Beverly Harrison

<257> Beverly Harrison (also referred to as "Harrison") --Born 1773 or 1774. Described as of "copper Colour." Son ofJudith Harrison <466> and Sam Harrison 457>. Residing at Nomony Hall in 1775, 1784, 1785, 1790, and 1791. Named in 1791 deed of emancipation. Scheduled for emancipation in 1796. In May 1794, Beverly went to live in Robert Carter'shousehold in Baltimore, where he was assigned a variety of errands and tasks. He appears to have remained in Carter's household for sorne time after receiving his certificate of emancipation in January 1796. In 1800, Harrison sailed from Baltimore as a crewman in the merchant brig Elisha. The vessel was overtaken by the British sloop-of-war Tisiphone, and Beverly was pressed into the British navy. He was later sighted when the Tisiphone passed near Turks Island. His predicament was still unresolved in August 1801, when Carter entreated the United States government to intercede on the young nan's behalf. Sources: Deed of Emancipation, August 1, 1791, pL. 1, pp. 8, 24, and Pt. 2, pp. 1, 17; "2d Book of Miscellanies," pp. 101-4; Westmoreland County Personal Property Tax List, 1785, VSA; Ledger "A b," 1762-1790, Colonial Williamsburg, p. 27; Ledger C e, W Robert Carter Papers, 1760-1815, Sect. 4 (Mssl C2465 a6), VHS, p. 41; Travis Jones's Inventory of Taxable Specific Articles at Nomony Hall, March 1, 1784, C.F.P., 1651-1861, Sect. 36 (Mssl C2468 a2102), VHS; "Whites & Blacks, living at Nomony Hall ¿n Westmoreland County," October 4, 1775, C.F.P., 1651- 1861, Sect. 36 (Mss] C2468 a2100), VHS; "List of 24 Negroes, to whom Certificates of Emancipation were delivered, by Robert Carter," January 1796, Westmoreland County Court Papers, Box 83, VSA; Benjamin Dawson to Robert Carter III, May 6, 1794, Robert Carter Papers, Library of Congress; Letterbook, 1794.-1796, pp. 14-15, 25, 185-86; Waste Book "r W," 1793-1794, p. 152; Waste Book "q W," 1794-1795, pp. 58, 73, 81, 105, 120, 162, 187; Letterbook, 1800-1805, pp. 121- 23.