The War of 1812 gave opportunity to many African American slaves on the Eastern Shore to gain freedom. The presence of British warships on the Chesapeake Bay in 1813 attracted large numbers of slaves who served as guides or enlisted as soldiers and sailors, fighting against their former owners. By the end of the War British ships had transported perhaps thousands of slaves to Bermuda, the West Indies and Nova Scotia.
There were also African Americans, both free men and escaped slaves who chose to fight on the American side; George Roberts, freeman from Baltimore, who served as gunner aboard the Chasseur, later dubbed the Pride of Baltimore; William Williams, slave, who as a private in the 38th US Infantry gave his life defending Ft. McHenry and Charles Ball, slave from Calvert County.
Ball was sold in 1805 to a trader in the Deep South, escaping in 1812 back to Maryland. Under the guise of a free man he worked for local farmers until the onset of war. Enlisting in Commodore Joshua Barney’s Chesapeake Flotilla he served as seaman and cook; discharged in 184 as a free man.
The Saint Michaels Museum and the Union United Methodist Church invite the public to attend a living history presentation on Charles Ball, sponsored by the Maryland Humanities Council. Portrayed by Vince Leggett, “Ball” will speak of his life and service during the war. The program is Saturday, November 3rd, at Union United Church, 101 Fremont Street, St. Michaels at 2PM. This program is free to the public.
Mr. Leggett is founder of the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation (1984) and the Chesapeake Ecology Center (2002) and held positions at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Anne Arundal Community College, Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City Public Schools. Mr. Leggett currently serves as Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis.
For further information contact Marie Martin at 410 745 5411.
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