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Although little is known about Letitia, she notably resisted slavery in 18th-century Boston by escaping from the man who enslaved her. Letitia was probably born in the 1720s, though it is unclear whether she was born in Boston or brought here from western African or the Caribbean during the height of the colonial slave trade in New England. As a young girl, Letitia was enslaved by a member of King's Chapel named James Gordon. Letitia most likely labored in the Gordon household, doing domestic work during her enslavement. Gordon enslaved at least eight people during his lifetime, many of whom were baptized at King's Chapel. In the late 1730s, Letitia was sold to a man named John Wass. In 1739, Letitia escaped from bondage, taking her fate into her own hands. The man who enslaved her placed the following advertisement in the Boston Gazette in March 1739: "Absconded from her Master John Wass of Boston, a Negro Girl, named Letitia former bought of Mr. James Gordon. Whoever will take up the said Negro, and bring her to said Wass at the South End of Boston, shall be satisfied for their Trouble." It is unclear if Letitia was captured and returned to slavery, but her name does not appear in John Wass's 1741 will, providing hope that she may have successfully secured her freedom.
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King's Chapel
Est. 1686
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 www.kings-chapel.org |  58 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02108  |  617-227-2155 
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  • King's Chapel from Home
    • Lent 2021 >
      • A Lenten Journey Booklet
    • Worship from Home
    • Music from Home
    • History from Home
    • Community from Home >
      • Voter Action Initiative
      • Anti-Racism Resources
    • Stewardship & Giving
  • About Us
    • Welcome
    • Calendar
    • News & Updates >
      • Weekly Newsletter
      • Messages from the Ministers
      • King's Chapel Updates
    • Clergy & Staff
    • Contact Us & Directions >
      • Send A Message
  • Worship
    • What to Expect
    • Sunday at 9 AM
    • Sunday at 11 AM
    • Wednesday at 5:30 PM
    • Sermons
    • Special Annual Services
    • Book of Common Prayer
  • Music
    • Virtual Musical Events
    • From The Bench: A Musical Blog
    • Tuesday Recitals
    • Concert Series
  • History & Tours
    • Explore Our History >
      • A Brief History
      • The Stone Chapel: Art & Architecture >
        • The Wooden Chapel
        • Georgian Architecture
        • Box Pews
        • Interior Colors
        • Memorials
        • The Chancel Windows
        • The Last Supper Painting
      • Crypt and Burying Ground >
        • Crypt >
          • Crypt Highlights: Crypt Entrance
          • Crypt Highlights: Tomb Structure
          • Crypt Highlights: The Stranger's Tomb
          • Crypt Highlights: Research and Family Connections
          • Crypt Highlights: Remaining Memorials
          • Crypt Highlights: Hand-Hewn Beams
        • Burying Ground
      • Religious History >
        • Online Exhibit: Independent Country, Independent Church
        • 334 Years of Ministry
      • Slavery at King's Chapel
      • Literary King's Chapel: Online Exhibit
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Uncovering the Past - Online Exhibit
    • Virtual History Events & Programs >
      • Recorded History Programs
    • History Program Blog
    • About Us >
      • History Program Staff
      • Contact Us
    • Support the History Program
  • Get Involved
    • Adult Education
    • Children & Youth
    • Serve the Church
    • Serve the World
    • Make a Gift
    • Join King's Chapel
    • Ways To Support Our Partners
  • Weddings & Baptisms
    • Weddings >
      • Dear Prospective Couple
      • Wedding Inquiry
      • Wedding Service
    • Baptisms
  • Space Rentals
  • For Members
    • KC Bylaws
    • 2020 - 2021 Church Leadership
    • Environmental Action Initiative Meeting Minutes
    • 2020 Annual Meeting Recording
    • Annual Meeting Materials 2020
    • 2021 Budget
  • Leadership Retreat Materials 2020