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The Exiles of Florida / or, The crimes committed by our government against the Maroons, who fled from South Carolina and other slave states, seeking protection under Spanish laws. cover

The Exiles of Florida / or, The crimes committed by our government against the Maroons, who fled from South Carolina and other slave states, seeking protection under Spanish laws.

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About This Book

The work traces how enslaved people and allied Indigenous groups fled southern slave states and sought refuge under Spanish authority in Florida, where they lived as free subjects and held land. It recounts persistent efforts by neighboring states and the national government to recover those fugitives through negotiation, covert schemes, and armed incursions. It documents invasions, violated truces and treaties, allegations of fraud and treachery, and the prosecution of prolonged military campaigns aimed at removing or re-enslaving the refugees. It follows the displaced community through forced relocations westward and eventual exile to Mexico, supporting the narrative with official reports, orders, and correspondence.

About the Author

Giddings, Joshua R. portrait

Joshua R. Giddings

Joshua R. Giddings was an American politician and abolitionist known for his outspoken opposition to slavery. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and was a prominent advocate for the rights of enslaved people. Giddings is best remembered for his work "The Exiles of Florida," which addresses the injustices faced by the Maroons—escaped slaves who sought refuge in Florida under Spanish law. Through his writings and political actions, Giddings contributed significantly to the discourse on slavery and civil rights in the 19th century, leaving a lasting impact on American history.

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