TILGHMAN, Edward (1750-1815). Autograph letter signed ("E. Tilghman") responding to a search for a runaway slave. Philadelphia, PA, 13 November 1810. 1 1/2 pages, bifolium, 6 5/8 x 8 1/8 in. Addressed to Thomas Buchanan Esq. (1768-1847) of Baltimore on terminal leaf.

In 1810, Judge Thomas Buchanan of Baltimore received a land grant for 1,650 and 3/8 acres of land he called Woburn. Located near Sharpsburg, Maryland, Buchanan owned more than 50 slaves there by 1830, making him one of the largest slave-owners in the county. Edward Tilghman, an attorney from a prominent family, was sympathetic to Buchanan's desire to locate the freedom seeker who had escaped to Philadelphia. He writes, in part: "I have your Favor of yesterday. It is more than probable that the Lady you mention is with us - your Slave I presume - if indented only, send the Indenture under wh you hold her. Let a Person come up who knows her to be your Slave. Send by him the Bill of Sale if you have one.... If the Wench is in Philada, there are several Constables who for a few dollars will ferret her out. You may depend upon all the assistance in my Power. Indeed it will give me pleasure to rid our City of one of its Nuisances..."