Britain Promises Freedom to Enslaved People Who Escape to Their Lines

In 1814, British Admiral Alexander Cochrane issues a proclamation promising freedom and land to enslaved people in the US who escape to British ships or lines. Approximately 3,500 to 5,000 enslaved people escape during the War of 1812, with about 2,000 formally evacuated as Black Loyalists to Nova Scotia, Bermuda, and Trinidad. The US demands their return; Britain refuses.