The Freedom Trail Lessons archives reading room holds edited and transcribed depositions and legislation generated in the United States and Michigan between 1789 and 1855. Each resource described below has a corresponding link in the column at right.

State and Federal Laws Concerning Fugitives from Slavery

Fugitive Slave Act of 1793, Section 3 and 4.
Note that the law does not use the word "slave." Instead, it refers to "persons escaping from the service of their masters," "a person held to labor" and "fugitive from labor."

Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, Section 3-10.
Major points are highlighted.

Michigan Personal Freedom Acts 162 and 163.
The Michigan Legislature adopted P.A. 162 and 163 of 1855 in response to the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. They restricted that federal law in Michigan.

Edited deposition of Adam Crosswhite, Giltner v. Gorham et al. Records of the U.S. District and Circuit Courts, October 17, 1848.

Edited deposition of Sarah Crosswhite, Giltner v. Gorham et al. Records of the U.S. District and Circuit Courts, October 18, 1848.

Edited deposition of David Giltner, Giltner v. Gorham et al. Records of the U.S. District and Circuit Courts, September 30, 1848.

Edited deposition of Simon D. Harris, Giltner v. Gorham et al. Records of the U.S. District and Circuit Courts, October 19, 1848.

Edited deposition of Nancy Reid, Giltner v. Gorham et al. Records of the U.S. District and Circuit Courts, October 19, 1848.

Contact the Michigan Historical Center.

Updated 08/25/2010