Dennis states that in 1831 his owner Samuel Brohawn set out certain conditions in his will for the manumission of his slaves. Brohawn stipulated that all of his slaves would be freed when they reached 38 years of age, "provided they leave the state of Maryland." If the freed slaves chose to return to reside within the state, Brohawn decreed "that they shall be slaves to my heirs." Dennis reports that he "arrived at the age of thirty eight years" in 1845 and obtained a certificate of freedom. He cites that he has resided "in the City of Baltimore" for the last four years "with the knowledge and assent of the heirs" of Brohawn. Dennis now reports that he has been arrested by W. Spencer, the husband of Samuel Brohawn's widow, and is now confined in jail as a runaway slave. Dennis asserts his right to freedom and requests that he be released from jail.
Result: Granted; appealed; affirmed.
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Repository: Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, Maryland
