the 1807 passage of the Embargo Act. This act led to a severe tightening of the naval appropriations. In his letter of April 1808, Smith gave Commodore Thomas Tingey direction to reduce expenses and prepare to reduce his workforce at the Yard:
Our expenses at the Yard must be reduced. They are at present astonishingly great. You will take a particular view of all the different departments & of each class of laborers for the work to be performed and the number of the laborers necessary to perform the minimum of labor necessary to perform it & report the sum to me in your opinion as to the retrenchment which must most economically be made. You will at some time send to me a muster roll of all the persons of every description employed in the Yard designating the monthly or daily pay allowed to each & in case of black whether they be free or Slaves & where they were Slaves the persons to whom they respectively belong and you will communicate all such other circumstances as may be known to you or as may be disclosed to you whist you shall be making the enquiry, herein directed, which may be calculated to assist in the retrenching in the most judicious manner the expenses of the yard.
On 5 May 1808 Tingey responded with his plan to reduce his workforce. As Smith required, Tingey listed his workforce plus the names of his black employees, both free and slave. To accomplish this, Tingey ordered Naval Constructor, Josiah Fox, to examine his workforce and prepare a list of his employees with details as to how he would set about reduction. Fox argued strongly for his workforce, and his determined opposition to any reduction led to his dismissal.
The list drawn up enumerates 105 employees by name and gives their occupations. This list is not a complete muster or pay document, rather it was for Smith to plan a reduction enforce. One of Smith’s aims was to discharge many of the navy yard slaves, although this proved far more difficult then he or his successors envisioned.
Transcription was made from the microfilm of the letters of Josiah Fox 25 April 1808 and Tingey 5 May 1808 NARA, RG 45/M125.
Navy Yard Washington 25 April 1808
I have received your letter of the 22 Instant relative to the number of Workmen &c under my Direction which are which are contained in the following exhibit,Vizt:
Foreman Shipwright/assistant do and Quartermen of Ship Carpenters . . . . . Ship Carpenters . . . . . Apprentices to do &c . . . . . Boys to turn Grindstones {1 Foreman. Caulkers {Caulkers {Apprentices do . {Oakum Boys 2 Hammers &c do 4 Gun Carriage {1 Foreman. Workers {Workmen {Apprentice Mast Makers {1Foreman. {Workmen {Apprentices. Sawyers {Sawyers- 5 & Laborers assisting as such 2 Inspectors {Inspectors & Apprentice do 1. Borer work {Borers, bolt devices, Carpenters Laborers. Carvers {Carver Total 128
Turnover
Workmen &c brought over 1286 Gun Boats
Quartermen . . . Carpenters . . . Sawyers . . . Laborers Apprentices (6 of whom belong to the Yard) Boy to turn Grindstones Clerk TOTAL IN ALL 179
With respect to the number of Workmen that might be discharged to reduce the expenses of the Yard, I can only say that the Circumstances must depend altogether on view of the Government (which I am entirely ignorant of) and of the existing times - If any of the Frigates are to be equipped for service and others taken in hand to repair and conserved this present Summer that cannot be affected without a large force. Independently
Where repairs are protracted to any length of time that the delay already taken place will not only defuse itself more extensively, but by causing destruction of the serving Timber, under repairs now more difficult and expensive.
It must be well know to you Sir that some of our first frigates are at this time almost perishing for want of repair and daily getting worse particularly the New York, President and Congress, the Wales of the former almost dropping off her sides, and as we are now daily receiving supplies of good materials that has ever before fallen to our lot and the Summer season advancing then labor can be applied to the most advantage. I am compelled to say that I should think a reduction of the number of workmen at this time, to retrench the expenses only political (unless the appropriations are found sufficient) that the work should be pursued by the present number of workmen with all possible vigor. The only person I think that can be conveniently discharged is the Carver, he having nearly completed his works on hand; his service may not be wanted many months. The foregoing reports and observations are very respectfully communicated and with great respect I am -
[Signed] Josiah Fox
John Cassin Esquire
Master CommandantShipwright &c under the direction of Mr. Fox [25 April 1808]
