The deputy provost marshal for Kent County reports that local officials used state indenture laws to facilitate the theft of Black children by former enslavers

The deputy provost marshal for Kent County reports that local officials used state indenture laws to facilitate the theft of Black children by former enslavers

Bartus Trew (Deputy Prov. Marshal for Kent Co.) to Major Este informing Este that over one hundred free Black children have been bound out by the county Orphan’s Court without the consent of their parents. Trew reports receiving numerous complaints from parents.

11/15/1864

Chestertown, Kent Co, MD

Deputy Provost Marshal For Kent County, Maryland, to the Headquarters of the Middle Department


Chestertown [Md.] Nov. 15h 1864
Dear Sir: The Orphans Court of this County have bound over one Hundred freed children without the consent of their parents. I do not think a greater injustice was ever committed.
There is not a day but what there are from three to six poor women making complaints to me. If you wish the evidence I can send you a report of the proceedings and you will find there are but one or two cases but what are very unjust. Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt.
Bartus Trew


Bartus Trew to Major Wm M. Este, 15 Nov. 1864, T-320 1864, Letters Received, ser. 2343, Middle Dept. & 8th Army Corps, RG 393 Pt I [C-4146].