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"Mumbett" (manuscript draft), by Catharine Maria Sedgwick, 1853

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`Mumbett` (manuscript draft), by Catharine Maria Sedgwick, 1853
This is a draft manuscript of Catharine Maria Sedgwick's article, "Mumbett", the life story of her family's servant Elizabeth Freeman ("Mumbet"). The manuscript was published under the title "Slavery in New England," in Bentley's Miscellany in 1853. Mumbet was born a slave, but inspired to seek her freedom after hearing a reading of the Declaration of Independence. With the help of Theodore Sedgwick, she eventually won her suit and her freedom in August 1781. Mumbet became a paid servant for the Sedgwick family, and remained so until her death in 1829.