James Owner Foreman, p day Wm Smith Assistant, p day Four Quartermen, ea 2.06 Forty-two Shipwrights, white 2.16 Eight Shipwrights, white, 1.81 One black man of Mr. Cocke One black man of Mr. Fox (Oakley?) Caulkers John Hebron foreman John Coleson Journeyman (Black) Jim Allen of Henry (Black) Solomon Bond (Black) Robt Claggett (of J, Claggett) (Black) Aaron Clagget} (Free Black) Henry Adams (White) Geo. Adams (Free Black) Cato Day (Free Black) Nic Franklin (White) Jas Gunner (Free Black) Moses Liverpool (Free Black) J. Oliver (free) Apprentices to J. Hebron 2, 1 at 1.20 & 1 at 1.75 (Black boy)Aaron Davis of Thos Davis (Black boy) Andy Smith of Wm Smith (Free black) Reamer B. Collins (Free black) Reamer Peter Selby of Philip Selby (Free black) Reamer Peter Selby of Philip Selby (Free black) Reamer Dick Hamilton of Francis Gun Carriage Makers, James Badington foreman Journeymen Robert Rose Journeymen Robert Dillon One apprentice Two apprentices of Josiah Fox at 1.60 p. day Three apprentices of J Fox at 80 p. day Charles Cannon of Jas Owner Thomas Talbert of Jas Owner James Carberry of Thomas Carberry Robert Bentley of George Piney Geo. Hentley of Lemuel C. Tousand Benj Smith of William Smith Laborers under Mr. Fox Henry Featzer, white Five Borers, white Thirteen laborers, white, each 80 Henry Hicks, black, of Mrs. Evans Bill Bean of T. Howard Rodger Howard of T. Howard Zeph. Western of T Catowell Hezekiah Smallwood of Sam N. Smallwood Total
Blacksmith &c [ 25 April 1808] Benjamin King, Master Blacksmith John Davis of Abel, Assistant Seven Journeymen, ea. 1.70 p day Four Journeymen, ea. 1.70 p day Apprentice William Sanderson of Benj King Eight Journeymen, ea. 1.50 p. day Apprentice, Bill Ardrey of Ben King Black Slave, Tom King of Ben King Black Slave, D. Bill Clabone of Dan Beat John Barber Apprentice of Will. McGee Geo McCoy, white Joseph Roberts, white Francis Dyson, white Three Black Slaves of Sarah Washington Black Slave, Joe. Thompson of Walter Clarke Black Slave, Joe Smoot of Alexandra Smoot Black Slave, Pompey Slater of Alexandra Smoot Black Slave, Luke Cannon or Thos. Fenwick Black Slave, Joe Edwards of David Dobbins (hired) Black Slave, Jim Brown of T. Murray White Man, George Downs White Man, George Eaget Slave, Joe Byers of Captain John Davidson White Man, John Bean Slave, Davy Bean of George Bean White Man, James Carroll Apprentice, Geo Barth of John Davis Apprentice, Ben Booth of John Davis Apprentice, Char. Venable of Benj. King Apprentice, Hamilton Perry of Benj. King White Man, Hen Sawyer Slave, Nat. Duckett of Wm Magruder of Georgetown TOTAL
Laborers [25 April 1808] Thomas Howard, Overseer Daniel Dobbins, Overseer Eighteen White Laborers, ea 75 p. day & Six free Black, ea 75 p. day Slave, Joe Button of William Small, NY Slave, Blanton Dyson of Edw. Fitzpatrick, hired Slave, William Bean of Colmore Bean, NY Slave, Caesar Dyson of William Dyson, NY Slave, George Gratton of Wm Boswell, moved from city Slave, Phil Hammond of Verlinda Selby Slave, Bill Hamilton of Frederick Hamilton Slave, William Mason of Alexa Smoot Slave, Sander Naylor of John Naylor Slave, Nace Naylor of John Nayloe Slave, Ned Nevitt of Mary Nevitt Slave, Geo. Vigunet of Richard Vigunet, NY Slave, Jim Standard of Tim Catowell Slave, Charles Smoot of Alexandra Smoot Slave, Geo. Smallwood of Sam. N. Smallwood Slave, Joe Washington of Sara Washington Slave, Tom Wood .........Daniel Brant Slave, Dick Washington of Sarah Washington Slave, William Baker of Thomas Wheat Add one free Black TOTAL
Sailmakers [25 April 1808] William Sanford, Master Holden Spenser, foreman William Spenser, Journeyman Two Apprentices of W. Sanford, ea 1.50 Two Apprentices of W. Sanford, ea 1.00 One Apprentice of W. Sanford TOTAL
Riggers [25 April 1808] Barth Byant, Master Four Journeymen, ea 1.50 Moses Taylor, Laborer Hugh Jones, Laborer Slave, Joe Mason of Joe Cassin TOTAL
Joiners [25 April 1808] Shadrach Davis, Master Two Journeymen, ea 2.06 Twenty four Journeymen, ea 1.56 William Burdine, Apprentice of S. Davis Two apprentices of , ea 80 John Meyers, Apprentice of S. Davis James Mc Elwaine of S. Davis William Fowler, Sawyer Slave, Jason Postan, Sawyer of Barth Poston TOTAL
Mast Makers [25 April 1808] Peter Gardner, Foreman, per day Two journeyman of P. Gardner, ea 2.06 Two journeymen of P. Gardner, ea 1.60 Slave, Davey Gardner of P. Gardner Three Apprentices of P. Gardner, ea 80 TOTAL
Block Makers [25 April 1808] John Cummins, Master John, Assistant, ea 1.50 Nine Journeymen, ea per day 1.40 One Apprentice One Laborer of Joe Cassin TOTAL
Painters [25 April 1808] William Binkley, Master Two Journeymen, ea 1.25 Two Apprentices, ea .50 One Laborer TOTAL
Boat Builders [25 April 1808] George McCauley, Master Three Journeymen, ea 2.06 One Journeyman Two Apprentices, ea 1.20 TOTAL
Coopers [25 April 1808] Thomas Murray, Master Two Journeymen, .ea 1.25 Two Apprentices, ea 1.00 Slave, Geo Carnes, Servant of T. Murra TOTAL
