Learn about a single man’s incredible struggle that activated a trans-Atlantic and biracial network of activists working to undermine the institution of slavery

Sometime in the middle of July 1841, Nelson Hackett fled both Arkansas and slavery, setting off an international dispute that would ensure that Canada remained a safe refuge for those escaping bondage in the United States.

The Players

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Alfred Wallace

Alfred Wallace

The man who claimed to own Nelson Hackett and accused him of stealing a race horse, saddle, coat, 100 £ ($500) in silver and gold coin, and a watch.

Sir Charles Bagot
Sir Charles Bagot

Sir Charles Bagot

Soon after assuming office, Governor General Sir Charles Bagot made the decision to send Nelson Hackett back to Arkansas on charges of theft.

Follow Hackett's Flight

A primary problem in trying to reconstruct Hackett’s flight is that there are few records of his words and thoughts. This problem is rooted in the racism that undergirded chattel slavery and created most of its archival record. Hackett’s flight is therefore reconstructed using other voices, including abolitionists (both white and black), journalists, colonial and elected officials, and slave owners and their apologists.

View the interactive mapView the full details of the journey

The Documents

Joshua Leavitt, “The Case of Nelson Hacket,“ Anti-Slavery Reporter, February 22, 1843, p. 30.

Joshua Leavitt, “The Case of Nelson Hacket,“ Anti-Slavery Reporter, February 22, 1843, p. 30.

30                                THE ANTI-SLAVERY REPORTER.                       [WEDNESDAY, THE CASE OF NELSON HACKET. TO JOHN SCOBLE, ESQ., SECRETARY OF THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY. Washington City, Dec. 27, 1842. DEAR SIR, -- I hasten to...