1814
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Key events
- 1814Britain 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.
- 1814Britain Offers Freedom to Escaped Enslaved People
British Admiral Alexander Cochrane issues a proclamation promising freedom to enslaved people who escape to British lines. Approximately 3,500 to 5,000 enslaved people escape during the War of 1812; about 2,000 are evacuated as Black Loyalists to Nova Scotia, Bermuda, and Trinidad. The US demands their return; Britain refuses.