Armorers [25 April 1808] John Glascow, p day Apprentice of John Glascow TOTAL RECAPITULATION
Shipwrights &c Ditto Block Makers Painters Boat Builders Coopers Sail Makers Riggers Joiners Black Smiths &c &c Laborers Apprentices under Mr. Fox Laborers under Mr. Fox Armorers SUBTOTAL Deduction amount of Laborers TOTAL Contemplated deduction of wages 12½ per month
Whole monthly reduction Navy Yard Wash. 5th May 1808
[Signed] Thos Tingey
* * * * * * * * * *
Appendix B
List of Officers, Seamen, Servants, Slaves and Boys Employed in the Ordinary Washington Navy Yard 19 May 1808
Introduction: This roll of employees of the ordinary dated 19 May 1808 was prepared at the request of Secretary of the Navy, Robert Smith. This roll has the names of fifty-two employees, including fifteen African Americans. The ordinary in the early navy held ships in reserve, or for later need. Typically these vessels had seen hard service abroad and were awaiting restoration, but due to the small naval appropriations of the era, repairs were not possible. For example, the frigates Adams and President, were held in set-aside awaiting money to repair them and were usually tied up in backwater areas of the shipyard. While they were awaiting repair, they were modified by the removal of their masts. These ships typically had small or minimal crews comprised of semi-retired or disabled sailors who stayed aboard to ensure that the ship remained in usable condition, provided security, kept the bilge pump running, and ensured the lines were secure. Slaves were often rented to the navy yard to work in the ordinary. These jobs were considered attractive to slaveholders as the wages they collected were regular, and the navy provided supervision and security of their human property.
Beginning in the winter of 1807, the Embargo Act led to a tightening of the naval appropriations. In response on 21 April 1808 Smith gave Tingey direction to reduce his workforce:
Our expenses at the Yard must be reduced. They are at present astonishingly great. You will take a particular view of all the different departments & of each class of laborers the work to be performed, and the number of the laborers necessary to perform the minimum of labor necessary to perform it & report the sum to me in your opinion as to the retrenchment which must most economically be made. You will at some time send to me a muster roll of all the persons of every description employed in the Yard, designating the monthly or daily pay allowed to each & in case of black whether they be free or Slaves & where they were Slaves, the persons to whom they respectively belong and you will communicate all such other circumstances as may be known to you or as may be disclosed to you whist you shall be making the enquiry, herein directed, which may be calculated to assist in the retrenching in the most judicious manner the expenses of the yard.
On 5 and 19 May 1808, Tingey, responded with plans to reduce his workforce in accord with Secretary Smith's direction. As the Secretary required, Commodore Tingey listed his workforce plus the names of his black employees, both free and slave, and a special request for a "customary indulgence" to allow him and his officers to continue putting their slaves on the federal payroll.
The list Tingey gave Smith on 19 May 1808 enumerates both his military and civilian employees assigned to the ordinary. The list as drawn up records 52 employees by their name, their occupation, wage and slaveholder. (For the remainder of the Yard workforce, see Appendix A).
In his 21 April 1808 letter, Smith particularly expressed his desire to have detailed information regarding numerous navy yard slaves. One of Smith's chief concerns was to learn the exact number of black employees, free and slave. In so doing he was most likely trying to avoid discharging white civilian employees and seamen. Tingey’s request to Smith to grant approval or indulgence of the Yard’s practice of allowing naval officers to place their servants (‘servants’ was the preferred euphemism for slaves) on the navy rolls would have sanctioned this lucrative custom. The Yard's practice was that once on the rolls, new officers could draw both the pay and rations of their slave servants. The legality of slavery in 1808 was never a question for Smith, only the propriety of entering officers’ slaves on the public rolls. Smith’s lawyerly analysis and response to Tingey’s query is confined exclusively to examination of this legal issue. Smith had a keen legal mind and had been a highly successful attorney and litigator who made a small fortune through his legal work. After considering Tingey’s request, Smith found the proposal wanting and went ahead with his plans to discharge many of the slaves, much to the chagrin of the Commodore. After Smith left, the naval yard quickly returned to permitting officers to employ their slaves.
