The Accomac and Accohannock Indians from Early Relations

C. A. Weslager
29 Pages

Mr. Weslager wrote this book in an attempt to collect and interpret ethological data concerning the Native Americans of the Eastern Shore. The records used in this attempt are important because they were written by person associated with the Indians during the 17th century before the had begun to accept the ways of the new settlers. It is unfortunate for us, however, that these records do not present a comprehensive picture of the local Indian tribes.Mr. Weslager wrote this book in an attempt to collect and interpret ethological data concerning the Native Americans of the Eastern Shore. The records used in this attempt are important because they were written by person associated with the Indians during the 17th century before the had begun to accept the ways of the new settlers. It is unfortunate for us, however, that these records do not present a comprehensive picture of the local Indian tribes. Free Negroes were required to be registered and numbered in a book to kept by the town or county clerk. Each Free Negro was to be measured and weighed. Their height and weight along with age, name, color, distinguishing scars, free status and by whom, and in what court emancipated were recorded. Annually each Free Negro was to be delivered a copy of their freedom papers for twenty cents. A penalty was fixed for employing a black person who did not possess a certificate of freedom and the free Negro could be committed to jail. The Register of Free Negroes. 1853 to 1864 is housed in the Northampton County Clerk’s Office at Eastville, Virginia. Additional registrants were compiled from Northampton County Order Books.