Certification of Romeo Smith’s Status as a Free Man, 1784
Henry Knox certifies Romeo Smith's status as a free man, January 9, 1784. (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)
In this military document, General Henry Knox confirms that the free African American Romeo Smith served in the Continental Army for three years. Knox also warns that if anyone attempts to enslave Smith, they will face legal consequences as well as damnation.
Certification by Henry Knox of Romeo Smith’s Status as a Free Man, January 9, 1784
This is to certify that the bearer hereof Romeo Smith is a free man, and has served three years in the Army of the United States of America. Any person attempting to circumvent or trepan him as a slave will incur the severest penality of the Law and the indignation of Heaven.
Given at Westpoint
This 9th January 1784
HKnox MGeneral
Source: Certification by Henry Knox of Romeo Smith’s status as a free man, January 9, 1784, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC02437.02929
Certification by Henry Knox of Romeo Smith’s Status as a Free Man, January 9, 1784
This is to certify that the bearer hereof Romeo Smith is a free man, and has served three years in the Army of the United States of America. Any person attempting to circumvent or trepan him as a slave will incur the severest penality of the Law and the indignation of Heaven.
Given at Westpoint
This 9th January 1784
HKnox MGeneral
Source: Certification by Henry Knox of Romeo Smith’s status as a free man, January 9, 1784, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC02437.02929.
circumvent - find a way around
trepan - entrap
Background
In this military document, General Henry Knox confirms that the free African American Romeo Smith served in the Continental Army for three years. Knox also warns that if anyone attempts to enslave Smith, they will face legal consequences as well as damnation.
Transcript
Certification by Henry Knox of Romeo Smith’s Status as a Free Man, January 9, 1784
This is to certify that the bearer hereof Romeo Smith is a free man, and has served three years in the Army of the United States of America. Any person attempting to circumvent or trepan him as a slave will incur the severest penality of the Law and the indignation of Heaven.
Given at Westpoint
This 9th January 1784
HKnox MGeneral
Source: Certification by Henry Knox of Romeo Smith’s status as a free man, January 9, 1784, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC02437.02929
Excerpt
Certification by Henry Knox of Romeo Smith’s Status as a Free Man, January 9, 1784
This is to certify that the bearer hereof Romeo Smith is a free man, and has served three years in the Army of the United States of America. Any person attempting to circumvent or trepan him as a slave will incur the severest penality of the Law and the indignation of Heaven.
Given at Westpoint
This 9th January 1784
HKnox MGeneral
Source: Certification by Henry Knox of Romeo Smith’s status as a free man, January 9, 1784, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC02437.02929.
circumvent - find a way around
trepan - entrap
*Click the images below to view the full content