Transcription: This transcription was made from letters of Thomas Tingey of 21 April and 19 May 1808 to Robert Smith and the undated 1808 memoranda of Smith or possibly his subordinate Charles W. Goldsborough, and Smith’s response to Tingey of 25 May 1808. In transcribing these letters and enclosures, I have adhered closely to the original in spelling, capitalization, punctuation and abbreviation (e.g. "Do" or "do" for ditto or same as above) including the retention of dashes, ampersands and overstrikes. On the enclosures African American are prefixed with C or X. Where I was unable to print a clear image or where it was not possible to determine what was written, I have so noted in brackets.Navy Yard Wash 19th May 1808
Sir
I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a duplicate of the Muster Roll of the Navy in Ordinary with observations thereon, elucidating the situation of every person therein enumerated and how employed. The five marked with a cross before their names I have directed to be forthwith discharged – The ten with the C, prefixed to their names, are respectfully submitted for your consideration begging leave at the same time to observe that it is well known to be established custom, that whenever an officer has been ordered on duty – so, as to give him the command of men, entered on the muster roll for pay &c, said officer hath invariably entered thereon one or two at least of his own servants or taken such servants from the men so entered – It would appear then Sir – singular and tend to excite unpleasant feelings, were myself and the Officers under my command at this place, to be the only exceptions to the customary indulgence - An indulgence also common to every officer, in the Military and Marine service and generally in number according to Rank .
It is therefore hoped with submission, by myself and Officers attached to this yard, that you would pleased to take this matter into consideration – and sanction to us the indulgence common to all our brother officers here to be allowed service and the quantum to each
I have the honor to be
very respectfully
Sir
Your Obedt ServantThos Tingey
Hon Rt Smith
* * * * * * * * * *
The following unsigned and undated two page memoranda circa 11/12 May 1808 directly follows the above letter of Commodore Thomas Tingey. In essence Tingey’s query was a request to Secretary Smith to approve the "customary indulgence" and provided legal sanction for Commodore Tingey and the naval officers assigned to the yard to allow to place their personal slaves on the public payroll and draw pay and rations for the same. This memorandum is probably Smith's analysis of the question presented by Tingey. Smith was a lawyer and the analysis of the question presented by Tingey reflects his legal training.
Capt Tingey, has referenced to "an established custom – " The Question is, has there ever been an established custom for navy officers on shore to place their private servants upon the Public rolls, retain them in their respective families & draw for their services the pay & rations as are allowed to the men working in the publick service in ordinary - the case put must be answered in the negative – It has been the custom for officers to appointed to ships to carry on board ship with their servants, who are then placed on the rols of the ship, the officers receive their pay & rations – but the servant onboard ship is at all times liable to be called into action – and the Commanding officer can at all times assign to such servants such duties as in his opinion the publick good may require – Such servants are stationary on board ship & are always ready for duty –
On shore they cannot at all times be called into service – the Commdt officer cannot assign on any emergency the performance of nay special duty - because such servants being under the immediate direction of their respective master may at the time their services may be required to them by their respective masters –
Thus the causes do not appear parallel - & no custom on board ship can apply ashore from the material differences of the situation of servant on board ship & ashore –
There is no custom but one recent origin (& since we can trace its date, it is no common law) in the N Yd here - The question then occurs, ought such a custom now to be established - No! – because, it cannot be a useful one -
In the army, a Commanding Officer is entitled to draw 1 ration per day only & this without pay for a Servant belonging to him
In the Marine Corps – the same-
If in the army and the Corps an Officer has taken a servant from the line - such servant, not the officer, draws his pay & ration.
Thus the Indulgence (for there is no other name by which it can be allowed) asked, is authorized neither by the usage in the arm, navy or Marine Corps - An officer in the army or Marine Corps can draw no pay for a servant belonging to him - The officers of the Yard here ask pay for their servants - A servant to an officer in the army or Marine Corps if taken from the line draws his own pay rations; if not taken from the line the master draws the ration only –
Thus, then the rule written, it would become a source of emolument to the navy officers - whereas the army officer never can draw any emolument for the same form.I know nothing of the custom Capt Tingey speaks of respecting officers entering private servants for pay No doubt when an officer is employed on board of a vessel he selects & employs such of the crew as he pleases – Servants thus create no expense to the government, the person to employ as Servants are part of the crew - In the Army if an officer keeps a private Servant he is allowed by law one ration per day but no pay - Military Officers are allowed to take soldiers for private Servants, in that case the Soldier receives his pay not the officer as our establishment and the follower is at all times subjected to be called upon as a soldier and if the regulations of the army are essential and president for the case in question. I presume it can only extend to authorize the officers to take from the Ships in ordinary persons to be used as Servants. Certainly not to allow them emoluments for their own Servants Slaves to them & not any way engaged for the public.
