In 1780, a ship, the Polly, headed out to break the British Blockade but was captured by a privateer, the Fame. Leaving five British sailors on board, the Polly headed to New York to the Admiralty Court during one of the worst winters on record. Currituck Jack, an enslaved man owned by Henry White, was tied up on deck while the ship’s crew, including Henry White, were tied up below deck. Currituck Jack got free, freed the other captives, and together they recaptured the ship. They sailed into Annapolis where the British sailors were turned over to the Continental Congress.
Caleb White, Henry White’s son, freed Currituck Jack in his will on the condition of Jack purchasing his freedom with $100 in Spanish gold. In 1792, the North Carolina General Assembly gave Jack his freedom and included in the record his action during the American Revolution. Currituck Jack took the name John Jasper White. He went on to own his own ship, marry, and have two sons. He became a well-respected man in his community.
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The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Museum of the Albemarle or the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.