From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 October 1780
To John Hancock
Head Quarters near Passaic Falls Octr 31st 1780
Sir
Upon the representation of Mr Morey that two Negro Men belonging to him, were detained as Soldiers in the Massachusett’s Line, contrary to his inclination, I gave directions to Brigadier General Glover to appoint a Board of Officers to enquire into the Justice of his claim, and to report the facts with their opinion thereon—A Copy of the Report I now do myself the honor to inclose to You.1
As Mr Morey is a subject of Your State, and the question appears to be how far the several circumstances stated in the Report ought to affect his property—I have thought proper to refer the Matter to Your Opinion; having no object in view but a desire that equal justice may be done to the Public and the Individual concerned.2 I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant
Go: Washington
LS, in David Humphreys’s writing, M-Ar; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosed report has not been identified.
2. Brig. Gen. John Glover came from Massachusetts and had commanded units with significant numbers of black soldiers.
The identity of “Mr. Morey” has not been confirmed, but Samuel Morey (died c.1802) owned a farm in Norton, Mass., with “upwards of 50 Acres, all under Improvement, with Half of a large, well finished two Story House, the whole of a 40 Feet Barn, and other out Buildings” (The Providence Gazette, 15 Jan. 1803). His son, also named Samuel Morey (1757–1836), graduated from Yale in 1777 and later became a surgeon in the Continental army “stationed at or near West Point” (, 3:696). The younger Morey resided in Norton until his death and held public offices. Although the 1790 U.S. Census does not report slaves in either Morey household, it has not been established whether the Moreys owned slaves at an earlier date. For slaveholding in the town, see , 508–11.
At least two black men from Norton apparently enlisted or attempted to enlist in the Continental army. Anthony Morey, “complexion, mulatto,” engaged as a fifer in December 1779 (, 11:16). London Morey, “complexion, black,” had tried to enlist as a matross in spring 1778, but being lame he was rejected after his arrival at Fishkill, N.Y. (, 11:20).