* * * * * * * * * *
Secretary Smith’s formal response to Tingey’s plea is below, however, the Yard practice of employing slaves in the ordinary continued.
Capt. Thomas Tingey 25 May 1808
Navy Yard Washington Navy Depart.
Your letter of the 19th inst has been received and considered. There exists no law, which warrants the indulgence therein asked. Nor does the usage either of the army, Navy or Marine corps sanction such an indulgence - And I cannot permit the introduction of a rule, without law or precedent, or any apparent necessity. The Servants in question must therefore be immediately discharged.
R. Smith* * * * * * * * * *
[Officers Seamen Servants, Slaves and Boys Employed in the Ordinary Washington Navy Yard 19 May 1808]
No. Names Observations 1 James B. Potts One of the Boatswains of the Yard residing on board the Adams frigate 2 George Hodge One of the Boatswains of the Yard residing on board the frigate President with the other boatswain 3 Saml. Kelly Acting as Gunner being disabled by the loss of an arm, resides on board the President 4 Salvadore Catalano Italian Pilot acts as gunner of the Navy Yard, since the death of Stephenson & resides on shore out of the Yard 5 Jas Orde Carpenter of the Ordinary, resides on board 6 David Cretmyer Onboard 7 Thos Johnson Onboard 8 Christian Christoff Onboard 9 Louis Pinnanco Onboard 10 Jas Ferguson Onboard 11 Wm Worth Onboard 12 John Mc Carty Onboard 13 John B.Megline Onboard 14 John Coats Attends on the Boatswain Hodge resides on board 15 Robert Cobell Supernumerary on board 16 Thos Marshall Onboard 17 John Peet Onboard X18 Ralph McWilliam Slave of Dr. McWilliams, on board 19 Joseph Fisher Onboard 20 George Marshall Onboard 21 George McFall Onboard 22 John Gill Onboard 23 David Grant Onboard 24 George Buchanan Supernumerary Onboard 25 Lancelot Mitchell Onboard 26 Charles Shorlis Onboard 27 Francis Henry Onboard 28 Anthony Noble Onboard 29 John Berne Onboard 30 [illegible] Martin Onboard 31 Pat Ferrell Onboard 32 James Fox Onboard 33 Abraham Borkman Onboard 34 Peter Mincure Onboard 35 Angelo Formae Supernumerary, Onboard 36 Thos Holt Onboard C37 Charles Lancaster of Dr. McWilliams, Servant to Capt. Cassin C38 Abraham Lyonson of Capt. Tingey and Servant C39 Ferdinand Lando of Lt. Talbot, Servant onboard and Ashore C40 Orlando Neserant Slave of Harrison, servant Ashore 41 John Johnson On board, attends on both the Boatswain C42 John Russell of Lt. Harraden works on board C43 George Brown of Dr. Ewell serves on the [illegible] C44 Henry Brown Ditto of Dr. Ewell Dito C45 Phillip Greyhook Servant of Lt. Harraden serves onboard C46 James Johnson Apprentice of Mr. Deblois works onboard 47 Francis Boles X48 George Saunders of Mrs. Carroll onboard X49 Mace Saunders of Mrs. Carroll onboard X50 George Plowden of Doct Mc Williams onboard C51 Thomas Downs of Lt Harraden onboard X52 Peter Briscoe of George Briscoe * * * * * * * * * *
Appendix C
Listing of African Americans Employed 8 April 1830.
Historical Background: Commodore Isaac Hull's 1830 submission to the BNC reveals he wanted to reduce navy yard employment in line with his budget. One important issue Hull was required by the BNC to address was the practice of officers and senior civilians renting their slaves to federal government. Hull's earlier report listed eight slaves and three free blacks as employed at the navy yard. The Board requested more detailed information, and on 8 April 1830, Hull includes the names of free and enslaved African Americans and the names of their owners. The name Michael Shiner is included here for the first time on navy yard employee listings with that of slaveholder Thomas Howard, Clerk of the Yard. Hull’s submission included the following letter:
I have understood from Captain Shubrick that when you were last in the Navy Yard you enquired of him whether Slaves belonging to Officers were employed at the Yard and at the same time informed him there was a positive order against employing Slaves belonging to Officers. I have caused a search to be made but cannot find any such order either by circular or by letter receipted for this yard and I have found all the Slaves now in the yard and many others that I discharged since I took the Command here, I took it for granted they were employed by Special Permission and that permission given because while men could not be found to work in the Anchor Shop. I now have the honor to forward a list of all the Slaves now employed in the Yard. Those belonging to the ordinary might be discharged and White Men or free Blacks taken to fill their places but I fear we could not find a set of men White or Black or men even Slaves belonging to poor people outside the yard to do the work the men now do in the Anchor Shops. The competent mechanics have long known them and I have no cause to complain, on the contrary, I consider them the hardest working men in the yard and as they understand their work they can do much more work in a day than new hands could and I should suppose it would require many weeks if not months to get a gang of hands for the Anchor Shop to do the work that is now done.
