Paul Jennings, who was born a slave on President James Madison’s estate at Montpelier in 1799, was a "body servant" who attended the president until his death in 1836. Jennings later purchased his freedom from Daniel Webster. Webster acquired Jennings from Pollard Webb who in turn bought the manservant from Dolley Madison in 1846. After meeting the terms of his agreement with Webster, Jennings became a free man and found work at the Department of the Interior. In 1865, Jennings published, Colored Man’s Reminiscences of James Madison, the first memoir about the White House by one who had lived there. The publication remained obscure for many years because it was printed in a limited edition, but today it is acknowledged by scholars as a classic. It provided details about one of the most critical periods in the history of the city of Washington–the War of 1812–and the formation of the city’s enterprising free Negro community in the antebellum period. It also recounted Jennings’s involvement in a plan in 1848 to undertake a large-scale escape of slaves from the capital aboard the schooner Pearl.
black people thru past centuries had no Rights No Freedom?If you watch movie Roots You see blacks come from Africa the Jungle People gave up their own to be took by the Slave Ships & other ways as well? Read books subject?Paul Jennings1799-1874 is a fascinating character?His mother _ work for madison House Servant &Sarah possibly tooken by white man or even black man but she said it was Jennings?It sure gave Jennings a last name?Nowadays their is Illegimate children with no father cause Don't know who is father unless use Dna?Would or Could Servant be grievances Upset have issues about their masters/owners?Nobody wants to be own by someone else be a slave?Paul Jennings took care of James Madison directed by Dolley madison?Dolley sold Jennings Pollard Webb?Jennings went to Daniel Webster to help gain his freedom?Daniel Webster lived near Dolley Madison city of Washington He would send jennings to take food supplies to Dolley?Jennings pay $8 mo for 15 mo to pay off debt (similar bonded passengers — individuals who travelled to the colonies under a legal agreement)?Webster help Jennings get job dept interior?Jennings 1814 aug24 mansion when britain came&He saw Dolly give order for men to take down Washington portrait And He saw Britain soldiers eat food at table?Paul Jennings buy lot built home 1804 L St Nw Washington.(abolitionist)He had Family children:1Felix 2 Frances 3 Franklin 4 John Willis 5 William 6 Mary?His Sons in Union Army?Jennings possible saw Abe Lincoln in capitol city?
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