Peregrine Young
“Most valued” enslaved at Sotterley Plantation fled to British Marines
(b. circa 1794 -1814)
At the time of his escape, Peregrine Young was enslaved by John Rousby Plater of Sotterley in St. Mary’s County. In 1814, Peregrine was one of the 49 enslaved at Sotterley who escaped to British forces during the War of 1812. Peregrine specifically boarded the H.M.S. Lorie anchored in the Patuxent River in June of 1814. During the war, the British offered freedom to any enslaved individual who made it to British lines.
In John Rousby Plater’s claim for reparations after the war, Peregrine Young was listed at 20 years old, appraised at $700, and given the title “a most valuable servant.” Only six of the 49 listed by Plater were given a title or occupation. With three other freed men, Peregrine helped those at Sotterley and the surrounding area escape to freedom.
On June 12, 1814, Peregrine enlisted in the Colonial Marines while abroad the H.M.S. Loire. Two months later, the H.M.S. Albion ship muster would list Peregrine as discharged dead, making Peregrine one of only two Sotterley refugees to die in service to the crown. Peregrine Young fought fearlessly to secure freedom for not just himself, but those around him as well.
Additional Resources:
British Vice Admiral Cochrane’s Proclamation/Promise
Visit Historic Sotterley, www.sotterley.org
The Choice – Risking Your Life for Freedom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-lozFZPrDc&t=7s
Maryland State Archives, Maryland State Archives
Sotterley Plantation (Images of America) by Jeanne K. Pirtle