Transcription This transcription below was made from digital images of the pages of "Hull to BNC, 8 April 1830, with enclosures, of NARA RG 45, "A List of Colored men free & Slaves now Employ'd in the Blacksmiths & Engine department & in Ordinary at the Navy Yard" dated April 1830. Where I was unable to provide a clear image or the page signature was sewn so tight that it was not possible to determine what was written. I have attempted to arrange the transcribed material in like manner to the original. Remarks in the last column are those of Isaac Hull or his staff.
A list of Colored men free & Slaves now Employ’d in the Blacksmiths & Engine department
at the Navy Yard Washington April 8, 1830
Names To whom belonging Joe Thompson . . . Nat Summerville . . . Electus Davis John Davis of Abel, Master Plumber Moses Dyson Cary Selden N. Store Keeper William Brown Mr. Jas. Tucker, Anchor Smith Robert Gibson Lieut. Ramsay Francis Nally Mrs. Reswick (widow) Lyn Taylor Mrs Wailes (widow) George Carnes . . . Henry Over Miss Sarah Ann Bean (child) Michael Shiner Mr. Thomas Howard (clerk of Yard) John Thompson Mrs. Sims (widow) Basil Brown Mrs. Allen (widow) John Williams Purser Beal Nathaniel Ducker Mrs. Bland (widow) James Compton Mr. Jas. Carberry Inspector
A list of Blacks ( Free& & Slaves now Employ’d Navy Yard Washington Showing where Employed,
to whom belonging & the Wages paid to them Severally
Navy Yard Washington April 1830
Names To whom belonging Joe Thompson . . . Nat Summerville . . . Electus Davis Master Plumber of Yard Moses Dyson N Store Keeper William Brown Master Smith Robert Gibson 1st Lieutenant Francis Nally . . . Lyn Taylor . . . George Carnes . . . Henry Over . . . Michael Shiner Clerk of Yard John Thompson . . . Basil Brown . . . John Williams Purser Geo. Beal Nathaniel Ducker . . . James Compton Inspector of Timber N. Y. * * * * * * * * * *
Appendix D –Painters Department, Payroll, 1 - 15 September 1854
This 1854 payroll is good example of later Department of the Navy payroll records. As records became more standardized in the second half of the nineteen century, the navy yard ceased to list employee race or status e.g. free/slave. This makes calculations or statements as to the number of blacks employed, or the number of slaves on the rolls difficult. That slaves continued to be employed though, under so called "gentlemen’s agreements" at the Yard is well documented. One such case was, William F. Jewrix, hired in 1855, to work in ordinary, with slaveholder Benjamin P. Smith, to receive his wages. This subterfuge was only publicly revealed when Jewrix ran away and Smith, applied to the Department for his wages. Comparing employee names to census and almanacs records, is time consuming and of limited utility as can be seen in the small sample below, where of the nine employees, 1850 census and almanac records were available for six, of these Michael Shiner, was only Paint Department employee enumerated on the census as black. The problem of accurately determining race or ethnicity on navy yard records is exacerbated by the transitory nature of wage labor and per diem employment.
This small section of the 1854 payroll moreover demonstrates that the naval yard was changing from an organization focused on the construction and repair of sailing vessels to a center for the testing and manufacture of naval ordnance. Instead of ships, painters were assigned to paint the new ordnance foundry, the steam engine and saw mill. As part of this transition to a new ordnance technology, yard management began to more closely track costs and to monitor how employee’s time was allocated. This payroll document reflects the Painters Department payroll for a two week period. In 1854 per diem employees typically worked a ten hour day and a six day a week. While painters’ wages were relatively modest, when compared to the pay of carpenters and machinists who were paid $2.50 to $3.00, per day, painters work tended to be steady and less subject to seasonal fluctuations. Unlike many shipyard workers, Michael Shiner and his fellow painters were not routinely laid off in winter, for painters could work indoors, painting officers’ quarters, offices, and boatsheds. The document below is for a two week period, when naval appropriations were reduced and work hours by necessity were much abridged. Shiner’s wage per day, of $ 1.36 indicates, he was paid less than the journeymen painter wage rate of $1.75 - $2.00 and more than the apprentice painter rate of $1.00. Even with this inequity Shiner was better off than the majority of District workers. When the workers names below were compared to the 1850 and the 1860 census records, only master painter, John Peake, journeyman painter, Henry Walker and Michael Shiner, owned real estate. The notes following this document were derived from census returns.
