New London in New London County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

"Do you want to be slave or free?"

Photographed By Don Morfe, May 28, 2013

1. "Do you want to be slave or free?" Marker

Inscription. On this site, September 30, 1858, Police Court Judge Augustus H. Brandegee and Customs Collector John Perkings Mather freed a stowaway slave known as “Joe” by applying Connecticut’s Personal Liberty Law against the federal Fugitive Slave Act. Judge Brandegee asked the stowaway, “Do you want to be slave or free?” The slave replied, “Free” This plaque was erected to celebrate the blessings of freedom.

Erected 1991 by The Day.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Law Enforcement. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1839.

Location. 41° 21.133′ N, 72° 5.733′ W. Marker is in New London, Connecticut, in New London County. Marker is on Bank Street just east of Pearl Street. The plaque is located on the Customs House on the left lower side of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 150 Bank St, New London CT 06320, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Step to Freedom (a few steps from this marker); 138 Bank Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 133 Bank Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 181 Bank Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 194 Bank Street

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Changing Shoreline (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hotel Bristol (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Athena Stands Watch (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New London.

Photographed By Don Morfe, May 28, 2013

2. "Do you want to be slave or free?" Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 474 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 3, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.