Magdalena More’s Complaint

In a remarkable 1784 letter, Magdalena More (ca. 1731–1820) exposes the complexities of enslavement in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Magdalena More was sent to Bethlehem enslaved in 1747, was manumitted in the 1750s, and died there in 1820. Her husband, Andrew, remained enslaved from his arrival in Bethl...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Moravian history 2024-04, Vol.24 (1), p.56-79
Main Authors: Köstlbauer, Josef, Gordon, Scott Paul
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bethlehem
Cultural Studies
History
Moravians in America
naming practices
Religious Studies
slavery
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:In a remarkable 1784 letter, Magdalena More (ca. 1731–1820) exposes the complexities of enslavement in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Magdalena More was sent to Bethlehem enslaved in 1747, was manumitted in the 1750s, and died there in 1820. Her husband, Andrew, remained enslaved from his arrival in Bethlehem in 1746 until his death in 1779. Her letter, published here for the first time, criticizes Moravian authorities for compelling her enslaved husband to pay rent and for neglecting other obligations they had to him.
ISSN:1933-6632
2161-6310
DOI:10.5325/jmorahist.24.1.0056