Return of the men’s time and of the work done at the Painters Department from the 1st to the 15th of September 1854, inclusive;
on account of Ordnance Foundry & Machinery in the new Saw Mill.
(enlarge in browser twice)W. P. Sanger Esq, Construction Engineer
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant Navy Yard, Washington
John H. PeakeNotes
John H. Peake was born 1817 in the District of Columbia and in 1854 was 37 years of age. On the 1850 census he stated he owned his own residence valued at $900.00 in Ward 6. Peake was married and had one child. He continued to work for the shipyard for many years. Peake later opened a paint store and by 1870 he owned real estate valued at $6,000.00. He died sometime after 1880.
James Jones born in the District of Columbia in 1823. In 1854 he was single and living in Ward 6.
John T. Angel born in the District of Columbia about 1834. In 1854 he was 25 years of age, single and living with his parents in their house in Ward 7.
Robert Peake born 1832 in the District of Columbia, enumerated as single in 1850 and living with his parents at their home in Ward 6. Robert Peake is most likely the younger brother of John H. Peake.
Henry Walker was born in Maryland in 1820 and was 34 years of age in 1854. Henry Walker was married with two children and owned real estate in the 1850 census valued at $200.00.
Michael G. Shiner, the 1850 District of Columbia census enumerated Shiner as living in Ward 6. He was listed as free black, age 46. The Shiner family was enumerated as: Jane 19 (2nd wife), Sarah 12, Isaac 5 and Braxton 6 months. The Shiner family house was valued at $800.00 on the 1860 census.
William S. Sanger worked as a Civil Engineer. He was born in Massachusetts in 1812. In the year 1855 William Sanger was 43, his household based on the 1850 District of Columbia census consisted of wife Martha, their sons and Annie Joiner age 28. Sanger lived in Ward 1 and continued working at the Yard for many years. By 1870 his estate was valued at $7,000.00. He died sometime after 1870.
* * * * * * * * * *
Appendix E - Wages paid to Mechanics and Laborers 1801 to 1820.
Periodically the BNC expressed concern about the number of vacancies for skilled workers and requested data on wages. Commodore Thomas Tingey in his letter to the Board detailed the wage rates for skilled mechanics and laborers over a twenty year period. For modern researchers it often comes as a surprise that wages in the District of Columbia fell during the first half of the nineteenth century and in some cases dramatically, e.g., carpenter’s wages were reduced from $2.50 in 1808 to $1.64 in 1820. Most Yard employees, with the exception of clerks and master mechanics, were paid per diem and as such subject to the vagaries of the local and national marketplace plus the ever-changing whims of the Congress over the Navy Department’s annual appropriation. Historians have long debated the effect of slavery on free labor, some like Linda Maloney, have claimed wages at Washington were lower due to the deleterious effects of slave labor, while others like Seth Rockman have pointed to the overall flatness of wages during this period. Tingey’s letter reflects that regardless of cause wages at navy yard were in decline during the first two decades and the position of all workers remained precarious.
Tingey himself was forever torn between the Department’s firm directives and his employee’s constant pleas for adequate wages. In his letter of 9 January 1821 to the BNC, he enclosed a list from master mechanic, John Davis of Abel, enumerating the loss of fifteen skilled workers in the Blacksmith Department alone such wage reductions necessitated.
Transcription: This transcription was made from the NARA RG 45, Entry 314; Volume 70 Letter from Davis to Tingey Jan 8, 1821 and Statement of Wages- 11W4;10/8/5 and RG 45, Entry 314, Volume 74 Letter from Tingey Jan 9, 1821 -11W4; 10/8/5.
Navy Yard Wash 9th Jan 1821
Sir,
Conformably with the instructions of the Board of 3rd inst I transmit herewith, a scale of rates of wages to the mechanics &c, from the early establishment of this Yard, as correctly as it can now be ascertained in which memory has assisted much.
In the scale I issued, by your order for the new rate of wages, I omitted naming the Coopers, submitting it for your further consideration, that branch having now higher wages in Alexandria, and probably not one man there capable of performing our heavy work.
I also enclose a copy of a letter from Mr. Davis, whose men have nearly all left him, they are a set of valuable workmen - and were always paid equal to the 1st rate smiths, which rate would probably bring many of them back, and which I beg leave respectfully to recommend, as well as a reconsideration relative to the Coopers.
I have the honor to be very respectfully
Sir, Your Obedt Servt.
