April 14, 1858: Archy Lee Declared a Free Man

April 14 1858, Archy Lee, who had escaped slavery and was living in San Francisco, was declared a free man after winning a Fugitive Slave Act trial brought against him by his former legal “owner”.

In February, the California State Supreme Court had sided with Lee’s former “owner,” Charles Stovall, but Lee’s deportation to Mississippi was stopped when San Francisco abolitionists stormed the boat on which Lee was being held, rescuing him.

Anti-slavery sentiments ran high in San Francisco, and local police charged Stovall with kidnapping. Shortly after, a federal court overturned the State Supreme Court decision. His freedom secured, Lee moved to British Columbia, where he spent the remainder of his life.

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