(MILITARY--CIVIL WAR.) Deed of manumission for Maryland Civil War soldier Helery Herbert. Partly-printed Document Signed by G.M. Watkins as owner, two witnesses, and by a justice of the peace. One page, 10 x 8 inches, with docketing on verso; partial separations at folds, moderate wear. Montgomery County, MD, 12 November 1864
This soldier's manumission was backdated to 31 March 1864, the date of his enlistment in the 30th United States Colored Troops. This free-state owner probably provided the manumission in order to secure compensation; the Emancipation Proclamation did not cover Maryland and the other slave-holding states which remained in the Union. Private Herbert, whose first name is also recorded as Wesley or Hillery, served in the Army through the end of the war.
