Silas Royal

Though bought as an infant slave for the Varnum family, he was eventually set free and fought in the Continental Army and as an American privateer.

The family had unorthodox views on the institution of slavery and the role of African Americans in colonial society, and would advocate for black soldiers to serve in the army during the war.

J.B. Varnum developed a strong friendship with Silas, and later wrote the bill in Congress banning the slave trade.

As a freedman Silas could have left the Varnum estate, but chose to stay and work as a paid servant.

Royal joined the regiment as a trusted servant to General Varnum and developed a dignified reputation.

Later, Royal served as a privateer aboard the Franklin, one of several small ships disrupting British supply lines during the continuing Siege of Boston.

Luckily, the Varnum family learned of the kidnapping in time and organized a posse to ride to Royal's rescue.