Dear Editor
I learned from the local NAACP president about a 1772 court decision that may have influenced the Declaration of Independence more than taxes or self-determination.
Somerset v Stewart, was a case of a slave who escaped to England and his “owner” sued to get him back. The English court determined he was free; English Common Law prohibited slavery.
The decision was very worrisome to American slave owners and traders, motivating their support for independence.
Another example of wealth trumping loyalty. Parliament did codify anti-slavery legislation with the 1807 Slave Trade Act and the Empire-wide abolition in 1833.
Ed Gunderson, Creswell