Thos Tingey
Commd John Rodgers
* * * * * * * * * *
Statement of wages given to Mechanics &c, in the Navy Yard Washington from 1801 to 1820
Carpenters, Boat Builders & Mast Makers Wages Per Day
1814: 2 50 - 2 25
1818: 2 00 - 1 76
1820 1 64 - 1 44Riggers Wages Per Day
1810: 1 25
1819: 1 50
1820 1 00Blacksmith & Plumbers Wages Per Day
1813: 2 00 - 1 50
1814: 1 80 - 1 24
1816: 1 90 - 1 75
1818: 2 00 - 1 25
1819: 1 80 - 1 12
July 1820: 1 64 - 1 00Sawyers Wages Per Day
1818: 1 50 - 1 24
Oct 1819: 1 34 - 1 10
1820: 1 20 - 1 00Coopers Wages Per Day
1819: 1 76
1820: 1 44
Blockmakers Wages Per Day
1811: 1 40
1813: 1 50
1819: 1 36
July 1820: 1 24Laborers Wages Per Day
1810: 85 - 75
1816: 1 00 - 85
1819: 90 - 68
1820: 80 - 68Joiners Wages Per Day
1810: 1 56
1815: 2 00
1819: 1 76
July 1819: 1 56
1820: 1 40Armourers Wages Per day
1810: 2 00 - 1 50
Since the reorganization of the Yard after the Fire
the armourers employed have been attached to the
Plumbers rollsPainters Wages Per Day
1801: 1 56
1810: 1 76
1818: 1 70 - 1 52
1820: 1 52 - 1 32Caulkers Wages Per Day
1810: 1 81
1818: 1 76
1819: 1 58
1820: 1 44* * * * * * * * * *
Navy Yard Wash 9th Jan. 1821
Thos. TingeySir,
I have to state for your information that the following men have left work in consequence of the reduction of wages –
William Andrews Machine Maker 1st Class Edward Buckingham Machine Maker 2nd Class Jacob Cambell Brass finisher & pattern maker 1st Class Michael Carroll Brass finisher & pattern maker 1st Class John Tarrer Machine Maker 1st Class Thomas Goodall Engineer & finisher Thomas Holiday Armourer 1st Class Thomas Johnson Brass founder & finisher 1st Class James Mullen Filer 2nd Class John Moore Plumber 2nd Class James Mackey Filer 2nd Class Thomas Sanderson Plumber & Brass finisher 1st Class William Sanderson Plumber & Brass finisher 1st Class John Sutton Armourer 2ndClass James Seaton Pattern maker & finisher 1st Class
The above List comprises the whole of the mechanics usually considered as attached to my department with the exception of two Tinners & Coppersmiths.In fixing the rate of wages, it may have been considered that the use of those who are Plumbers only was to establish the rate of the whole. By a reference to the List above, it will be seen that of them is a plumber alone, and as no establishment comprises the different branches carried on here nor requires the work we do, - It may be worth while to enquire into the wages given the best workmen in other cities. The workers employed here have been governed by the same rates for a number of years, as the Blacksmiths, and the greatest dissatisfaction is now expressed at their being so much beneath them in or on a new rate I have therefore to request that if no indulgence can be allowed - that other workmen may be sent for to supply their place of the best quality – The excellent & expensive machinery attending the shop, is now entirely idle, and the expense of the Steam Engine will continue the same – Should it be thought possible to place them on the same rates as the Smiths, I presume they may return - although others will not, as they are already [employed?]
Jacob Cambell, I am solicitous to retain if possible, he will not work for less than his foremen wages – He is by far the most intelligent & ingenious workman I have met with and deserves to be retained if possible - He has been for several years Foremen of a Cotton Factory & reckoned one of the best workmen in the United States.
The above is respectfully submitted for considerationSigned John Davis of Able Jan 8th 1828
To: Comm Thos Tingey* * * * * * * * * *
Navy Yard Wash 7th Feb 1821
Sir,
Conformably with the instruction of the Board, regulating the rate of wages for the mechanics &c: upon a reduced scale – I fixed the 1st rate Carpenters, who in December had $1.64 per day to $1.50 – and the 2nd rate men who had $1.44 were reduced proportionally to $1.32 –
The same rate of pay as was allowed to the 2nd rate Carpenters, had been the pay of the Boat builders, I therefore reduced them also to $1.32 which as they work under cover I think quite correct. They (the boat builders) are, however, dissatisfied, and ask $1.50 per day, which I cannot accede to unless by the expressed direction of the Board, and that I hope will not be as it will give rise to many more appeals.
To Commodore John Rogers I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir, &c
&c &c Thos Tingey* * * * * * * * * *
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Thomas Tingey Papers, Lewis D Cook Collection.
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THE END
